Research Journal of Phytomedicine

Effect of Piper guineensees on physicochemical and organoleptic properties of watermelon (Citrulus lanatus) juice stored in refrigerator and ambient

Atanda S A — 2015-10-11

Extracted juice from watermelon containing 0.01gPiper guineensesstored in refrigerator (6Â±2 ^oC) and on the shelf (28Â±1^oC) usingpolyethylene bottles was evaluated for physicochemical and organoleptic changes. pH, total soluble sugars, titratable acidity and organolepticevaluation of the juice was carried out till deterioration sets in. Results showed that the sample stored in therefrigerator kept for 7 days while the sample on the shelf lasted for 3 days. pH value decreased from 5.40 to 4.80 and 5.70 for the samplestored in the refrigerator and on the shelf respectively while TSS increased from 0.064%Brix to 0.435% Brix and 0.578%Brix for sample stored in refrigerator and shelf respectively. Titratable acidity decreased from 2.90 % to 0.20% and 0.50% for samples for the juice stored in the refrigerator and on shelf respectively.All these changes were statistically significant (p<0.05).The sample stored on the shelf lost its organoleptic qualities on the third day with an average value less than 2 for taste, smell and colour. However, the juice stored in the fridge lost its organoleptic qualities at the 7^th day with an average value of 3.0, 2.90 and 2.80 for taste, smell andcolour respectively.Â From the results, juice extracted from water meloncannot be kept at ambient temperature beyond 3 days without proper refrigeration and an additive. This calls for alternative way of extending its shelf life in the absence of electricity supply using local spice like P. guineenses and to make it available during off season.

Attitude towards the use of herbal medicine among traders: A moderating effect of gender and socio-economic status

Abamara Nnaemeka C — 2015-10-17

This study examined the Attitude towards the use of herbal medicine among traders: a moderating effect of gender and socio-economic status. A total of 180 participants were used for the study. They comprised 90 males and 90 females. Their ages ranged from 30-70 years with the mean age of 50 and a standard deviation (SD) of 11.9. They were selected through stratified random sampling techniques from Eke Awka, central market in Awka , Anambra state. The result of the study showed that there was no significant difference on attitude of traders towards the use of herbal medicine across gender. The result also showed that there was no significant difference on attitude of traders towards the use of herbal medicine across the three levels of socio-economic statues. The result finally showed that there was no significant interactive effect of gender and socio-economic statues on attitude of traders towards the use of herbal medicine across gender.Based on the above findings, this study recommends that the federal government through the ministry of establishment should encourage the administration and the use of herbal medicine in Nigeria as alternative to orthodox medicine.

History of plants and animal products in the treatment of human disease-A review

Navneet Kumar Verma — 2015-11-25

Advances in nutrition research during the past few decades have changed scientistâ€™s understanding of the contribution of vegetarian diets and nonvegetarian diets to human health and disease. Diets largely based on plant foods, such as well-balanced vegetarian diets, could best prevent nutrient deficiencies as well as diet-related chronic diseases. However, restrictive or unbalanced vegetarian diets may lead to nutritional deficiencies, particularly in situations of high metabolic demand. Recent scientific advances seem to have resulted in a paradigm shift: diets largely based on plant foods, such as well-balanced vegetarian diets, are viewed more as improving health than as causing disease, in contrast with meat-based diets.

Ayurvedic Management of Kikkisa (Striae garavidarum)

Rashmi Sharma — 2015-11-25

The woman is most beautiful creation of almighty God. Woman is very conscious about their beauty. So when she sees any mark on the body, she becomes anxious. Ayurveda is an ancient science of indigenous medicine, it is not only a medical science but it is an art of living in human beings. Kikkisa is a one type of skin ailment that occurs during pregnancy and mentioned by various Acharyas under the heading of Garbhini Vyapada (disorders of pregnancy). Striae garavidarum especially appeared during second trimester of pregnancy and it may cause psychological distress in women. Bahya and Abhyantara Shamana Dravyas are used in the Chikitsa of Kikkisa.

A brief study on Strebulus Asper L. -A Review

Navneet Kumar Verma — 2015-11-25

Streblus asper L. is a small tree found in tropical countries, such as India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand belonging to family moraceae. Various parts of this plant are used in Ayurveda and other folk medicines for the treatment of different ailments such as filariasis, leprosy, toothache, diarrhea, dysentery and cancer. Research carried out using different in vitro and in vivo techniques of biological evaluation support most of these claims. This review presents the botany, chemistry, traditional uses and pharmacology of this medicinal plant.