-
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical... Aug 2012Fumaria indica (Hausskn.) Pugsley (Fumariaceae), known as "Fumitory", is an annual herb found as a common weed all over the plains of India and Pakistan. The whole plant... (Review)
Review
Fumaria indica (Hausskn.) Pugsley (Fumariaceae), known as "Fumitory", is an annual herb found as a common weed all over the plains of India and Pakistan. The whole plant is widely used in traditional and folkloric systems of medicine. In traditional systems of medicine, the plant is reputed for its anthelmintic, diuretic, diaphoretic, laxative, cholagogue, stomachic and sedative activities and is used to purify blood and in liver obstruction in ethnopharmacology. The whole plant is ascribed to possess medicinal virtues in Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine and is also used in preparation of important Ayurvedic medicinal preparations and polyherbal liver formulations. The review reveals that phytochemical constituents of wide range have been separated from the plants and it possesses important pharmacological activities like smooth muscle relaxant, spasmogenic and spasmolytic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, neuropharmacological and antibacterial activities. The separation of hepatoprotective and antifungal constituents from this plant was also reported newly. This review highlights the traditional, ethnobotanical, phytochemical, pharmacological information available on Fumaria indica, which might be helpful for scientists and researchers to find out new chemical entities responsible for its claimed traditional uses.
Topics: Ethnobotany; Fumaria; Humans; India; Pakistan; Phytochemicals; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 23569991
DOI: 10.1016/S2221-1691(12)60117-8 -
The Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology... 2020Oseltamivir is a neuraminidase inhibitor that is labeled for prophylaxis and treatment of influenza. We describe a previously healthy 4-month-old infant who tested...
Oseltamivir is a neuraminidase inhibitor that is labeled for prophylaxis and treatment of influenza. We describe a previously healthy 4-month-old infant who tested positive for influenza A and was started on oseltamivir. One hour after receiving his first dose of oseltamivir, the infant had a diaphoretic episode and appeared grey and clammy. The infant was subsequently seen by the primary care physician and referred for admission to the hospital. Approximately 40 minutes after the second dose of oseltamivir in the hospital, the infant's heart rate rose to greater than 300 bpm. An electrocardiogram was suggestive of supraventricular tachycardia. At the time of the event, the infant received 2 doses of adenosine, and oseltamivir was discontinued prior to transfer to a tertiary facility for a higher level of care.
PubMed: 33041722
DOI: 10.5863/1551-6776-25.7.654 -
Journal of Medical Toxicology :... Dec 2013
Topics: Acetylcholine; Adult; Animals; Cholinergic Fibers; Hand; Humans; Male; Spider Bites; Spiders; Sweat Glands; Sweating
PubMed: 23963695
DOI: 10.1007/s13181-013-0327-6 -
Journal of Clinical Hypertension... Apr 2007The patient is a 44-year-old man with a 4-year history of intermittently elevated blood pressure (BP) controlled by diet and exercise. Three months before evaluation he...
The patient is a 44-year-old man with a 4-year history of intermittently elevated blood pressure (BP) controlled by diet and exercise. Three months before evaluation he described daily "spikes" of BP with sharp unilateral headaches. He was seen in the emergency department with a BP of 212/106 mm Hg and was started on hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg daily. He denied palpitations, diaphoretic episodes, pallor, and tremor. The patient did not want to take medication and specifically requested an evaluation to rule out pheochromocytoma. Results from 24-hour urine tests for total metanephrines was 812 mg/24 h (normal, 130-520 mg/24 h), for total catecholamines was 53 mg/24 h (normal, 0-135 mg/24 h), and for vanillylmandelic acid was 4.7 mg/24 h (normal, <7 mg/24 h). Thyroid-stimulating hormone was 0.87 (normal, 0.4-4.0 IU/mL). Physical examination revealed normal optic fundi, negative cardiac examination results, and presence of peripheral pulses without bruits. His BP was now 136/74 mm Hg, with a heart rate of 76 beats per minute.
