International Journal of Scientific Reports

Anti-implantation and uterotonic properties of Mentha pulegium L. in female Sprague-Dawley rats

2024-06-28T22:02:40+0530

Background: Some traditional herbs disrupt endocrine-endometrial synchrony, affecting embryo-endometrium communication during fertility. Hormonal imbalances cause non-receptive conditions, leading to anti-implantation or abortion. Historically, Mentha pulegium has served for contraceptive and abortive purposes. Its effects on the post-coital contraceptive and hormonal activities were evaluated.

Methods: Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley female rats were selected based on the presence of copulation plugs and received 200, 500, and 1000 mg/kg of Hydroethanolic leaf extract of Mentha pulegium L. (MPE) for seven days. Reproductive organ weights and serum estrogen and progesterone levels were measured. The resorption index, anti-implantation activity, and pre-implantation loss were also calculated using the number of implantation sites and resorptions in all treatments. Data were presented as mean±standard error mean (SEM), and significance was defined as p<0.05 using one-way ANOVA.

Results: Post-coital administration of MPE resulted in resorptive, pre-implantation loss, and anti-implantation activity. A dose of 200 mg/kg reduced the number of implantations and exhibited a high resorption index, percentage pre-implantation loss, and anti-implantation activity. A marked decline in serum progesterone levels and a significant reduction in serum estrogen and progesterone ratio was observed at 200 mg/kg MPE. A significant increase in uterine weight was observed in the 500 mg/kg treatment. Doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg resulted in a significant reduction in anti-implantation activity.

Conclusions: The observed anti-implantation activity and pre-implantation loss suggest the abortifacient properties of MPE. However, its effects were seen to be dose-dependent.

A review on Kaff Maryam (Anastatica hierochuntica L.): chemical constituents, pharmacological activities and role on fertility

2024-06-02T14:21:37+0530

Anastatica hierochuntica L., a plant widely used in folkloric medicine in Arab countries, has gained attention for its therapeutic properties. The plant is employed as an herbal remedy to address various diseases, including gynecological health issues. Its pharmacological effects are attributed to a diverse array of phytoconstituents, including steroids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, fatty acids, coumarins, alkaloids and more. According to research, A. hierochuntica has a variety of useful properties, including anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, immunostimulant, hepatoprotective and antibacterial properties. Notably, the plant has been recognized for its role in infertility treatment, with several scientific studies supporting its therapeutic value in this regard. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of A. hierochuntica, covering aspects such as plant description, traditional uses, chemical constituents and pharmacological activities. Emphasis is placed on the plant’s potential in infertility treatment and this review work explores possible mechanisms behind this role. The article underscores the multifaceted potential of A. hierochuntica in offering a variety of health benefits and encourages further exploration for its application in the development of novel treatments.

Role of doxycycline post exposure prophylaxis in the prevention of sexually transmitted infections: a narrative review

2024-07-11T23:56:13+0530

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) spread through sexual intercourse. They are caused by pathogens like Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Treponema pallidum, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Mycoplasma genitalium, and can be transmitted through direct contact or contact with genital secretions. Doxycycline is a second-generation tetracycline antibiotic with a broad antimicrobial spectrum, acting on intracellular and extracellular organisms. This review aims to explore the efficacy of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in the prevention and treatment of STIs. Some of the areas of uncertainty with the use of doxycycline PEP for STIs include the concern for developing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the effect on the normal microbiome of the body, public acceptability, drug formulation and dosage and compliance issues. Recent clinical and observational studies have looked at using doxycycline PEP to reduce the transmission of STIs. This review aims to explore these studies to provide a comprehensive account of the current state of doxycycline PEP and its future prospects. We also look at the limitations and areas of improvement in using doxycycline PEP, opening avenues for future research. High-quality studies have shown that using doxycycline PEP can effectively reduce the transmission of STIs in a number of clinical trials as well as systematic reviews., making it a potential standard treatment for high-risk groups such as immunocompromised patients, individuals living with HIV, sex workers, and men who have sex with men (MSM).

Optimizing heart failure therapy with enhanced medical management: focus on heart rate management

2024-08-03T10:52:36+0530

Heart failure (HF) is a significant global health issue, affecting over 60 million people worldwide, with its prevalence expected to rise due to aging populations and the increasing incidence of comorbidities like hypertension and diabetes. Despite therapeutic advances, including quadruple therapy with renin-angiotensin-system inhibitors, beta blockers (BB), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, HF remains a condition with a poor prognosis, particularly for those with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), who are predominantly found in low- and middle-income countries like India. Elevated resting heart rate (HR) is a critical prognostic factor in HF, correlating strongly with cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. For every five-beat increase in HR, there is a 16% rise in cardiovascular mortality and HF hospitalization, emphasizing the need for effective HR management. However, challenges persist in optimizing HF treatment, such as the underutilization of BBs, despite their proven efficacy in reducing mortality. In India, the "double burden" of age-related and contemporary diseases complicates HF management further. Addressing unmet needs in HF care requires optimizing therapeutic strategies and improving treatment adherence, particularly in the context of HR control. Studies indicate that tailored approaches, including the use of BBs and ivabradine, could reduce HR and improve clinical outcomes. The ongoing challenges in accessing guideline-directed therapy and ensuring adherence highlight the need for comprehensive strategies to enhance patient outcomes, while personalized treatments and further research remain essential in navigating the complex landscape of HF management.

General and microbiological chronic diseases into humans

2024-07-02T22:48:52+0530

Chronic illnesses including cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are among the world's major causes of death and have become more prevalent in the last ten years. Microbial agents and the emergence of chronic diseases (CDs) have been linked in the past, and new links are presently being investigated. Researchers are employing new technology to investigate the connection more thoroughly and precisely between infectious pathogens and chronic illness.

Psychosocial effects and mental health issues associated with body dysmorphic disorder in women

2024-07-12T00:02:59+0530

A recent study emphasized that about 1-2% of the general population is inflicted with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), with a greater prevalence in women. Women demonstrate more distress associated with BBD, accompanied by repetitive behaviors related to their appearance, such as checking, camouflaging, or attempting to ‘improve’ the appearance of the perceived flaw by resorting to excessive grooming, cosmetic surgery, using makeup, wearing a costume mask, and often concealing the body part they find unappealing.