Aims: Plumbago indica is a medicinal plant widely grown in the tropics and temperate region to use in traditional systems of medicine. Different parts of this plant are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, dysmenorrhea, cancer, leprosy, syphilis, rheumatism, paralysis, headache, leukoderma, enlarged glands, scabies, ophthalmia, dyspepsia, haemorrhage, piles, flatulence, loss of appetite etc. Various kinds of researches were carried out in different countries on propagation and pharmacology of this medicinal plant. Scientifically proven data were concentrated on this paper to facilitate reliable convenience data source and encourage further studies. Methodology: Scientific data published on full papers, abstracts about morphology, growth, propagation, traditional medicinal uses and pharmacology of P. indica over 70 years (1949-2020) by researchers in different countries were collected and categorized under suitable topics. Results: According to literature P. indica leaves, stems, roots contain phytochemical compound that are responsible for its medicinal properties. Tissue culture of this plant can be uses as effective propagation method to fulfill the increasing demand of raw materials (dried plant parts) for medicinal preparations as well as preserve the plant in their natural habitat. Value: P. indica is used to treat vast range of diseases in traditional medicinal systems in different countries and currently pharmacological experiments are conducting to prove it scientifically. Plumbagin present in P. indica roots was already identified as a potential anti-cancer agent and subjected to more research interest. Therefore this review article helps new researchers to get wide knowledge about the plant and its pharmacology.

Aims: Stevia rebaudiana which is commonly known as sweet leaf herb is used to extract non caloric sweet steviol glycosides. Thus based on available reports about its chemical composition, biosynthesis of steviol glycosides, application, cultivation, and phytochemical screening an attempt has been made to review to Stevia rebaudiana in context of its medicinal and pharmaceutical importance. Methodology: Literature search have been done in the web using google scholar, PubMed as search platform. More than two-thirds of the references are within 15 years. Results: According to the literature search S. rebaudiana leaves contain non caloric steviol glycosides and pharmaceutically important other phytochemicals. Miccropropagation is the best propagation method to overcome difficulties in conventional propagation methods. Conclusion: It is concluded that in vitro cultures has potential to extract important phytochemicals used in various pharmaceutical, food (flavoring agents, food additives) and perfume industries.

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Epigastric hernia, a form of abdominal ventral hernia, accounts for 0.5 – 10.0% of all abdominal wall hernias. These may be congenital due to incomplete midline fusion of developing lateral abdominal wall domains or acquired. It usually occurs in individuals in the age groups of 20 to 50 years and in infants. It is rarely large enough to admit more than a small amount of extra-peritoneal fat. We discuss an epigastric hernia known only for little more than 4-hours, presented strangulated, leading to ischaemia of small bowel requiring resection and review literature on epigastric hernias and their complications.

Introduction:The ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (Covisheild) vaccine was well tolerated with low reactogenicity in the clinical trials. However, shortly after initiating mass vaccination programmes in many countries, safety concerns resulted in vaccine hesitancy among populations.Objectives: This prospective single-cohort study was conducted to assess adverse events following immunization (AEFI) and associated factors of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine among staff members of the University Hospital of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (UHKDU).Methods: A total of 688 staff members who received the first dose of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine from 30 th January to 5 th February 2021 were enrolled and followed up until the completion of vaccination. Of them, 635 responded after the second dose. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and through telephone interviews. AEFI were classified according to WHO criteria.Results: A total of 516 (74.9%) participants experienced AEFI after the first dose, of which 377 (73.0%) reported both systemic and local symptoms. By contrast, the incidence of AEFI was significantly less after the second dose of vaccination (n=134, 21.1%, p<0.001). Fever was the commonest adverse event after the first dose (n=389, 56.5%), and