Topics: Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Adult; Biomarkers, Tumor; Blood Pressure; Catecholamines; Heart Rate; Humans; Hypertension; Male; Metanephrine; Pheochromocytoma; Vanilmandelic Acid
PubMed: 17396075
DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-6175.2007.06551.x -
Journal of Functional Foods Jan 2018European black elderberry naturally occurs in most of Europe and has been introduced into various parts of the world for fruit and flower production. Elderberry is rich... (Review)
Review
European black elderberry naturally occurs in most of Europe and has been introduced into various parts of the world for fruit and flower production. Elderberry is rich in nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fatty acids, organic acids, minerals, vitamins and essential oils. Elderberry also contains cyanogenic glycosides which are potentially toxic. Polyphenols, known for their free radical scavenging (antioxidant) activity, are the most important group of bioactive compounds present in elderberry in relatively high concentration. The high antioxidant activity of elderberry fruit and flowers is associated with their therapeutic properties. Elderberry has for a long time been used in folk medicine as a diaphoretic, antipyretic and diuretic agent. In recent years it was also found to have antibacterial, antiviral antidepressant and antitumour and hypoglycemic properties, and to reduce body fat and lipid concentration. Due to its health-promoting and sensory properties, elderberry is used primarily in food and pharmaceutical industry.
PubMed: 32362939
DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2017.11.025 -
Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism... Jun 2021We describe a case of an infant who presented with clinical features of hyperthyroidism. The child was found to be tachycardic, hypertensive and diaphoretic, she was...
SUMMARY
We describe a case of an infant who presented with clinical features of hyperthyroidism. The child was found to be tachycardic, hypertensive and diaphoretic, she was noted to have poor weight gain and difficulty in sleeping. The child was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit for care. She was found to have biochemical evidence of hyperthyroidism with positive thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin. She responded well to methimazole and propranolol and had a remarkable recovery. She is the youngest patient to be diagnosed with Graves disease in the English literature, at 12 months of life.
LEARNING POINTS
Hyperthyroidism must always be considered even at very young age, for patient presenting with poor weight gain and hyperdynamic state. Autoimmune diseases are becoming more common in infancy. Craniosynostosis and increased height for age are well-documented consequences of untreated hyperthyroidism in developing children.
PubMed: 34156351
DOI: 10.1530/EDM-20-0162 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2022() Jepson is a medicinal plant that is frequently used by the Chumash Indians in southern California as a diaphoretic, calmative, diuretic, or antimicrobial agent....
() Jepson is a medicinal plant that is frequently used by the Chumash Indians in southern California as a diaphoretic, calmative, diuretic, or antimicrobial agent. Abietane-type diterpenoids (ATDs) and phenolic acids (PAs) are the main bioactive ingredients in . However, few studies have looked into the biosynthesis of ATDs and PAs in . In this study, using metabolic profiling focused on the ATDs and PAs in the roots and leaves of , we found a distinctive metabolic feature with all-around accumulation of ATDs, but absence of salvianolic acid B. To identify the candidate genes involved in these biosynthesis pathways, full-length transcriptome was performed by PacBio single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing. A total of 50 and 40 unigenes were predicted to be involved in ATDs and PAs biosynthesis, respectively. Further transcriptional profile using Illumina HiSeq sequencing showed that the transcriptional variations of these pathways were consistent with the accumulation patterns of corresponding metabolites. A plant kingdom-wide phylogenetic analysis of cytochromes (CYPs) identified two CYP76AK and two CYP76AH subfamily genes that might contribute for the specific ATDs biosynthesis in . We also noticed that the clade VII laccase gene family was significantly expanded in compared with that of , indicating their involvements in the formation of salvianolic acid B. In conclusion, our results will enable the further understanding of ATDs and PAs biosynthesis in and genus.
PubMed: 35755672
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.919025 -
Ancient Science of Life Apr 1995Nepeta cataria Linn (Family Labiatae), commonly known as catnip, is a herbaceous plant and is a native of southeast Europe, Orient, Southwest Asia and Western temperate...
