Browsing by Author "Srivastava, Bajarang Bal Lal"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Ethnomedicinal, Phytochemistry and Antiviral Potential of Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
    (MDPI, 2022) Srivastava, Bajarang Bal Lal; Ripanda, Asha Shabani; Mwanga, Hossein Miraji
    Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been a famous root crop for its medicinal properties since pre-historical times. Lack of effective therapeutics for most viral diseases, higher cost of some antiviral therapies, and the emergence of antiviral drug resistance are increasingly reported. Drug resistance is predicted to be a leading cause of mortality globally by 2050, thus requiring intervention. The need for effective natural antiviral compounds to mitigate viral diseases, such as curcumin, calls for further studies. Curcumin, a primary curcuminoid compound, has demonstrated a broad activity as an antiviral agent. Due to the need to overcome drug resistance to chemically synthesised drugs, the best option is to improve and adapt the use of natural antiviral agents. The antiviral potential of curcumin is hindered by its solubility and bioavailability. Recently, different techniques, such as the preparation of curcumin carbon quantum dots, have been used to improve curcumin antiviral activity. Therefore, the current review aims to assess curcumin’s benefits as a natural antiviral agent and techniques to improve its medicinal activity. Future use of curcumin will aid in mitigating viral diseases, including resistant strain, hence sustainability of the entire community. In this case, research and innovation are required to improve the solubility and bioavailability of curcumin for medical uses.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Prevalence and factors associated with continual opioid use among patients attending methadone clinic at Mwananyamala hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
    (Elsevier, 2019) Ripanda, Asha Shabani; Srivastava, Bajarang Bal Lal; Vuai, Said Hamad; Nyundo, Azan A
    Trends of continual drug use while under treatment have been reported worldwide. This paper assesses opioid use among patients receiving treatment in a methadone clinic for opioid addiction. A total of 126 urine samples were analyzed using LC–MS/FTMS. About 16% of patients were found to have a high prevalence level of opioids use. Prevalence level was significantly associated with the duration of treatment (p = 0.0121) and age (p = 0.0328). About 125/126 patients were found to have remnants of opioids of abuse. Therefore, measures should be taken to overcome continual use of opioids among clients.