Papers by Muhammad Ajmal Shah
Food borne diseases are an increasingly recognized problem involving a wide spectrum of illnesses... more Food borne diseases are an increasingly recognized problem involving a wide spectrum of illnesses caused by bacterial contamination of food. Enterobacteriaceae poses potential human health problems and is mainly transmitted through consumption of contaminated foods. Karachi is one of the
biggest and thickly populated city of Pakistan where majority of the people consume cheap foods prepared in unlicensed food selling points. The objective of the present study was to determine the total Enterobacteriaceae load in various fast foods sold directly to consumers in the streets of Karachi. A total of 27 different food items were collected from street vended foods and processed for the recovery of
Enterobacteriaceae load through culturing method and biochemical characterization. Out of the 27 samples,
13 food samples did not show the growth of Enterobacteriaceae, while the remaining 14 samples were
heavily contaminated with gram negative bacteria. From the present study, it can be concluded that majority of the fast foods sold in the street restaurants of Karachi Pakistan is highly contaminated and not fit for human consumption.
Berberis lycium is one of the species belong to family Berberidaceae, an evergreen shrub growing ... more Berberis lycium is one of the species belong to family Berberidaceae, an evergreen shrub growing in the Himalayan region. The various parts of the plant i.e. Root; bark, stem, leaves and fruits are used by local inhabitants as a medicine or food. Root bark of Berberis lycium has tremendous phytotherapeutic effects. The present study was conducted to evaluate Berberis lycium root bark for its anthelmintic and antiurolithic potential. During this study, in vitro anthelmintic as well as antiurolithic effects were assessed in both aqueous Berberis lycium root bark extracts i.e. decoction and infusion. Three concentrations, i.e. 25, 50 and 100 mg/ml of both infusion and decoction were evaluated in anthelmintic bioassay, which include the measurement of paralysis and death time of earthworm i.e. Pheretima posthuma. Both aqueous extracts showed considerable anthelmintic activity at a maximum concentration of extracts i.e. 100 mg/ml; both the paralysis and death times taken by decoction are lesser than infusion indicating its better efficacy. The reference standard Piperazine Citrate and control normal saline were used in the same concentration as that of extracts. The antiurolithic effect of Berberis lycium root bark was studied on different phases of calcium oxalate crystallization in artificial urine. Results showed that both decoction and infusion gave 92.4% and 80.2% inhibition of calcium oxalate crystallization at the concentration of 100% respectively. Furthermore, it has been observed that both aqueous extracts have a satisfactory inhibitory effect on the nucleation and growth phases of calcium oxalate crystallization.
Six compounds have been isolated from methanolic and petroleum ether extracts of Berberis lycium ... more Six compounds have been isolated from methanolic and petroleum ether extracts of Berberis lycium (Barberry). Four out of six isolated compounds are reported for the first time from this plant. Purification of different compounds has been accomplished by conventional extraction and chromatographic techniques. The compounds have been structurally characterized by IR, Low Resolution MS, 1 H-NMR and 13 C-NMR spectroscopic techniques. All plant extracts and isolated compounds were assayed for the first time for their antioxidant activity.
Lemon grass a popular aromatic plant which is commonly used as a substitute of green tea has a tr... more Lemon grass a popular aromatic plant which is commonly used as a substitute of green tea has a tremendous phytomedicinal potential. Like other tea plants it also having antimicrobial as well as antiprotozoal potential. Main objective of the present study was to find out the anthelmintic potential of aqueous extract of Cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass) by using a model worm i.e. Pheretima posthuma (earthworm). In this bioassay, three different concentrations i.e. 25, 50 and 1000mg/ml of above mentioned extract were tested in bioassay by noting time of paralysis and time of death of worms in minutes. Piperazine citrate was used as a standard reference compound along with normal saline as control in the same concentrations. The results indicated that lemon grass crude extract possessed anthelmintic activity in dose dependent manner.
