The results indicate that turmeric and curcumin are effective against the development of diabetic cataract in rats. Further, these results imply that ingredients in the study's dietary sources, such as turmeric, may be explored for anticataractogenic agents that prevent or delay the development of cataract.

India is undergoing rapid nutritional transition, resulting in excess consumption of calories, saturated fats, trans fatty acids, simple sugars, salt and low intake of fiber. Such dietary transition and a sedentary lifestyle have led to an increase in obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases (type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM], cardiovascular disease [CVD], etc.) predominantly in urban, but also in rural areas. In comparison with the previous guidelines, these consensus dietary guidelines include reduction in the intake of carbohydrates, preferential intake of complex carbohydrates and low glycemic index foods, higher intake of fiber, lower intake of saturated fats, optimal ratio of essential fatty acids, reduction in trans fatty acids, slightly higher protein intake, lower intake of salt, and restricted intake of sugar. While these guidelines are applicable to Asian Indians in any geographical setting, they are particularly applicable to those residing in urban and in semi-urban areas. Proper application of these guidelines will help curb the rising "epidemics" of obesity, the metabolic syndrome, hypertension, T2DM, and CVD in Asian Indians.

An attempt has been made to quantitate drug consumption in a conurbation. The prescribing habits of physicians, self medication rate and therapeutic classes of drugs purchased have been evaluated. The study indicates that some of the prevailing practices in the area are unhealthy. The high self medication rate, faulty prescribing habits of physicians and liberal dispensing methods of pharmacist need to be viewed with concern. The wide gap between the precepts and practices prevailing among practitioners, the use of potent medicines without proper medical advice and the uninhibited sale of scheduled drugs over the pharmacy counter require careful consideration. If such unhealthy trends persist iatrogenic problems may surface in the near future. The physician, pharmacist and the public need to cooperate to create the proper pattern of drug usage.

Consumption of BR in place of WR can help reduce 24-h glucose and fasting insulin responses among overweight Asian Indians.

From a public health perspective, some of the new insights into folic acid nutrition are of significance. Folate intake recommendations vary under different conditions. Intake of 350 μg is required to maintain plasma homocysteine levels, 650 μg for those with elevated plasma homocysteine, about 400 μg for women planning to become pregnant and 4000 μg for those with history of neural tube defect affected pregnancy. This raises the question whether the folate intake is adequate for the general population, particularly in the vulnerable groups or whether there is a need for scientists to take a fresh view of the requirements, recommended dietary intakes, and consider intervention measures which will have impact on the folate nutritional status. The recommendations should provide a margin of safety to allow for decreased intake, increased requirements, individual variability and bioavailability of natural food folates. The folate intake and nutriture in relation to India and other developing countries needs careful consideration to reduce anemia, neural tube defects and possibly impact on the high incidence of cardiovascular diseases.