Background: Lidocaine and ketamine are anaesthetic agents usually used in clinical practice to manage pain and as preoperative agents. In addition to this, anaesthetic medications can affect other haematological parameters, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and osmotic fragility. Changes in these parameters may be a sign of the risk of anaemia, inflammation, or oxidative injury after anaesthetic exposure. The literature on these effects is however inconsistent and there is limited comparative data on lidocaine and ketamine. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare and contrast the influence of these two anaesthetic agents on ESR and erythrocyte osmotic fragility in male Wistar rats. Methodology: A total of 35 male wistar rats were used for this study after undergoing acclimatization for one week. The animals’ blood samples were collected and analysed using appropriate techniques. One way ANOVA was adopted as the statistical analysis method for this study and data were reported as mean ± SEM, where the level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results and Discussion: There were no statistically significant differences in both the treatment and control groups when it came to ESR and osmotic fragility and the same meaning that lidocaine and ketamine did not impact the erythrocyte membrane stability or the inflammatory condition. Conclusion: The results concluded that the lidocaine and ketamine are safe in Hb parameters, and can be further used in the anaesthetic practice without causing any erythrocyte injury or inflammation.

This study examined the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical composition of Datura stramonium (leaves, flowers, fruits, stems) and Garcinia kola (seed and seed coat) using successive solvent extractions and standard phytochemical screening methods. Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed solvent-dependent variations. In D. stramonium, methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of leaves showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins, while dichloromethane and n-hexane extract predominantly contained alkaloids and steroids. Flowers exhibited alkaloids in all extracts, flavonoids and saponins mainly in methanol and ethyl acetate, and steroids in nonpolar solvents. Fruits displayed alkaloids across all solvents, flavonoids chiefly in methanol, and steroids in dichloromethane and hexane. Stems showed alkaloids in methanol, ethyl acetate, and dichloromethane, with steroids and tannins restricted to dichloromethane and hexane. For G. kola, seeds contained alkaloids in methanol and dichloromethane, flavonoids in all solvents, saponins in methanol and dichloromethane, and steroids in ethyl acetate and hexane. The seed coat exhibited alkaloids only in methanol, flavonoids in methanol and dichloromethane, tannins in methanol and dichloromethane, and steroids in ethyl acetate and hexane. Quantitative analysis revealed that alkaloids were highest in D. stramonium leaves (10.60 ± 0.53%) and fruits (10.40 ± 0.23%) as well as in G. kola seeds (9.30 ± 0.86%). Flavonoids peaked in G. kola seeds (14.00 ± 0.23%) and D. stramonium flowers (7.20 ± 0.29%), while saponins were abundant in D. stramonium leaves (11.40 ± 0.25%) and G. kola seeds (11.50 ± 0.08%). Tannin levels were generally low (<1.30%), with the highest in G. kola seed coat (1.26 ± 0.21%). In conclusion, the phytochemical richness of D. stramonium and G. kola validates their traditional use and highlights their potential as valuable sources of bioactive compounds.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) remains a major global health concern. This study explores awareness, public attitudes, and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS within a general community. A survey of 100 participants aged 18–50 years was conducted using structured questions to assess knowledge of HIV transmission routes, perceptions of openness, and social stigma. Results indicate that awareness of sexual transmission is high, but misconceptions about other transmission modes persist. Nearly half of respondents believe individuals with HIV should not disclose their status, reflecting ongoing stigma. The findings emphasize the need for continuous educational efforts to promote accurate knowledge and foster a supportive environment for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV).

Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf. (lemongrass) is a widely used medicinal grass valued for its essential oils and diverse therapeutic properties; however, comprehensive pharmacogenetic documentation of the whole plant remains limited. The present study provides an integrated evaluation of the pharmacobotanical, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and chemical fingerprinting characteristics of C. citratus collected from the northeast coast of Tamil Nadu, India. Macroscopic and microscopic analyses established diagnostic features including sclerenchyma Tous vascular bundle sheaths, bulliform cells, dumb-bell-shaped silica bodies, prickle hairs, and annular vessels, providing robust anatomical markers for authentication. Physicochemical parameters (LOD, ash values, extractive values, pH) confirmed good-quality raw material with minimal foreign matter. The hydro-alcoholic whole-plant extract exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, with pronounced inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. Potent antioxidant activity was recorded in the DPPH assay, with an IC₅₀ of 39.37 µg/mL, attributed to phenolic and flavonoid constituents. HPTLC profiling generated a reproducible chromatographic fingerprint with recurring marker bands at Rf 0.08, 0.04, and 0.01 under 254 nm and 366 nm, reflecting the chemical diversity of the extract. This study provides the first complete pharmacogenetic framework for C. citratus whole plant, offering essential baseline data for authentication, standardization, and future phytopharmaceutical development. Further studies on quantitative marker estimation, MIC/MBC analysis, and bioactivity-guided fractionation are recommended to strengthen its therapeutic applicability.

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor deficits and dopaminergic neuron degeneration. Haloperidol, a widely used antipsychotic, has been reported to induce parkinsonism-like symptoms in animal models. This study investigates the potential neuroprotective effects of lutein, a carotenoid with antioxidant properties, against haloperidol-induced Parkinson's disease in Wistar rats. A total of Thirty (30) healthy Wistar rats weighing between 100 -150g were used for this study. The rats were acclimatized and divided into six groups (n=5 per group); Group 1 (Control), Group 2 (Haloperidol group), Group 3 (Haloperidol + 20mg/kg of lutein), Group 4 (Haloperidol + 40mg/kg of lutein), Group 5 (Haloperidol + 60mg/kg of lutein) and Group 6 (Haloperidol + donepezil group). Motor deficits were assessed using behavioral tests like Barnes maze test, hand grip test, rotarod test and Y maze test. While biochemical analyses were performed to evaluate oxidative stress markers. The results demonstrated that rats treated with haloperidol alone had a significantly higher latency compared to the control group. This suggests that haloperidol negatively impacted spatial learning and memory, as indicated by the increased time taken to find the target. Lutein, especially at 40mg/kg and 60mg/kg, as well as the standard drug donepezil were seen to have neuroprotective effects against the spatial learning and memory deficits induced by haloperidol in Wistar rats. This study showed that Haloperidol induced both the motor symptoms such as muscle rigidity and also the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson disease such as anxiety, oxidative stress, and impaired memory on the rats and lutein possesses a dose-dependent increase in learning ability and cognitive functions and decrease in oxidative stress and fatigue.