In the present study, organoleptic evaluation of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L) peel powder was ... more In the present study, organoleptic evaluation of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L) peel powder was done and found pink in color having no smell and slightly bitter taste. Moreover, aqueous and methanolic extracts of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L) peel were also prepared and investigated for their anthelmintic activity using a model worm i.e. Pheretima posthuma. Three concentrations (25, 50 and 100 mg / ml) of each extracts were studied in activity, which involved the determination of time of paralysis and time of death of the worm. Both nature of extracts exhibited anthelmintic activity at highest concentration of 100 mg / ml; however, the response of methanolic extract was more profound. Piperazine citrate in same concentration as that of extract was included as standard reference and distilled water as control.
Thrombotic disorders like myocardial and cerebral infarction are fatal blood clotting related dis... more Thrombotic disorders like myocardial and cerebral infarction are fatal blood clotting related diseases. Synthetic therapeutics used in such disorders have serious adverse effects, so there is a need to investigate some more safe natural thrombolytic agents. Present study is a preliminary work towards such endeavors. During this study analysis of thrombolytic activity of Bougainvillea spectabilis leaf extract using a simple and quick in-vitro clot lysis assay was performed which exhibited maximum 84. 24% clot lysis at 800 µg/ml concentration in 72 hrs of incubation. Various concentrations of leaf extract i.e. 200µg/ml, 400µg/ml, 600µg/ml and 800µg/ml were tested at various time intervals including; 24hrs, 48hrs and 72hrs duration of incubation at 37 0 C for observing maximum clot lysis. The result findings indicated that concentrations of leaf extract enhanced the percentage of clot lysis in dose dependent manner along with the incubation time factor. However; streptokinase SK a reference standard and water were used as a positive and negative control showed clot lysis maximum 96.63% and 41.32% in 72 hrs of incubation respectively.
Investigation of thrombolytic activity of crude extracts of Camellia sinensis (Green tea) using i... more Investigation of thrombolytic activity of crude extracts of Camellia sinensis (Green tea) using in-vitro thrombolytic model which is very simple, rapid and easy to do method. Both aqueous crude and methanolic extracts were studied however; the results of methanolic extract were more promising which exhibited maximum 95. 24% clot lysis as compared to aqueous one i.e. 90.34% at 800 μg/ml concentration in 72 hrs of incubation. Various concentrations of leaf extract i.e. 200μg/ml, 400μg/ml, 600ug/ml and 800μg/ml were tested at different time intervals including; 24hrs, 48hrs and 72hrs duration of incubation at 37 0 C for observing maximum clot lysis. The result indicated that concentrations of leaf extract enhanced the percentage of clot lysis in dose dependent manner. On the other hand, Streptokinase SK, a reference standard and water were used as a positive and negative control showed clot lysis maximum 96.63% and 41.32% in 72 hrs of incubation respectively. From results, it can be concluded that if further studies reveals the exact molecule from green tea diverse composition, an effective thromolytic candidate can be achieved for the improvement of the patients suffering from Atherothrombotic diseases.
The flora of Pakistan and especially that of Northren Part has tremendous scope to evaluate their... more The flora of Pakistan and especially that of Northren Part has tremendous scope to evaluate their ethnomedicinal importance for more realistic way to justify their traditional usage and applications. Based on this, an ethnomedicinal survey was carried out in the Lilownai valley, District Shangla, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan in summer 2008 and reinvestigated during 2010-2011.The study showed that the local population not only use indigenous medicinal plants for curing various diseases but also earn their livelihood by selling some of them in the local market. One hundred and twenty five medicinal plants are being used by local people in the study valley in which a diversified application of these species have been observed. These include (24 species) astringent and for other skin problems, (16 species) laxative, (14 species) stomachic, (14 species) diuretic, (11 species) carminative, (10 species) anthelmintic, (10 species) used in reproductive disorders, (9 species) are used in various hepatic disorders, (9 species) used in various CNS disorders, (8 species) antispasmodic, (8 species) expectorant, (7 species) antirheumatic, (5 species) antiseptic, (4 species) antidiabetic, (4 species) purgative, (4 species) aphrodisiac, (3 species)anticancer, (2 species) antihypertensive and (2 species) for ophthalmic use. Similarly the remaining species have one or more medicinal use(s). Seventeen species of them are also collected for trade purposes that include Ajuga bracteosa, Paeonia emodi, Berberis lycium, Mentha longifolia, Diospyrus lotus, Skimmia lauriola, Zanthoxylum alatum, Morchella esculenta, , Bistorta amplexicaulis, Podophyllum emodi, Dryopteris jaxtapostia, Allium sativum, Cichorum intybus, Plectranthus rugosus, Dioscorea deltoidea, Juglans regia and Polygonatum multiflorum. Market survey revealed that the collectors are often not aware of the high market value and medicinal application so most of the collected material is sold to local middle man at very low price. Furthermore they are also do not take care during plant collection.
