Journal of Chemical Health Risks (Islamic Azad University, Iran)
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Pharmacognostic, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Approaches of Alstonia Scholaris (Apocynaceae): A Review
Get PDFAlstonia scholaris, also known as the Indian Devil Tree, is a tropical plant with many medicinal uses, due to the presence of natural compounds. This review looks at the key bioactive compounds in the plant, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and terpenoids, and their potential health benefits. These compounds give A. scholaris its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties. Alkaloids, like echitamine, help with pain and inflammation, while flavonoids act as antioxidants and boost the immune system. Tannins have antimicrobial and wound-healing effects, and saponins can help with diabetes and inflammation. Terpenoids also show promise in fighting cancer and reducing inflammation. Studies suggest that A. scholaris may help treat various health problems, including infections, chronic pain, diabetes, and digestive issues. However, the plant can be toxic at high doses, so it should be used with care. This review highlights the need for more research to better understand how these compounds work and their safety. By summarizing current findings, this review provides an overview of the plant’s medicinal properties and its potential use in modern medicine
Comparative Evaluation of Early Functional Recovery and Return to Activity Following Mini-Open Versus Arthroscopic Supraspinatus Repair
Get PDFBackground: Supraspinatus tendon tears represent a significant subset of rotator cuff injuries, often necessitating surgical repair when conservative treatment fails. Two commonly employed techniques—arthroscopic and mini-open repairs—offer distinct advantages. This study aimed to compare the short-term functional outcomes and return to activity following these two surgical methods.
Methods: A prospective, comparative study was conducted on 60 patients with isolated full-thickness supraspinatus tears treated either with mini-open (n=30) or arthroscopic repair (n=30). All patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Score, Constant-Murley Score, range of motion (ROM), and time to return to activity. Statistical analysis was performed using independent t-tests with a significance threshold of p<0.05.
Results: Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in pain scores and functional outcomes over time. The arthroscopic group demonstrated superior early outcomes, including lower VAS scores (p=0.03 at 6 weeks, p=0.01 at 3 months) and higher ASES scores (p=0.02 at 6 weeks, p=0.04 at 3 months). At 6 months, there was no significant difference in ROM or final scores between groups. The mean time to return to activity was significantly shorter in the arthroscopic group (13.4 ± 1.9 weeks) compared to the mini-open group (15.2 ± 2.4 weeks; p=0.01).
Conclusion: Both arthroscopic and mini-open techniques effectively restore shoulder function and relieve pain in patients with supraspinatus tears. However, arthroscopic repair offers faster early recovery and quicker return to activity, making it a preferable option for patients seeking minimal downtime. Mini-open repair remains a viable alternative with similar long-term results
In Vitro Antagonistic Activity of PGPR Against Plant Pathogen
No full textWheat (Triticum aestivum L.) stands as a significant global cereal crop, providing a vital source of calories and protein for a substantial segment of the population. Nonetheless, its productivity faces growing limitations due to fungal pathogens, especially Alternaria tenuissima, responsible for leaf spot and blight. These infections result in premature leaf ageing, diminished photosynthetic efficiency, and notable reductions in both grain yield and quality. Furthermore, A. tenuissima generates mycotoxins, which present health hazards to both humans and animals via the food chain. Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) provide a viable and sustainable option. These advantageous soil microorganisms promote plant development and inhibit pathogens through processes including the synthesis of antifungal substances, lytic enzymes, siderophores, and the activation of systemic resistance.
The present study aims to isolate indigenous PGPR from the rhizosphere of wheat crops affected by A. tenuissima, examine their antagonistic properties in vitro, and assess their viability as biocontrol agents. The results could play a significant role in advancing sustainable methods for controlling A. tenuissima, enhancing crop resilience and productivity, and minimising dependence on chemical fungicides
Emerging Biomarkers in Diabetic Kidney Disease: The Role of Serum Renalase and Fatty Acid Binding Proteins in T2DM Patients
No full textBackground: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains a major cause of end-stage renal disease, with current diagnostic methods often failing to detect damage in its early stages. This has led to an increased focus on novel biomarkers that can provide a more comprehensive view of the disease\u27s progression. Renalase, a circulating enzyme primarily secreted by the kidneys, functions to metabolize catecholamines and possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties. While its levels rise in DKD as a compensatory, protective response to systemic and renal stress, this elevation negatively correlates with kidney function, making it a potential biomarker for monitoring disease severity. The FABP family, particularly liver-type FABP (L-FABP) and adipocyte-type FABP (A-FABP), plays a crucial role in lipid metabolism. In DKD, lipid overload in the renal tubules leads to cellular injury and increased expression of L-FABP. The release of L-FABP into the urine serves as a highly sensitive indicator of early tubular damage, often preceding the onset of microalbuminuria. Similarly, elevated serum A-FABP levels are linked to increased inflammation and a higher risk of renal function decline. This paper examines the significance of two such protein families, renalase and fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs), which are significantly increased in DKD
Methods: About 60 study participants were selected from the General Medicine OPD based on the age and gender matched depending on the on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All the biochemical parameters were analysed by using biochemistry auto analyser and FABP-1and Renalase by sandwitch ELISA method. Statistical Analysis: Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey HSD post hoc tests. We employed pearman’s correlation to examine relationships between relevant variables. The p value significant at <0.05.Finally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of Renalase and FABP.
