iosr-JPBS   Volume-6 ~ Issue-4

Abstract: The prevalence and pattern of self-medication with antibiotics among undergraduate and graduate community of students at different universities of Islamabad was evaluated using structured self-medication administered questionnaire. This cross-sectional, study was conducted in March 2013. A convenience sample was taken from 4 non-medical universities of the city of Islamabad, Pakistan. Data was analyzed using SPSS v14 and associations were tested using the Chi square test. A total of 210 questionnaires were randomly distributed with a respondent rate of 100%. The prevalence of self-medication was found to be 77.03% (Female: Male Ratio=1:1.14). The major reasons given for self-medicating with antibiotics were; 33.63% assumed knowledge on antibiotics (P=0.478), 26.64% prior experience on use (P=0.378), while 9.17% admitted lack of time to go for consultation (P=0.130). Majority of respondents however, self-medicate with antibiotics occasionally. The most reported antibiotic class (48.58%) was the β-lactams (as amoxicillin) while co-trimoxazole was rarely used (2.23%). The most reported condition for self-medication was respiratory tract infections (59%). About almost half of the respondents (46.79%) purchased the drugs from drug stores. These findings highlight the needs for planning interventions to promote the judicious use of antibiotics within the student population.

Keywords: Antibiotics, drugs, Pakistan, rational use, self-medication, students..

Abstract: Kapardika bhasma is an important Ayurvedic drug of marine origin. Even though it is composed of mainly of calcium carbonate it exhibits excellent medicinal properties which are not associated with standard calcium carbonate. In the present study four commercial samples are characterized using techniques like EDX, SEM, IR, UV,XRD and TG analysis to throw light on their chemical composition and chemical properties .Such comparative study may help to standardise and to interpret the biological and medicinal properties of such traditional drug.

Keywords: Calcium carbonate, Kapardika bhasma, TG, SEM, IR, XRD.

Abstract: The study compared the nutritive value of Carica papaya L. fruit at different ripening stages with the aim of advising consumers and biological world when best to consume the fruit. Proximate, mineral and vitamin analysis were carried out on the pulp, peel and seeds of fruits. Results showed that unripe papaya is a good source of carbohydrates, vitamins and proteins, and the content decreases as it ripens. Very ripe papaya is not a good source of protein because unripe papaya contains more protein. The vitamin C content of the hard ripe and very ripe pawpaw was found to be fairly high. Papaya at different stages is a good source of vitamin A and mineral elements (Ca, Mg, Na and K). Unripe pawpaw contains the highest amount of all the non-nutritive elements (Saponin, Alkaloid, Tannin, Flavonoid and Phenol) analyzed which are beneficial to the body. In view of these differences, though very ripe pawpaw is sweet and good for consumption, the unripe pawpaw is recommended for use due to its nutritive value. `

Keyword: Carica papaya, Nutrients, Vitamins and Minerals

Abstract: It was the goal to investigate the Cellulase enzyme production ability of fungal strains such as Aspergillus niger against the lignocellulosic bio-waste like Rice husks, Millet husks, Maize cobs, Wheat straws and leaves at varying environmental parameters of pH, substrate concentration and dry weight and wet weight. The enzyme production was analyzed individually by Miller's modified method of Dinitrosalicylic acid ( DNSA ). In this study the high level of enzyme production was achieved at pH 3 by using Rice husks, Millet husks, Maize cobs, Wheat straws and leaves and pH 4 by using Maize cobs at varying substrate concentrations. Out of all the five used substrates rice husks gave the higher production of the cellulose enzyme. The importance of cellulase enzyme in industries cannot be over emphasized.

Key words: Cellulase, Agricultural waste, Aspergillus niger.

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