National Parks are diverse habitats for different medicinal plant species. Keeping the diversity ... more National Parks are diverse habitats for different medicinal plant species. Keeping the diversity and variation in view twenty one different areas in Pakistan have been declared as National Parks. Kirthar National Park is the second largest protected area of Pakistan, situated at a distance of about 80 Km in northeast of Karachi. Internationally the region is classified as Saharo Sindian region's inhabited by three different ethnic groups, viz. Burfat, Gabool and Rind having different ways of life, beliefs, and traditions. Plants of this region have inordinate medicinal importance and native communities have been utilizing local flora for medicinal purposes over generations. Information about medically important plants is available sporadically with local people. A total of 50 plant species (trees, herbs and shrubs) of 31 families were evidence to be used for medicinal purposes by the local inhabitants. More than150 local Hakims, senior citizens and farmers were interviewed for this purpose. Hopefully this kind of information will also generate wide interest in protecting and preserving diversity of plant species with medicinal importance. Due to the deaths of old people and changing trends, the valuable traditional medicinal knowledge is depleting from minds, this study could be helpful in conservation perspective of medicinally important plant species of Kirthar and traditional knowledge about their uses.
Utilizing microwave for extraction purpose of valuable constituents from plant and other natural ... more Utilizing microwave for extraction purpose of valuable constituents from plant and other natural sources has been in practice as a modern technology. In this study, eight different tea types which were locally and commercially available in Pakistan were subjected to both conventional and microwave techniques. The color and consistency of all eight types were found almost same. The yield via microwave assisted extraction was more than conventional extraction. Microwave extraction was performed at three different intensities via 140 W, 210 W and 245 W. The yield was dependent on the intensity of radiation. The minimum yield was achieved at 140W in case of Nepal tea i.e. 21.8% and maximum at 245 W in case of green tea at 245 W i.e. 34.1 %.
The leading purpose of our study was the assessment of epidemiological data on the resistance of ... more The leading purpose of our study was the assessment of epidemiological data on the resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and to compare the activity of Cefoperazone, Ceftazidime, Ceftizoxime, Cefotaxime, Ceftriaxone and Cefixime against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. For this purpose Broth Dilution Method was used for determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of antibacterial agents using strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 as control; according to criteria developed by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). A total of 200 clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were collected from different hospitals of Karachi. In-vitro susceptibility patterns (i.e. sensitive, resistant and intermediate) of third generation cephalosporins were reviewed. The study revealed that the most effective antibacterial agent was Cefoperazone (80% sensitive) while the second most effective antibacterial agent was Ceftazidime (70% sensitive). An intermediate activity was shown by Cefotaxime and Ceftizoxime. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was shown to be resistant to Cefixime and Ceftriaxone (0% sensitive).
Sulphur is an essential nutrient element and is found in abundance both in organic and inorganic ... more Sulphur is an essential nutrient element and is found in abundance both in organic and inorganic forms. Pharmaceutical industry is utilizing mineral sulphur in ointments as a germicide. Mineral sulphur in Hot Springs and organic sulphur in Onion and other food items have proven germicidal effects. Mineral sulphur is also being utilized in drinking water as germicide by general public but this Sulphurous water proved useless against majority of micro-flora especially indicator micro-organisms. Likewise mineral sulphur had no germicidal effects on any of the four stains tested.
