ObjectiveThrombocytopenia in dengue fever (DF) is a well-known complication in both adults and pediatric subjects. Management of DF primarily includes symptomatic and intensive supportive care. There are studies available on the efficacy and safety of Carica papaya leaf extract (CPLE) in adult patients with DF. However, there are no published studies available on the efficacy and safety of CPLE in the pediatric age group. Hence, this study was conducted.MethodologyA prospective, open-label, randomized controlled study was conducted in subjects aged between 1 and 12 years having thrombocytopenia associated with DF (NS-1 antigen positive) or dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) grades I and II. All participants were randomized into the intervention group (n =147, CPLE syrup + standard therapy) and the control group (n=147, received only standard therapy). All subjects were followed up daily for 5 days with monitoring of blood counts.ResultsA total of 285 subjects were finally evaluated for efficacy, and nine dropped out (seven in the control group and two in the intervention group). However, all 294 subjects were evaluated for safety. CPLE (Caripill) syrup increased the platelet count significantly compared to the control group (P<0.05). In the intervention group, the platelet count increased from day 3 onward: platelet count on day 3 (mean platelet count =89,739.31, P=0.030), day 4 (mean platelet count =120,788.96, P=0.019), and day 5 (mean platelet count =168,922.75 P=0.023). Two children complained of nausea in the intervention group. Overall, Caripill syrup was well tolerated.ConclusionCPLE syrup significantly increases the platelet count in pediatric DF patients and is well tolerated.

OBJECTIVE AND BACKGROUND: Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is one of the common constituents of our daily food. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-diabetic effects of ethanolic extract of Rhizomes of curcuma longa in alloxan induced diabetic rats and compared with of Pioglitazone, which is the standard anti-diabetic agent. METHODS: Alloxan monohydrate is used to induce diabetes mellitus in albino rats in the dose of 120mg/kg i.p. and anti-diabetic activity of turmeric was studied by following study design. The rats are divided into 6 groups and each group contains 6 rats (N= 6) as follows. Group I: Normal control Given normal saline (10ml/kg/day). Group II: Diabetic control Given normal saline (10ml/kg/day). Group III: Euglycemic rats Given turmeric extract (300mg/kg/day). Group IV: Diabetic rats Given turmeric extract (300mg/kg/day). Group V: Diabetic control Given turmeric extract (500mg/kg/day). Group VI: Diabetic rats Given Pioglitazone (6mg/kg/day) Study was conducted for a period of 28 days and all the drugs were given orally once daily. Blood glucose levels were estimated at 1, 3, 5, 7 hrs. (acute study) and 7, 14, 21, 28 days (chronic study). The body weights of the rats in every groups recorded weekly and general behavior and health of the animal were monitored carefully. The data was analyzed statistically using student's paired and unpaired t-test. RESULTS: Ethanolic extract of turmeric produced significant (p < 005) decreases in blood glucose levels on 7 th , 14 th , 21 th and 28 days in diabetic

Background: Rhizomes of Curcuma Longa belonging to the genus, Curcuma is widely used for medicinal purpose. Its ethanolic extract has been used traditionally as a hypolipidemic. Objectives: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the hypolipidemic effects of ethanolic extract of Rhizomes of Curcuma longa in Alloxan induced diabetic rats with high fat diet and compared with of Pioglitazone, which has anti-diabetic and action. Materials and method: Alloxan monohydrate was used to induce diabetes mellitus in albino rats in the dose of 120 mg/kg Intraperitonelly and hyperlipidemia was induced by feeding animals with high fat diet orally. The body weights of the rats in every group was recorded weekly. Six groups of 6 animals in each received normal saline for normal control, normal saline for diabetic control, turmeric extract (TE) 300 mg/kg/day for euglycemic rat, Diabetic rat with high fat diet 10 mg/ kg/day (turmeric extract 300 mg/kg/day), diabetic rat with high fat diet 10 ml/kg/day (turmeric extract 500 mg/kg/ day), Diabetic rats with High fat diet 10 ml/kg/day (pioglitazone respectively for 4 weeks). After overnight fasting, 2 ml of blood was collected in from orbital sinuses of all animals. Various biochemical parameters were estimated like blood sugar and lipid profile. The data was analyzed statistically using student's paired and unpaired t-test. Results: Turmeric extract significantly raised HDL levels both in healthy and diabetic rats. TE (500 mg/kg) is more efficient as compared to 300 mg/kg dose, as TE (500 mg/kg) has also reduced VLDL, LDL levels in Group V which was statistically highly significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: Present study revealed that the turmeric has hypolipidemic action and can be safely used in the treatment of mild to moderate cases of hyperlipidemia.