Browsing by Author "Fernando, P.N.J."

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Do common arishta preparations manufactured in Sri Lanka contain anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), stimulants or ethanol?
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2018) Fernando, P.N.J.; Pigera, S.; Rashani, S.A.N.; Fernando, R.; Weerasinghe, D.P.P.; Godakumbura, K.K.D.T.D.; Niriella, M.A.; Jayawickreme, S.; de Silva, A.P.
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The common arishta preparations which are available in the local market are .'Ashwagandharishta', 'Balarishta' and 'Dashamoolarishta'. These contain a wide range of chemical constituents including alkaloids and steroidal lactones. Moreover, fermented decoctions and infusions are also used in ayurveda therapeutics and the fermentation process as well generates alcohol. The possible presence of substances prohibited within the world anti-doping agency (WADA) code in the arishta preparations may threaten the careers of athletes who consume herbal supplements. The objective of this study is to analyse commonly available arishta samples for the presence of prohibited AAS, stimulants as per WADA code and determination of ethanol content. METHODS: Compounds were segregated by adjusting pH after dissolving in methanol. Organic layer was evaporated and residue was reconstituted with derivatizing agent. The derivatized solutions were utilized for gas chromatography- mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. In addition to that ethanol content of arishta samples was quantified by using gas chromatography. RESULTS: The GC-MS studies showed the absence of prohibited AAS and stimulants in the arishta samples analysed. Moreover, glycerol and ethanol were identified to be present in all samples and ethanol content of the all arishta samples was (5.80 - 8.35 ±0.5) % (v/v) and the limit of detection was about 2 g/ml. CONCLUSION: This study showed the absence of any AAS or stimulants as per the WADA code in the arishta samples analysed. However, alcohol content below 8.35±0.5% (v/v) was detected. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study showing these findings.
The Health Effects of the Combined Use of Protein, Multivitamins and Electrolyte Dietary Supplements on Sri Lankan Athletes: A Pilot Study
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2020) Fernando, P.N.J.; Pigera, S.; Rashani, S.A.N.; Niriella, M.A.; Jayawickreme, S.; de Silva, A.P.
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The combine use of protein, multivitamins and electrolyte dietary supplements daily; multiple supplement (MS), is a common practice among Sri Lankan Athletes. The aim of this study was to determine the relative risk for developing adverse health effects from multiple supplements use. METHOD: A Retrospective Cohort, pilot study was conducted with 45 healthy athletes (23 males and 22 females), age between 22-31. Participants were composed of non-supplement users (n=19) and MS users for 2-5 months’ time (n=25). Their lipid, kidney, liver profiles, full blood count, fasting blood glucose, serum testosterone, urine full report and urine protein/creatinine were tested. Food frequency questionnaire was also filled from each athlete. RESULTS: Increase in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol was significantly higher among multiple supplements users than non-users (P<0.05). Relative risk in increasing total cholesterol between 200-240 mg/dL was 8.7, increasing LDL cholesterol between 160-171 mg/dL was 2.9 and being overweight was 1.3, in MS users compared to non-users. Relative Risk in increasing total cholesterol was 2.9 in female and 7.1 in male while increasing LDL cholesterol was 2.3 in female and 4 in male. There were no statistically significant changes in the other parameters studied. CONCLUSION: Combined use of MS between 2-5 months, has a negative effect on the lipid profile of athletes. More pronounced in male. The clinical implication of this finding needs further study.
Screening for performance enhancing substances and quantification of ethanol in different Arishta manufactured in Sri Lanka
(The Sri Lanka Medical Association., 2020) Fernando, P.N.J.; Pigera, S.; Rashani, S.A.N.; Fernando, R.; Weerasinghe, P.; Godakumbura, T.D.; Niriella, M.A.; Jayawickreme, S.; de Silva, A.P.
BACKGROUND: Arishta have been used in Ayurveda medicine for over thousands of years in Sri Lanka to treat various diseases. Ashwagandharishta, Balarishta and Dashamoolarishta are usually prescribed to obtain an anabolic effect, and Ashwagandharishta and Dashamoolarishta for androgenic effect in males. Thus, these arishta have been shown to have similar effect as anabolic androgenic steroids and stimulants in Western medicine. Therefore, arishta could potentially be used by athletes to improve their performance in sports leading to unintentional doping. Additionally, ethanol develops in-source during arista fermentation, which can affect athletes health. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate whether the anabolic androgenic steroids or stimulants banned by World Anti-Doping Agency are present in these arishta, and to determine their ethanol content. METHODS: Methanol extractions of Ashwagandarishta, Balarishta, Dashamoolarishta from four different manufacturers were screened for 21 stimulant and 22 anabolic androgenic steroids banned by World Anti-Doping Agency, using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer. Ethanol content of the twelve Arishta samples were also measured. RESULTS: Anabolic androgenic steroids or stimulants were not present in the tested Arishta samples, and percentage volume / volume ethanol content of all Arishta was between (5.80–8.35) ±0.5. CONCLUSION: The tested brands of Ashwagandharishta, Balarishta and Dashamoolarishta did not contain stimulants or anabolic androgenic steroids banned by World Anti-Doping Agency.