Pratibha S. Worlikar

In clinical practice, nonspecific anti-diarrheals (allopathic and ayurvedic) are commonly used by clinicians along with routine treatment, to hasten the recovery and to provide psychological relief. Although they are used extensively in clinical practice, there are variable reports regarding their efficacy and utility. This prospective observational study was carried out in two private clinics run by paediatricians to compare the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of MEBARID versus DIAREX, ayurvedic polyherbal anti-diarrheal formulations in the treatment of acute diarrhea. Children suffering from acute diarrhea (aged 2 y to 10 y) who presented to the clinic with acute diarrhea and fulfilling selection criteria were enrolled and divided into two treatment groups viz, MEBARID and DIAREX. Data collection was done using predesigned case report forms and questionnaires. Outcome measures used were 1) duration of diarrhea, after initiation of treatment 2) no. of diarrheal stools until recovery 3) time (h) required for improvement in stool consistency. We found significant difference in time needed for improvement in  stool consistency  between MEBARID and DIAREX  (19.95 h vs. 29 h).  Administration of MEBARID  reduced the stool frequency significantly (p < 0.01)  compared to DIAREX. However, the mean duration of diarrhea was significantly reduced by  DIAREX  (42.77 ± 1.48 vs. 54.15 ± 1.53). No serious adverse effects were recorded during the study. Administration  of MEBARID hastened the recovery of children suffering from acute diarrhea significantly by reducing frequency & improving consistency of stools compared to DIAREX. But DIAREX significantly reduced the duration of diarrhea compared to MEBARID.

  To study antidepressant action of nicotine in animal model of depression. The animal model for depression, used was ‘Isolation induced hyperactivity in rats’. Doses given were vehicle 1ml/kg (intra-peritoneal), imipramine10mg/kg (intra-peritoneal), nicotine0.4mg/kg (subcutaneous), nicotine 0.2mg/kg (inhalational) Nicotine administered by subcutaneous route showed significant reduction in hyperactivity at 10 and 20 minutes when compared with that of vehicle (control) group. When it was compared with imipramine, it showed significant reduction in hyperactivity at 10 minutes. Nicotine administered by inhalation route showed significant reduction in hyperactivity at 10 min and at 30, 40 50 minutes when compared with that of control group. When compared with imipramine, it showed significant reduction in hyperactivity at 10 minutes and it showed comparable effect with that of imipramine at 30, 40, and 50 minutes. Nicotine administered by inhalation route produced significant reduction in hyperactivity at 10, 20, 30, 40,50minutes, when compared with that of nicotine administered by subcutaneous route. Combination with imipramine acute or chronic administration of nicotine by inhalational route showed significant reduction in hyperactivity, when compared with imipramine treated rats. Imipramine treated rats showed significant changes in behavior with persistent sniffing, intense biting and paw licking when it compared with vehicle treated rats. Behavioral changes in nicotine treated rats showed     significant change sat persistent sniffing, intense biting, and paw licking. Effects of nicotine with imipramine were studied on all the above parameters. Nicotine administered by subcutaneous and inhalation route showed significant antidepressantactivity. Key words: Behavioral Changes, Depression, Isolation-Induced Hyperactivity, Nicotine