Introduction : Solar ultraviolet exposure is the main cause of skin damage by initiation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to skin collagen imperfection and eventually skin roughness. This can be reduced by proper revitalization of skin enhancing younger and healthier appearance. Aim...

Although Mangifera indica L. extract (M-Ext) of the peel and kernel possesses potent antioxidant and excellent antiaging qualities, the effects are only partially seen because of the skin’s limited ability to absorb it. M-Ext was loaded into nanolipid carriers (M-NLCs) in this work to create a green topical formulation that would boost antiaging efficacy and address penetration deficit. Compound identification was done using GCMS and atomic absorption spectroscopy for heavy metals in M-Ext. M-Ext was also evaluated against oxidative stress antioxidant enzymes. The M-NLCs were fabricated and evaluated for their physicochemical characterizations. Cytotoxicity and cell permeation analysis of M-Ext and M-NLCs were carried out in fibroblasts and HaCaT cell lines. An ex vivo permeation study of M-Ext and M-NLC-loaded emulsion was performed through rat skin and the kinetic parameters were determined. Kinetic data showed that the ex vivo permeation of M-NLC-loaded emulsion through rat skin followed the Higuchi model. The safety profile was evaluated in human volunteers after written consent. Three months’ in vivo investigations were conducted using the optimized M-NLC-loaded emulsion and vehicle (B-NLC-loaded emulsion) on human cheeks for comparison. The volunteers’ skin erythema level, melanin contents, TEWL index, moisture contents, sebum level, elasticity, pH, and pore size were examined after the first, second, and third month via noninvasive techniques. There were significant findings for physicochemical characterizations and in vitro and ex vivo studies. The findings demonstrate that the green nanolipid carriers amplified the overall antioxidant effectiveness and may represent an emerging treatment strategy for oxidative stresses and aging.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the skin irritation potential of a cream containingMoringa oleifera leaf extract. Skin irritation potential of a cream containing M. oleifera leaf extract (3%) versus base was investigated by performing an in-vivo visual scoring (skin irritation), patch test and erythema index for long term study by using non-invasive instrumental assessment Mexameter in 11 volunteers in a single blinded study. The active cream and base were applied twice daily to the face (cheeks) for a period of 12 weeks. Theinstrumental measurements were carried out under a draught-free room, with controlled temperature (18.0 to 20.6°C) and relative humidity (55 to 65%). No serious adverse effects were observed. The M. oleifera leaf extract cream was not-irritant according to 48 h semi-occluded patch test. There was a significant decrease in skin erythema and base showed insignificant results when applied ANOVA. The results suggested that the M. oleifera leaf extract cream was very well accepted by all volunteers and decreased erythema content. Additionally, product can be regarded as safe for topical application. Key words: Moringa oleifera, extract, cream, skin irritation potential, mexameter.

Because of the potential of significant geographic variation in the compositions of snake venoms, much insight can be gained by examining individuals originating from diverse locations, and detailed characterization of any species can only be done by including animals from the entire range. Pakistani N. naja (formerly N. naja karachiensis) venom was decomplexed by applying diverse techniques and found a concoction of proteins (a total of 43 venomous proteins comprising 11 super families) from 6 to 200 kilodaltons in size. Among them three finger toxins (58%), phosphoplipses A₂ (19%), snake venom metalloproteinases (5%), l-amino acid oxidases (5%), helvepryns (3%), vespryns (2%), cobra venom factor (2%), 5′-nucleotidases (2%), venom nerve growth factor (2%), and Kunitz type serine protease inhibitor (2%) were included. It is the first report that this venom possesses significantly higher percentage of three finger toxins belonging to the cytotoxins (32% overall) and α‐neurotoxins (32% overall, predominately long chain neurotoxins, 24% overall) compared to N. naja from other geographic locations. Better understanding of intraspecific variations in venom can improve the development of location-specific anti-venoms. Furthermore, this pool of diverse toxins could potentially be a source of novel drug candidates for the treatment of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors mediated nervous disorders.

Purpose: To explore the prevalence of risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted for the prevalence of risk factors for CAD among 200 patients admitted at the different hospitals of Southern Punjab, Pakistan from December 2012 to April 2013. A questionnaire was used to collect data, including demographic information, family health history, dietary habits, physical activity and tobacco use. History of hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM) or its treatment was recorded after observing their medical reports. Results: The proportion of females and males was 65.53 and 34.46 %, respectively. Of the 200 patients, the mean age of males was 52.7 years and 55.8 years for females. The most prevalent coronary artery risk factors were physical inactivity (52.5 %), hypertension (52 %), poor dietary habits (48.5 %), fatty food consumption (47.5 %), obesity (38 %) and smoking (37 %), respectively. Other less common risk factors were diabetes (30 %) and family history of CAD (20 %). Conclusion: CAD was seen in only 20 % of the subjects; the prevalence of individual risk factors ranged from 30 to 52.5 % and can be improved by encouraging the patients to adopt a healthy life style. Keywords: Risk factors, Prevalence, Coronary artery disease, Diabetes, Southern Punjab