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In the present study, we evaluated the pharmacological and toxicological effects of Teucrium stocksianum. The crude extract of T. stocksianum (Ts.Cr) and its subsequent organic fractions: n-hexane (Ts.Hex), chloroform (Ts.CHCl3) and ethyl acetate (Ts.EtAc) exhibited 1,1-diphenyl,2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity with different potencies. Ts.EtAc was found to be most potent. Ts.Cr, Ts.Hex, Ts.CHCl3 and Ts.EtAc showed significant bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Shigella flexneri and Bacillus subtilis at their extent. Ts.Cr, Ts.Hex, Ts.CHCl3 and Ts.EtAc displayed fungicidal action against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus and Fusarium solani at various minimum inhibitory concentrations. Ts.Cr and Ts.EtAc exhibited marked inhibition of Leishmania tropica growth, observed after 48 and 96 hrs of treatment. These data indicate that the T. stocksianum methanolic extract and its resultant fractions possess antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and antileishmanial activities. Thus, the present research unearths the scientific base for T. stocksianum medicinal application as antioxidant and antimicrobial agents.

Background The influence of blood collection devices on laboratory tests is often overlooked. We have discussed here how blood collection materials and devices can alter haematological test results, with an emphasis on blood collection tube (BCT) additives. We have compared K2 & K3‐EDTA vacuum tubes of same manufacturer IMPROVACUTER ® for CBC analysis. Methods Blood was collected in both tubes simultaneously. Samples were analysed immediately after collection (<15 minutes) and after 4 hours by MEK−6318J/K Haematology Analyzer. Paired student's t‐test was applied for statistical analysis. Significant differences among results and biases were compared with current quality specifications. Results Significant differences were found in Neutrophyls (GR) and mean platelets volume (MPV) when compared. K2‐EDTA vs K3‐EDTA(1st time) after< 15 minutes of sample collection, for Monocytes counts (MO), MCV, MPV, and RDW when comparing K2‐EDTA (first time) vs K2‐EDTA(second time, after 4 hours); and for Monocytes counts (MO), MCV, MPV, PCT, and RDW when comparing K3‐EDTA(1st time) vs K3‐EDTA(2nd time) in order to check the stability and reproducibility of vacutainers. Conclusions This study assesses the use of K2& K3‐EDTA vacuum tubes whether or not they represent a bias in haematological testing (CBC). The use of K2‐EDTA and K3‐EDTA vacuum tubes represent a clinically relevant source of variation for MCV, MPV, RDW, and PCT.

The current project was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of crude extract of Heliotropium strigosum and its subsequent solvent fractions in post carrageenan-induced edema and post xylene-induced ear edema at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg intraperitoneally. The results revealed marked attenuation of edema induced by carrageenan injection in a dose-dependent manner. The ethyl acetate fraction was most dominant with 73.33% inhibition followed by hexane fraction (70.66%). When the extracts were challenged against xylene-induced ear edema, again ethyl acetate and hexane fractions were most impressive with 38.21 and 35.77% inhibition, respectively. It is concluded that various extracts of H. strigosum possessed strong anti-inflammatory activity in animal models.

Clinical study has shown that patients who get the orthodontic treatment are more susceptible for having the enamel white spot formation (Eliades et al., 1995) (Badawi et al., 2003). Since the advent of fixed orthodontic appliance for adult patients and its use has become increasingly popular, bringing about the need to address questions regarding microorganism adherence and biofilm development (Menzaghi, 1991; Lee, 2000) Objectives: To compare the antimicrobial effects of commercially available mouth washes and new herbal mouth wash (Miswak) on dental biofilm isolated from orthodontic ligatures and to assess bacterial morphology before and after treatment with mouthwashes. Material and method: Five commercially available mouth washes were included in this study (Oradex, Listerine, Oral B, Salviathymol N and Colgate plax), one new herbal mouth wash (Miswak aqueous and alcohol extracts) and sterilized distilled water was used as a control. Orthodontic elastic and stainless steel ligatures were collected from 25 patients after 3 week of orthodontic treatment. Bacteria isolated then the gram stain used to identify the bacteria attached to orthodontic ligatures. Antimicrobial activity assessed by using Minimal Bactericidal Concentration test (MBC) to determine the lowest concentration of bacteria inhibited by the fixed amount of tested mouthwashes after an overnight aerobic and anaerobic incubation at 37°C. Assessment of bacteria morphology performed with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) before and after treatment with mouth washes. Results: Only cocci gram positive bacteria identified from ligature of all samples. MBC showed absence of bacteria growth in all tested mouthwashes. SEM examination of bacteria showed variable alterations in the morphology of the isolated bacteria. Conclusion: This study showed that Miswak ethanol extract and commercially available mouth washes exhibit strong antimicrobial activity against gram positive cocci. While Oradex represents significant morphological changes comparing to other mouth washes. On the other hand Miswak aqueous extract seems to have weak antibacterial effects against all tested bacteria samples.