Results: Serum RNLS levels and FABP levels were significantly higher in DKD patients compared to T2DM and controls (0.042, 0.77 & 0.65), p < 0.01). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated the diagnostic value of RNLS and FABP in DKD is (1 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.70–0.82, p < 0.01)) and 0.77 (95% CI = 0.66–0.84, p < 0.01) respectively
Conclusion: The increased levels of renalase and FABPs in DKD highlight the complex interplay of compensatory and injurious mechanisms in the disease\u27s pathogenesis. These proteins offer promising avenues for more effective early diagnosis and prognosis by providing insights into both systemic responses and specific cellular damage within the kidney
Transforaminal Vs Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injection for Lumbar Radiculopathy: A Comparative Study of Pain and Function
No full textBackground: Lumbar radiculopathy is a common cause of low back and leg pain, often managed by epidural steroid injections. Among the available routes, transforaminal and interlaminar approaches are widely used, but their relative efficacy remains debated.
Aim: To compare the efficacy of transforaminal and interlaminar epidural steroid injections in reducing pain and improving functional outcomes in patients with lumbar radiculopathy.
Methods: A prospective comparative observational study was conducted on 200 patients with clinically and MRI-confirmed lumbar radiculopathy. Participants were divided into two equal groups: Group A (n=100) received transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI), and Group B (n=100) received interlaminar epidural steroid injection (ILESI). Pain and functional disability were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at baseline, 2, 6, and 12 weeks post-injection. Statistical analyses included t-tests, chi-square tests, and 95% confidence intervals, with p<0.05 considered significant.
Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups (p>0.05). TFESI produced significantly greater pain reduction than ILESI at 2 weeks (VAS 4.1 ± 1.2 vs 4.8 ± 1.4, p<0.001), 6 weeks (3.1 ± 1.2 vs 3.8 ± 1.3, p<0.001), and 12 weeks (2.6 ± 1.1 vs 3.2 ± 1.2, p<0.001). Functional improvement was also superior in the TFESI group at 12 weeks (ODI reduction −23.8 ± 8.5 vs −21.0 ± 9.0, p=0.009). A ≥50% pain reduction at 12 weeks was achieved by 71% of TFESI patients versus 57% of ILESI patients (OR 1.79, p=0.029). Minor complications occurred in 19% and 13% of patients, respectively, with no serious adverse events.
Conclusion: Both transforaminal and interlaminar epidural steroid injections are effective for lumbar radiculopathy; however, the transforaminal approach offers earlier and more pronounced pain relief and functional recovery with a comparable safety profile
Enhancement and Stabilization of Protein Content through Natural Elicitation and Biopolymer Encapsulation of Vigna radiata and Pisum sativum sprouts.
No full textThe rising demand for sustainable. Plant based protein alternatives has highlighted the nutritional potential of legume-derived proteins. However, broader adoption remains limited due to undesirable sensory traits, instability and short shelf life. This study explores a dual approach to enhance protein content and improve stability in Vigna radiata (mung bean) and Pisum sativum (Pea) sprouts through natural elicitation and agarose biopolymer encapsulation. Sprouts were treated with different combinations of natural elicitors, including aloe vera, ginger, mint, lemongrass and curry leaves. A 1:1:1:1:1 blend was found most effective in enhancing protein concentration, as measured by the Lowry method. In comparison to untreated controls, pea sprouts showed a 419.65% increase in protein content (from 3.419 to 17.767 µg/mL), while mung sprouts exhibited a 41.70% increase (from 10.814 to 15.323µg/mL). Biochemical assays validated protein quality. The Biuret test confirmed retention of native protein structure with minimal denaturation. The Bradford assay indicated higher levels of neutral proteins, and the Xanthoproteic test confirmed the presence of aromatic amino acids. Proteins were then encapsulated using agarose, which effectively protected them from degradation and facilitated controlled release of bioactive compounds. This encapsulation not only stabilized protein structure but also enhanced shelf life, addressing one of the major limitations of plant-based proteins. Overall, this study demonstrates a synergistic, clean- label and scalable strategy to improve the nutritional and functional properties of legume sprouts. The combined use of natural elicitation and biopolymer encapsulation holds great promise for application in functional foods and nutraceuticals, supporting the transition toward sustainable and health promoting protein sources.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52783/jchr.v15.i6.1070
Phytochemical Constituents of Medicinal Plants: Advancing Diabetes Management and Human Health
No full textDiabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder with a rising global prevalence, leading to significant health complications and economic burden. Although conventional pharmacotherapy remains vital in glycemic management, plant-based therapies—rooted in traditional medicine—have gained renewed attention due to their multifaceted effects and lower incidence of adverse outcomes (Sivakumar, 2024; Sknepnek, 2025). This review comprehensively examines the ethnobotanical knowledge and phytochemical evidence supporting the use of medicinal plants in diabetes management. Traditional systems across diverse cultures have utilized numerous plant species for glycemic control, many of which are now being validated by contemporary scientific research (Skalli, 2019; Khajuria et al., 2025). The review highlights key classes of bioactive plant compounds—alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolics, saponins, and glycosides—detailing their mechanisms of action, including