Nepeta cataria Linn (Family Labiatae), commonly known as catnip, is a herbaceous plant and is a native of southeast Europe, Orient, Southwest Asia and Western temperate Himalayas. Leaves and flowering tops, which contain tannin and volatile oil are aromatic, carminative, tonic, diaphoretic, refrigerant, emmenagogue, antiseptic, stimulant and useful in infantile colic and hysteria. Leaves are deltoid-oval with double layers of palisade, petiole about as long as blade, arc shaped in t.s., having vascular bundle flanked by 2 smaller bundles in two projection; stem hollow in the middle; leaves, petioles and stems contain glandular and uniseriate, multicellular non glandular hairs; TLC of alcoholic extract in Benzene: Chloroform (1:1) shows 8 spots and UV absorbance shows strong peak at 212 nm; extractive values and ash values were also determined.
PubMed: 22556702
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in... Mar 2018RS, a 36-year-old female, presented to the emergency department (ED) of a large academic medical center upon the advice of her primary care provider because of 3 weeks... (Review)
Review
RS, a 36-year-old female, presented to the emergency department (ED) of a large academic medical center upon the advice of her primary care provider because of 3 weeks of progressive mental status changes, weakness, and decreased oral intake. According to her husband, RS was diagnosed with stage IIIA large cell lung cancer 8 months earlier and was treated with concurrent chemotherapy (carboplatin, pemetrexed, and bevacizumab) and radiation therapy that was completed 4 months prior to admission. No other specific information about her treatment or outside health records was available. According to her husband, RS had been in her usual state of health until approximately 3 weeks prior, when she began having significant mental status changes. She first exhibited some difficulty finding words and later was noted to be putting food in a coffee maker. This spontaneously resolved after approximately 1 week; however, she rapidly developed slurred speech and began to make nonsensical statements. These manifestations also slowly improved but were followed by worsening speech deficit, difficulty walking, and impaired balance. During one of these episodes, she had an occurrence of incontinence. Her husband also noted an incident where her "eyes were beating back and forth and the left side of her face was twitching." RS also had periods (according to her husband) where she "did not seem to be interacting with her environment." These progressively worsened during the last week, and she completely stopped walking and talking 2 days prior to coming to the ED. According to her husband, RS had rheumatoid arthritis and no surgical history. Her family history was unknown except that RS's mother had "seizures." RS had reportedly not used tobacco, alcohol, or drugs, and she was sexually active with her husband. Home medications included transdermal fentanyl 12 μg/hr patch changed every 72 hours; oxycodone-acetaminophen tablets 5-325 mg, two every 4 hours as needed for pain; prednisone 10 mg, one tablet daily; and megestrol 40 mg/mL suspension, 20 mL once daily for appetite stimulation. RS was admitted to an inpatient medical oncology service and evaluated by the oncology advanced practitioner (AP) on her second inpatient day. Upon exam, RS was nonverbal except for moaning in response to painful stimuli and to her sister's voice. Her vital signs were normal. She appeared ill but well-nourished, and she was mildly diaphoretic. Neurologic examination revealed that her pupils were slightly sluggish but equal, round, and reactive to light. Extraocular muscle movements were intact, but she did not move her eyes in response to commands. She tracked the AP and family members around the room with her eyes. Cranial nerve examination was intact with the exception of cranial nerves IX, X, and XI, which were difficult to examine given her inability to cooperate and open her mouth. Motor examination revealed increased tone throughout and intermittent, inconsistent resistance to passive movement. She was seen to move all four extremities spontaneously although not in response to commands. Deep tendon reflexes were intact and equal in all extremities. Examination of other body systems was as follows: there was dry, peeling skin on her lips, but her mucous membranes were moist and free of erythema or lesions. Her lungs were clear to auscultation bilaterally. Her heart rate and rhythm were regular, there were no murmurs, rubs, or gallops, and distal pulses were intact. Her abdomen was nondistended with normally active bowel sounds in all four quadrants. Her abdomen was soft, nontender to palpation, and without palpable masses. There was no peripheral discoloration, temperature changes, or edema, and examination of her skin was benign. On admission to the emergency department, serum laboratory studies were unrevealing for any potential causes of encephalopathy. Kidney and liver function were normal, making diagnoses of uremic and hepatic encephalopathies less