Articles

Development of Wound Gauze from Hylocereus undatus Dragon Fruit (Pigment) Peel Extract

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The dragon fruit peels (Hylocereus undatus) are typically thrown away as agricultural waste. The disposal of bio-wastes, like peels from dragon fruit and microbiological contamination during their mass breakdown, all contribute to environmental degradation. Peel can be used to extract naturally occurring colour for pigments. The objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility of using the peel of Hylocereus undatus as a coating material for wound healing. The extraction method and potential uses of the pigments derived from the peel will be explored. The study aimed to determine the phytochemical components of Hylocereus undatus (peel) extract and the peel can be utilized as a raw material for pigment extraction due to the betalain content. With the use of a magnetic stirrer extraction, the peel of Hylocereus undatus was extracted with aqueous extraction. Thin layer chromatographic techniques are used to identify the pigment components. In the present study, we recorded both UV-VIS and FT-IR profile of peel extract to known the various phytoconstituents and determine the functional group present in Hylocereus undatus (white dragon fruit). The pigment needs to be applied to the wound gauze, and the stain resistance should be evaluated by determining how well the wound gauze can withstand contamination from the outside coating. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors are interested in Hylocereus undatus peel due to its components, which may have potential health applications such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-cancer characteristics

Malondialdehyde (MDA) Total Antioxidant Capacity and Vitamin E Levels in Preterm and Term Infants

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Introduction: Oxygen radical injury is thought to be one of the common mechanisms for several diseases in premature infants. Lipid peroxidation plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of many neonatal complications. Broncho pulmonary dysplasia, Intraventricular hemorrhage and Retinopathy of Prematurity are due to excessive production of oxygen free radicals.
Objectives: The main objective of the study is to find the Malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity and Vitamin E levels in preterm and term infants.
Material and methods: We aimed to determine the levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA), Total antioxidant capacity and vitamin E in cord blood of term and preterm infants. To determine the oxidative stress and antioxidants in cord blood of term and preterm infants that may have clinical implications. In the present study we determine MDA, Total antioxidant capacity and vitamin E levels in the umbilical cord blood of term (n=50) and preterm (n=50) infants by manual method. Blood samples were collected during delivery. MDA is high in preterm infants compared to term infants.
Results: Total antioxidant capacity and Vitamin E levels are high in term infants compared to preterm infants. Therefore it is possible to postulate that preterm infants are more susceptible to oxidative stress than term infants.
Conclusion: It is concluded that Preterm neonates are exposed to increased oxidant stress at birth and are susceptible to anti-oxidant deficiencies.

Role of Aqueous Bark Extract of Terminalia Arjuna on Serum Enzymes in Cigarette Smoke Exposed Rats

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Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of mortality and a major public concern. The aim of our study to investigate the role of aqueous bark extract of Terminalia arjuna on serum enzymes in cigarette smoke exposed rats. A total fifteen (15) adult healthy Wistar rats from 100-158 were divided into three groups (A, B and C) each containing five rats.  Group (A) serving as control without exposure to cigarette smoke, Group (B) and (C) served as the experimental groups. The group (B) was exposed to Cigarette smoke (6 Cigarettes) for one hour/day for 30 days and experimental group (C) was exposed to cigarette smoke along with oral administration of aqueous bark extract of Terminalia arjuna  (5mg/rat /day) for 30 days. The results indicate that, a significant increase in Alanine amino transferase (ALT) and Aspartate amino transferase (AST) after exposure to cigarette smoke in comparison to control group while, a significant decrease in ALT and AST level after cigarette smoke exposure along with oral administration of aqueous bank extract of Terminalia arjuna in comparison to Cigarette smoke exposed rats due to antioxidant defence mechanism.