the enhancement of insulin secretion, modulation of glucose uptake, inhibition of carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes, and antioxidant activities (Mahmoud et al., 2024; Lee, 2021; Przeor, 2022). Experimental and clinical findings for prominent antidiabetic plants such as Gymnema sylvestre, Momordica charantia, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Aloe vera, Ocimum sanctum, and Tinospora cordifolia are discussed, alongside challenges in standardization, safety assessment, and integration with modern therapeutics (Ramadaini, 2024; Matalqah & Al-Tawalbeh, 2025). By bridging traditional wisdom and modern pharmacology, this review provides a well-rounded perspective on the potential and limitations of plant-based approaches in diabetes care, calling for further clinical validation and policy support to realize their full therapeutic value (Sknepnek, 2025; Lee, 2021)
Public Awareness and Perceptions on Food Adulteration and Safety: A Comprehensive Survey
No full textFood adulteration means addition of substances intentionally or unintentionally that might be harmful to the human health and providing food that is free from harmful chemicals and doesn’t affect the consumer is called food safety. In present-day Food adulteration and safety has become a concerning factor for human health. In order to reduce the effect of adulteration government has taken initiatives yet most of the consumers are not aware of this. This paper explores the knowledge, perceptions and attitude of the public towards understanding, practicing and awareness on Food safety and adulteration. An online survey was conducted and the results are as follows, most of the respondents know about the food adulteration and the most adulterated foods. They believe that making Food adulteration and safety awareness program and adding into the school curriculum may create a difference in selecting the right food. The survey highlights a disparity between consumer awareness and action. Further through statistical analysis it is evident that the that age and place of residence had a significant association between Knowledge on awareness of food adulteration and safety and knowledge on Specific Food commodities respectively. The other variables such as gender, education level, occupation, field of study and residence type did not have any significant association concluding that these factors did not impact the awareness levels on Food adulteration
Toxicological Insights into the Influence of Agricultural Pesticides on Pollinator Populations: Addressing Ecosystem and Food Security Challenges
No full textIntroduction: The widespread application of agricultural pesticides has raised significant concerns regarding their toxicological effects on pollinator populations, which play a critical role in maintaining ecosystem balance and food production.
Objectives: This study aims to synthesize current scientific evidence on the sublethal and chronic impacts of various pesticide classes including neonicotinoids, organophosphates, pyrethroids, fungicides, and herbicides on pollinators such as honeybees, bumblebees, solitary bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.
Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted, analyzing 87 peer-reviewed articles published between 2005 and 2024. The review categorized findings by pesticide type, biological effects, and pollinator taxa affected.
Results: Results indicate that neonicotinoids are most frequently associated with cognitive and reproductive impairments, while organophosphates and pyrethroids contribute to neurotoxicity and motor dysfunction. Additionally, fungicides and herbicides, though less frequently studied, are increasingly linked to immune suppression and reduced foraging behavior.
Conclusions: The study highlights critical knowledge gaps in geographic and taxonomic coverage and underscores the limitations of current regulatory frameworks that often exclude sublethal effects and non-insecticide compounds. This research provides a foundational understanding for policymakers, agroecologists, and environmental regulators aiming to mitigate pesticide risks and protect pollination services essential to global food security
The Use of Concept Maps as a Teaching-Learning Strategy for Medical Students
No full textBACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
Concept mapping offers substantial benefits to students by facilitating the development of new ideas and serving as a means to assess their comprehension. Nevertheless, the application of concept maps as an instructional strategy among medical students in India remains largely unexamined. This investigation aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of concept maps in enhancing learning outcomes for medical students.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
The study was conducted with Phase II- MBBS students from two cohorts. It comprised two phases. Initially, a baseline assessment (pretest) was administered to gauge students’ prior knowledge. Subsequently, an introductory session on poliomyelitis was delivered, employing a concept map to illustrate the topic, followed by a post-intervention assessment (post-test). In the second phase, students provided feedback on their experience with concept mapping. The pre- and post-test scores were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test.
RESULTS:
A statistically significant improvement was observed between the pretest (4 ± 2.11) and post- test (10 ± 1.26) scores (P < 0.001). Over half of the participants achieved perfect scores in the post-test, while none did so in the pretest. Additionally, 90% of students expressed favorable opinions regarding the use of concept maps in their feedback.
CONCLUSION:
Concept mapping proves to be an effective pedagogical tool for medical students, promoting deeper understanding and meaningful learning. Its regular incorporation into the curriculum may further enhance students’ grasp of complex concepts