likely. Cultures of the urine and blood were negative. Samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were obtained via lumbar puncture and were unrevealing for any abnormalities. Computed tomography (CT) of the head without contrast was negative for any acute intracranial process. Ultrasound of the right upper quadrant revealed a single, nonspecific, hypoechoic hepatic lesion. Computed tomography scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis demonstrated the primary malignancy in the upper lobe of the left lung, as well as possible metastatic disease within the left lung, right lung, and liver, and widespread osseous metastatic disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain performed 1 day after admission demonstrated numerous scattered punctate foci of enhancement throughout the supratentorial and infratentorial brain parenchyma, measuring at most 3 to 4 millimeters in diameter. There was no significant mass effect or midline shift. A paraneoplastic panel was sent to an outside laboratory and returned positive for antivoltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC) autoantibodies. Clinically, RS was exhibiting signs of encephalopathy, a broad term that indicates general brain dysfunction, the hallmark of which is altered mental status. Diagnosing encephalopathy is challenging, as many differential diagnoses must be considered. The clinician must consider metabolic derangements, toxic and infectious etiologies, psychiatric disorders, and less commonly, prion disorders and progressive dementia. Cultures of RS's blood and urine as well as other specialized endocrine tests were negative, decreasing the likelihood of a metabolic or infectious cause for her presentation. The abnormalities on her brain MRI were reviewed by a neuro-oncology team, who felt that the faint, nondescript nature of the visualized lesions was not suspicious for metastatic disease. Sequelae of seizures was also considered by neuro-oncology but dismissed given a grossly normal prolonged electroencephalogram. Some encephalopathies are caused by autoimmune or inflammatory mechanisms, which are confirmed by the presence of autoantibody markers and/or clear response to immunomodulatory treatment (Vernino, Geschwind, & Boeve, 2007). These types of encephalopathies have been seen in patients with cancer and have thus been termed paraneoplastic. The presence of anti-VGKC antibodies on RS's paraneoplastic panel directed the inpatient medical oncology team toward a paraneoplastic neurologic disorder (PND) as the most likely diagnosis.
PubMed: 30588355
DOI: No ID Found -
PloS One 2018Birch buds (Gemmae Betulae) are widely used in Russian and Chinese traditional medicine mainly as a diuretic and diaphoretic agent but also as an antiseptic,...
Birch buds (Gemmae Betulae) are widely used in Russian and Chinese traditional medicine mainly as a diuretic and diaphoretic agent but also as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Despite the long history of therapeutic use of birch buds in folk medicine, the existing information on their chemical composition and pharmacological effects is insufficient. This circumstance warrants further study of the chemistry and pharmacology of birch buds. The present study was designed to investigate (a) the chemical composition of buds from two species of white birch and (b) the in vitro cytotoxic effect of extracts from these sources on selected tumour cells. Extracts from Betula pubescens Ehrh. and Betula pendula Roth. buds were obtained using three different methods: carbon dioxide supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), washing of exudate covering whole buds, and extraction of milled buds with diethyl ether. The chemical composition of extracts was investigated by GC-MS. Cytotoxicity was determined by MTT assay, and cell proliferation was determined by [3H]thymidine uptake in cancer cells and normal skin fibroblasts. The GC-MS investigation identified a total of 150 substances of different classes. The chemical composition of B. pubescens and B. pendula buds differed, with bud extracts from the former containing a relatively high quantity of sesquiterpenoids and flavonoids, while the main components of extracts from the latter were triterpenoids. The results of the biological assay indicated that birch bud extracts demonstrated time- and concentration-dependent and differential cytotoxicity. The highest cytotoxic activity demonstrated bud exudates and SFE extracts obtained from both Betula species. The rich chemical composition of birch buds suggests the possibility of a wider spectrum of biological activity than previously thought. Birch bud extracts could be a promising source of compounds with cytotoxic activity against various cancers.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Betula; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; Humans; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Neoplasms; Phytochemicals; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 30106978
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201949