This study suggests an anti-diabetic potential of CQSF, mediated through the modulation of the antioxidant defence system. The ethyl acetate fraction of Cissus quadrangularis is rich in quercetin and this indicates that the supplementation of CQSF might be beneficial as a food supplement for the attenuation of diabetic complications.

Context: Dyslipidemia is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease in diabetes mellitus (DM). The availability of multiple lipid-lowering drugs and supplements provides new opportunities for patients to regulate lipid levels. Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of Butea monosperma Lam. (Fabaceae) bark extract in diabetes-induced dyslipidemia. Materials and methods: A daily dose of B. monosperma bark extract (BMBE, 500 mg/kg body weight) was given orally to streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats for 60 d. Several indices such as blood glucose, insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, TC, TG, high-density lipoproteincholesterol (HDL-C), apo A1, apo B, activities of lipogenic enzymes in tissues, liver function tests, and histopathology of liver were analyzed to assess the modulation of STZ-induced diabetic dyslipidemia by B. monosperma bark. Results: BMBE significantly reduced blood glucose (40.79%) and increased plasma insulin (37.5%) levels in diabetic rats. Altered levels of serum lipids, lipoproteins, and activities of lipogenic enzymes in tissues were partially restored upon the administration of BMBE in diabetic rats. Liver function tests and histopathological examination revealed that consumption of BMBE at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight had no toxic effects in experimental rats. Conclusion: The findings suggest that BMBE supplementation could ameliorate dyslipidemia in DM.

Background: Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) has higher incidence in pregnant than in non-pregnant women and is difficult to diagnose. It is associated with fetomaternal complications like prelabour rupture of membranes, preterm labour, low birth weight and increased perinatal mortality. The aim of this study is to analyse various risk factors and the maternal and fetal outcome following treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria in early versus late gestation.Methods: This is a prospective study. The study population comprises all pregnant women attending antenatal clinic for their 1st antenatal visit.Results: Total of 800 antenatal women were enrolled in 2 groups based on gestational age <20 weeks (n=394) and between 28 to 32 weeks (n=406) at the time of their 1st antenatal visit. Incidence of asymptomatic bacteriuria was 13.6% and 84.4% were in the age group of 21-30 years. High prevalence was noted in primigravidae (47.7%) and in lower socioeconomic class (70.9%). Commonest organism isolated was E. coli (42.2%) and most of the organisms were sensitive to gentamycin (89.9%) and cefotaxime (84.4%). Despite treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria, complications like anaemia, gestational hypertension & preterm labour were higher in late detected group than in early detected group.Conclusions: This study shows high prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant women. The chances of developing maternal complications were significantly reduced after antibiotic therapy of asymptomatic bacteriuria. Hence, early screening and treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria need to be incorporated in routine antenatal care.