Milk is a complete diet containing all essential nutritional constituents. The present study has ... more Milk is a complete diet containing all essential nutritional constituents. The present study has been concede to identify the predominant bacteria, fungi milk obtained from various sources viz Mix and local raw milk (Raw Milk 1, Raw Milk 2 and Raw Milk 3) to evaluate the hygienic quality of milk at storage stages, transportation and fungi present in milk are governed by upon the germ given study showed that milking, transportation and storage originated contamination of raw milk. Good quality milk could be obtained following certain steps including refrigerati radiation and pasteurization etc. Milk contamination can be decreased by proper hygienic packaging of milk. So it is greatly
Honey a natural nutritional product should be free from microbial contamination especially pathog... more Honey a natural nutritional product should be free from microbial contamination especially pathogenic microbes. To ensure the safety and efficacy of such natural nutritional products need their quality assessment both in the sense of microbial contamination as well as chemical contamination. In the present study, microbiological quality assessment of six commercially available honey products in a mega city of Pakistan i.e. Karachi was investigated. Results revealed that 4 out of 5 honey samples (ABCD) were found having mesophilic bacteria in the range of 3.2 x 103-4.0 x 103 and samples E and F did not have mesophilic bacteria. Total Coliform Count, an indicative of the hygienic status, indicates only presence in two samples A (2x 10) and B (4x10). Moreover, Bacillus spore contamination of all 4 species of Bacillus group were detected named as Bacillus polymyxa, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus megaterium in the honey samples among which dominant one is Bacillus cereus, but not any serious potential pathogenic microbes were detected in honey samples.
REVIEW-PAPER, May 2013
Antibiotic resistance in pathogens is on the increase but in the past few decades this problem ra... more Antibiotic resistance in pathogens is on the increase but in the past few decades this problem raised a deepening concern among scientific community in terms of the clinical management of infectious diseases. In this review, the common gram negative clinically significant pathogenic bacteria who have acquired resistance with passage of time like Shigella dysenteriae, Sh. Boydii, Sh. Flexneri, Listeria monocytogenes, Acinetobacter baumannii, acinetobacter, A. baumannii, Morganella morganii, Enterobacteriaceae, Citrobacter freundii, Citrobacter braakii, or Citrobacter amalonaticus, P. stuartii, Providencia rettgeri, P. alcalifaciens, P. rustigianii, E. coli, Salmonella. paratyphi, S. typhi, Salmonella enterica, have been compiled with their plausible ways of causing resistance. We conclude from our literature review that resistance in gram negative bacteria is on the rise and new and advanced antibiotics need to be designed and introduced.
Blastocystis hominis is a protozoan intestinal parasite and it has a widespread geographic distri... more Blastocystis hominis is a protozoan intestinal parasite and it has a widespread geographic distribution in countries of all income levels globally. A true pathogenic status of Blastocystis hominis is yet controversial; while it has been found in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms mainly. Moreover, Blastocystis is usually found in people who report no symptoms, and it has been estimated that most cases may be asymptomatic. The plausible reasons could be Blastocystis' lack of pathogenicity or personal immunity of the host. Research on Blastocystis hominis is scarce with large gaps remaining in complete understanding. In this regard, this review highlights its life cycle, transmission mechanisms, incubation period, epidemiology, and treatment options.
Hymenolepis nana, the 'dwarf tapeworm,' is the smallest tapeworm found in the intestines of broad... more Hymenolepis nana, the 'dwarf tapeworm,' is the smallest tapeworm found in the intestines of broad range of dogs, rats and humans. It is frequently in children than in adults. Although, the parasite has a wide distribution particularly more prevalent in warm areas. It exists in many parts of the world in Egypt, Sudan Portugal, Spain, Sicily, India, Japan, South America, Cuba and parts of Eastern Europe. The transmission of H. nana is mainly via anus to mouth and owing to this; the infection is very common in children. The incidence of infection in humans ranges from less 1% to 25 %. Infection consists of a few worms but occasionally large numbers of worms are present in an individual. Diagnosis is usually based on finding eggs in stool specimens. The infection can be prevented by observing strict personal hygiene and good sanitation, killing of rats and mice and by treatment of infected persons with a suitable taenicide such as niclosamide.
