Background:Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder resulting in dementia and enhancement of acetylcholine (Ach) levels in brain using acetylcholinesterase inhibitors is one of the most important approaches for the treatment of AD.Methods:In this study, aqueous extract of Ficus racemosa Linn. (Moraceae) bark having anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticholinesterase activity was evaluated for its ability to enhance Ach levels, and to ascertain its antidementia activity in rats. This work was carried out under the assumption that the F. racemosa extract may show combination of actions which could be beneficial in the treatment of AD, such as neuroprotection, attributed to antioxidant and anti-infl ammatory property and may elevate levels of Ach like Ficus hispida extract reported earlier.Results:Administration of the extract at two levels viz., 250 and 500 mg/kg signifi cantly raised (P ≤ 0.05) Ach levels in hippocampi of rats compared to control. The percentage enhancement in Ach levels was found to be 22% and 38%, respectively. Further, the extract at both dosage levels elicited signifi cant reduction (P ≤ 0.05) in transfer latency on elevated plus-maze, which was used as an exteroceptive behavioral model to evaluate memory in rats.Conclusion:It is inferred that it would be worthwhile to explore the potential of F. racemosa in the management of Alzheimer disease.

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Background: Pediatric poisoning is a common medical emergency and also associated with a high morbidity and mortality in children. In developing countries like India, poisoning emergencies are becoming a major cause of mortality in infants and toddlers. Among the various studies conducted on poisoning in our country, the study on poisoning is predominantly on adults and hence this study is taken up to understand the incidence of childhood poisoning cases. Method: A ten year retrospective study from January 1999 to December 2008 was conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, to comprehend the magnitude of childhood poisoning cases at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal. Results: Insecticide poisoning was the most predominant poisoning followed by venomous bites. Conclusion: Our study examines the most common poison involved and route of intake among children to identify specific ages at risk and give suggestions so as to reduce the morbidity and mortality.