Innovare Journal of Medical Sciences

IN SILICO INVESTIGATION OF ECHINACEA PURPUREA PHYTO LIGANDS TARGETING HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS TYPE 18’S L1 PROTEIN: IMPLICATIONS FOR CERVICAL CANCER MANAGEMENT

2024-03-01T15:12:47+0530

Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a highly oncogenic virus responsible for the majority of intraepithelial lesions and cervical cancer. Among various HPV types, 16 and 18 contribute to approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases globally, making them the most prevalent high-risk oncogenic variants associated with this disease. Numerous vaccines (Gardasil 9, Gardasil, and Cervarix) have been approved by FDA to combat HPV infections; however, their widespread implementation faces challenges due to their limited cost-effectiveness.

Methods: Echinacea purpurea’s components have already been studied for in silico analysis against HPV Type 16’s L1 protein. In the present analysis, we aimed to explore the potential interaction between E. purpurea phytoligands (curcumin, echinacoside, and chicoric acid) and the major capsid protein L1 of HPV type 18 (2R5I) through molecular docking analysis.

Results: Molecular docking analysis revealed that the echinacoside, one of the components of E. purpurea, has the best binding affinity (−7.9 kcaL/moL) against the L1 protein of the HPV type 18.

Conclusion: The molecular docking analysis indicates that E. purpurea could act as an inhibitor against HPV infection. Further research and in vivo studies are necessary to confirm its efficacy as a cost-effective alternative to present HPV vaccines.

PRESCRIPTION PATTERN OF NUTRACEUTICALS IN PATIENTS VISITING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, KATHMANDU, NEPAL

2024-02-17T06:35:25+0530

Objectives: This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the prescription pattern of nutraceuticals in patients visiting a tertiary care hospital in Kathmandu which includes identification of commonly prescribed nutraceuticals, analysis of co-prescribed drug classes, identification of major nutraceutical compositions, analysis of patient expenditure on nutraceuticals, and quantification of nutraceutical availability.

Methods: A purposive sampling method was used to conduct a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 304 patients from the outpatient departments of a tertiary care hospital, Nepal. Data on patients’ sociodemographic characteristics, co-prescribed drugs, nutraceutical details, and supplement expenses were collected using a structured questionnaire and form. Patient cards provided the necessary information, which was then analyzed with SPSS-16 and Microsoft Excel.

Results: Out of 304 prescriptions analyzed, 64% were prescribed to females and 26% to patients aged 31–45 years. The general medicine department accounted for 44% of nutraceutical prescriptions, with multivitamins being the most common (91%). Tablets were the preferred dosage form 56%, and gastrointestinal disorder medicine was commonly co-prescribed with nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals alone accounted for approximately 52% of the total medicine cost.

Conclusion: Nutraceuticals are being continuously used in the treatment of various diseases. The future of nutraceuticals is bright and can transform health care. More studies need to be taken up on the prescription of nutraceuticals in health care.

METHODOLOGY OF FEEDBACK SYSTEM IN EVALUATING THE FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT IN UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION 2ND-YEAR PHARMACOLOGY: CONCEPTS, IMPLEMENTATIONS, AND HURDLES

2024-01-05T16:28:15+0530

The aim and objective of the study was to determine the teaching methods and their pros and cons that predominate in students in understanding and scoring in formative and summative assessments. Pharmacology is a course that needs extra care in this direction as this field is ever-changing. It is very difficult for a student to remember the classification of drugs, names, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, indications, contraindications, side effects, and adverse drug reactions. The present study focuses on the mental level and the economical aspects of the persons involved in the establishment of the medical college.