Present study describes the evaluation of diagnostics value of Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE) in p... more Present study describes the evaluation of diagnostics value of Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE) in patients with cardiac arrest of related cardiac dysfunction. Objectives: To examine the diagnostic and prognostic value of serum NSE for early prediction of outcome in patients after cardiac arrest. Study Design: Cross-Sectional study. Place and duration of the study. The Emergency Department and Biochemistry Lab, Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi from June 2006 to December 2007. Patients and Methods: A total of 92 patients brought to the Emergency Department of LNH with cardiac arrest, dysfunction and abnormalities, were included in the study. Each of these patients was successfully resuscitated and shifted to either ICU or CCU. Blood samples were taken to compare levels of NSE along with other markers such as AST, LDH, CK and CKMB iso-enzyme. Results: increasing levels of NSE significantly (P<0.01) correlated with the increasing value of CK and CKMB. Moreover, high AST levels also show borderline significance with high NSE level, when gender-wise independent t-test for equality of variance was performed. The results depict further diagnostic importance, at par with three out of four biochemical cardiac markers (CK, CKMB, AST except LDH). Conclusion: In present study, estimated NSE levels, determined in a group of males and females patients suffering from cardiac arrest or related cardiac dysfunction, was found to be a significant diagnostic tool, statistically evaluated to be a par with the diagnostically important CK and CKMB (inclusive of AST when correlated cumulatively), the two tests of choice in cardiac abnormalities.
Conference Presentations by Muhammad Ajmal Shah
"Introduction
Viral infections are one of the major public health challenges facing the world to... more "Introduction
Viral infections are one of the major public health challenges facing the world today. Infections with viruses in many cases not only weaken the immune system but also increasing the risk of opportunistic infections and various types of cancer as well. Medicinal plants play a vital role in combating various diseases of different origin. In the present study we evaluated antiviral potential of Berberis lycium root bark.
Methods
Two different crude aqueous extracts i.e. decoction and infusion of Berberis lycium root bark prepared by boiling and soaking methods have been investigated for antiviral potential. After two hours exposure of the viral infection (with New castle disease virus), the eggs were exposed to various concentrations of both decoction and infusion of Berberis lycium root bark and mortality was observed up to 96hrs.
Results
All eggs inoculated with the virus alone as well as 5 and 10 mg/ml extract/virus suspensions, died by 24 hrs post inoculation while no mortality was observed in those inoculated with 200 mg/ml extract/virus suspensions (decoction), 300 mg/ml extract/virus suspensions (infusion) and those inoculated with pure extract. 25, 50 and 100 mg/ml extract/virus suspensions in both decoction and infusion showed 40, 40 and 20% mortality due to viral activity.
Conclusion
This preliminary study showed that Berberis lycium root bark has a potential antiviral activity more in its decoction form than infusion so further research on isolation and purification of phytotherapeutic(s) responsible for antiviral activity will be a mile stone in combating various fatal viral infections.
""
Berberis lycium is one of the species belong to family Berberidaceae, an evergreen shrub growing ... more Berberis lycium is one of the species belong to family Berberidaceae, an evergreen shrub growing in Himalayan region. The various parts of the plant like root, bark, stem, leaves and fruits are used by the people as a medicine or food. This plant has also gained wide acceptance for its medicinal value in traditional system of medicines. In the present study root bark of Berberis lycium has been authenticated for its traditional anthelmintic and antiurolithiatic use. During this study, in vitro anthelmintic as well as antiurolithiatic effects were assessed in both aqueous Berberis lycium root bark extracts i.e. decoction and infusion. Three concentrations (25, 50 and 100 mg/ml) of each aqueous extract were studied in anthelmintic bioassay, which involved the determination of time of paralysis and time of death of the worm i.e. Pheretima posthuma. Both the extracts exhibited significant anthelmintic activity at highest concentration of 100 mg/ml; both the paralysis and death times taken by decoction are lesser than infusion indicating its better efficacy. Piperazine citrate in same concentration as that of extracts was included as reference standard and normal saline as control. Antiurolithiatic effect of Berberis lycium root bark was studied on different phases of calcium oxalate crystallization in synthetic urine. Results showed that both decoction and infusion gave 92.4% and 80.2% inhibition of calcium oxalate crystallization at the concentration of 100%.
