Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of extract of Vernonia Amygdalina

ObjectiveTo investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of the extract of Vernonia amygdalina (V.A).MethodsInflammatory response was induced by topical application of croton oil dissolved in suitable vehicle on the rat ear. After 6 hrs, cutting out the ear quantitated the response. The cut ear was weighed and the increase in weight relative to control group was evaluated.ResultsWhen co-applied with croton oil to the rat ear extract of V.A. produced a reduction in the inflammatory response when croton oil alone was applied to the rat ear. The extract produced (69.1±2.0)% reduction of the inflammatory response produced by croton oil alone, lower than the reduction of the inflammatory response produced by acetyl salicylic acid [(71.1±2.0)%].ConclusionsThis finding suggests that extract of V.A. exhibits anti-inflammatory activity and may explain the usefulness of the leaves of this plant in the treatment of inflammatory disease conditions by traditional healers.     

Anti-inflammatory effects of Morninga oleifera lam extract in rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the acute and delayed anti-inflammatory effects of Morning oleifera lam (MOL) crude methanolic extract.MethodsCompared the anti-inflammatory effects of MOL with that of standard anti-inflammatory agents like indomethacin and hydrocortisone using Air Pouch Model.ResultsIn both acute and delayed inflammation, the MOL extract produced dose dependent anti-inflammatory effect [acute IC₅₀= (399.30 ±5.43) mg/kg; delayed IC₅₀= (510.26±4.53) mg/kg]. The order of anti-inflammatory potency for the three drugs was hydrocortisone> indomethacin > MOL.ConclusionsThese observations indicate that MOL possesses potential anti-inflammatory property.     

Neurolytic Blocks of the Sympathetic Axis for the Treatment of Visceral Pain in Cancer

Pain due to cancer is frequently visceral, and neurolysis of the sympathetic axis has been shown to be an effective and safe method for treating this visceral pain. Several studies have documented the efficacy of neurolytic blocks both by a reduction in the intensity of pain and by a decrease in opioid consumption. Neurolysis of the sympathetic axis should be incorporated into the pain specialist's arsenal as an adjuvant to oral pharmacologic therapy.     

A prospective,randomized, pragmatic,health outcomes trial evaluating the incorporation of hylan G-F 20 into the treatment paradigm for patients with knee osteoarthritis (Part 2 of 2): economic results

OBJECTIVE: Viscosupplementation with hylan G-F 20 has recently become registered for treatment of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee in most parts of the world. The cost effectiveness and cost utility of this new therapeutic modality were determined as part of a Canadian prospective, randomized, 1-year, open-label, multicentered trial. DESIGN: A total of 255 patients were randomized to 'Appropriate care with hylan G-F 20' (AC+H) or 'Appropriate care without hylan G-F 20' (AC). Costs (1999 Canadian dollars) were collected from the societal viewpoint and included all costs related to OA of the knee and OA in all joints. Patients completed a number of outcomes questionnaires including the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Health Utilities Index Mark 3 (HUI3). Data were collected at clinic visits (baseline, 12 months) and by telephone (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 months). RESULTS: The AC+H group over the year had higher costs ($2125-$1415=$710, P< 0.05), more patients improved (69%-40%=29%,P =0.0001), greater increases in HUI3 (0.13-0.03=0.10, P< 0.0001) and increased quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) (0.071, P< 0.05). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $2505/patient improved. The incremental cost-utility ratio was $10000/QALY gained. Sensitivity analyses and a second cost perspective gave similar results. CONCLUSION: The cost-utility ratio is below the suggested Canadian adoption threshold. The results provide strong evidence for adoption of treatment with hylan G-F 20 in the patients and settings studied in the trial.