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Papers by Muhammad Ajmal Shah
biggest and thickly populated city of Pakistan where majority of the people consume cheap foods prepared in unlicensed food selling points. The objective of the present study was to determine the total Enterobacteriaceae load in various fast foods sold directly to consumers in the streets of Karachi. A total of 27 different food items were collected from street vended foods and processed for the recovery of
Enterobacteriaceae load through culturing method and biochemical characterization. Out of the 27 samples,
13 food samples did not show the growth of Enterobacteriaceae, while the remaining 14 samples were
heavily contaminated with gram negative bacteria. From the present study, it can be concluded that majority of the fast foods sold in the street restaurants of Karachi Pakistan is highly contaminated and not fit for human consumption.
Conference Presentations by Muhammad Ajmal Shah
Viral infections are one of the major public health challenges facing the world today. Infections with viruses in many cases not only weaken the immune system but also increasing the risk of opportunistic infections and various types of cancer as well. Medicinal plants play a vital role in combating various diseases of different origin. In the present study we evaluated antiviral potential of Berberis lycium root bark.
Methods
Two different crude aqueous extracts i.e. decoction and infusion of Berberis lycium root bark prepared by boiling and soaking methods have been investigated for antiviral potential. After two hours exposure of the viral infection (with New castle disease virus), the eggs were exposed to various concentrations of both decoction and infusion of Berberis lycium root bark and mortality was observed up to 96hrs.
Results
All eggs inoculated with the virus alone as well as 5 and 10 mg/ml extract/virus suspensions, died by 24 hrs post inoculation while no mortality was observed in those inoculated with 200 mg/ml extract/virus suspensions (decoction), 300 mg/ml extract/virus suspensions (infusion) and those inoculated with pure extract. 25, 50 and 100 mg/ml extract/virus suspensions in both decoction and infusion showed 40, 40 and 20% mortality due to viral activity.
Conclusion
This preliminary study showed that Berberis lycium root bark has a potential antiviral activity more in its decoction form than infusion so further research on isolation and purification of phytotherapeutic(s) responsible for antiviral activity will be a mile stone in combating various fatal viral infections.
""
biggest and thickly populated city of Pakistan where majority of the people consume cheap foods prepared in unlicensed food selling points. The objective of the present study was to determine the total Enterobacteriaceae load in various fast foods sold directly to consumers in the streets of Karachi. A total of 27 different food items were collected from street vended foods and processed for the recovery of
Enterobacteriaceae load through culturing method and biochemical characterization. Out of the 27 samples,
13 food samples did not show the growth of Enterobacteriaceae, while the remaining 14 samples were
heavily contaminated with gram negative bacteria. From the present study, it can be concluded that majority of the fast foods sold in the street restaurants of Karachi Pakistan is highly contaminated and not fit for human consumption.
Viral infections are one of the major public health challenges facing the world today. Infections with viruses in many cases not only weaken the immune system but also increasing the risk of opportunistic infections and various types of cancer as well. Medicinal plants play a vital role in combating various diseases of different origin. In the present study we evaluated antiviral potential of Berberis lycium root bark.
Methods
Two different crude aqueous extracts i.e. decoction and infusion of Berberis lycium root bark prepared by boiling and soaking methods have been investigated for antiviral potential. After two hours exposure of the viral infection (with New castle disease virus), the eggs were exposed to various concentrations of both decoction and infusion of Berberis lycium root bark and mortality was observed up to 96hrs.
Results
All eggs inoculated with the virus alone as well as 5 and 10 mg/ml extract/virus suspensions, died by 24 hrs post inoculation while no mortality was observed in those inoculated with 200 mg/ml extract/virus suspensions (decoction), 300 mg/ml extract/virus suspensions (infusion) and those inoculated with pure extract. 25, 50 and 100 mg/ml extract/virus suspensions in both decoction and infusion showed 40, 40 and 20% mortality due to viral activity.
Conclusion
This preliminary study showed that Berberis lycium root bark has a potential antiviral activity more in its decoction form than infusion so further research on isolation and purification of phytotherapeutic(s) responsible for antiviral activity will be a mile stone in combating various fatal viral infections.
""