Browsing by Author "Ratnasooriya, W.D."

Now showing 1 - 16 of 16

Analgesic Activity of Water Extract of Spilanthes acmella Flowers on Rats
(Journal of Trop medical plants, 2001) Peiris, K.P.P.; Silva, G.K.J.; Ratnasooriya, W.D.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the analgesic potential of fresh flowers of Spilanthes acmella Murr. (family: Compositae) used by some Sri Lankan traditional medical practitioners to suppress toothache. Different doses of water extract of fresh flowers (111,335 and 671 mg kg-1 ) were orally administered to male rats and their analgesic potential was determined at different post treatment periods by using hot plate and tail flick tests. Sedative potential of the extract was evaluated by using rat hole board technique. The extract was well tolerated. A dose-dependent analgesic activity with a EC50 =313 mg kg-1was evident when evaluated in hot plate but not in tail flick test. This analgesic activity had a rapid onset and short duration of action and was not blocked by naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist. The mid dose of the also induced significant sedation, It is concluded that the analgesic activity is mediated supra-spinally accompanied with sedation.
Anti-inflammatory activity of decoction of leaves and stems of Anisomeles indica at pre-flowering and flowering stages
(Informa Healthcare, 2002) Dharmasiri, M.G.; Ratnasooriya, W.D.; Thabrew, M.I.
A decoction of leaves and stems of Anisomeles indica (Lamiaceae) is claimed to possess anti-inflammatory activity in Sri Lankan traditional medicine. The plants at both preflowering and flowering stages are used as an anti-inflammatory agent. However, the anti-inflammatory activity of the plant has not been scientifically evaluated thus far. The aims of this study were to evaluate scientifically the anti-inflammatory activity of decoctions of leaves and stems of A. indica at pre-flowering and flowering stages and possible toxic effects of the decoctions. Three doses of the freeze-dried decoction of a pre-flowering plant (E1) (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) and one dose of the decoction of a plant at flowering stage (E2) (500 mg/kg) were orally administered to rats. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using the carrageenan-induced paw edema, formaldehyde-induced paw edema and adjuvant-induced paw edema models in rats. E1 demonstrated a significant (P < 0.01) and dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effect in all three models, while E2 did not demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory activity. E1 demonstrated a significant (P < 0.01) and dose-dependent antihistamine activity and free radical scavenging activities in addition to the previously reported membrane stabilising and cyclooxygenase-I inhibitory activities. However, E1 failed to impair significantly the in vitro activity of lipoxygenase. A 30-day treatment with 500 mg/kg of E1 was not liver toxic or renotoxic, and it did not have a significant effect on body weights. It was concluded that the anti-inflammatory activity of E1 is contributed by cyclooxygenase-1 inhibition, plasma membrane stabilisation, antihistamine and free radical scavenging activities, but not by the inhibition of lipoxygenase. These observations prove scientifically the anti-inflammatory activity of A. indica, mentioned in the Sri Lankan traditional medicine, while revealing a loss of the activity after flowering.
Diuretic activity of leaf and stem decoctions of Anisomeles indica
(2003) Dharmasiri, M.G.; Ratnasooriya, W.D.; Thabrew, M.I.
Anisomeles indica (Lamiaceae) is a wild perennial herb growing in South and South East Asia. A decoction of leaves and stems of this plant is said to be diuretic but this point has not been verified in a controlled scientific investigation. The aim of the study was to scientifically investigate the diuretic activity of the decoctions of leaves and stems of both preflowering (E1) and flowering (E2) plants. Rats were used for experiments. The results showed that A. indica has powerful diurecti action and justify the use of the plant in traditional medicine in Sri Lanka. It is concluded that only the preflowering plants possessed marked diuretic activity. The selection of proper stage of the plant is vital for the induction of diuresis.
Diuretic activity of Spilanthes acmella flowers in rats
(2004) Ratnasooriya, W.D.; Peiris, K.P.P.; Samaratunga, U.; Jayakody, J.R.A.C.
ln the Sri Lankan traditional medicine. Spilanthes acmella Murr. (Family: Compositae) flowers are claimed to possess powerful diuretic activity. However, as yet, the diuretic potential of these flowers is not investigated by scientifically controlled studies. The aim of rhis study was to evaluate the diuretic potential of Spilanthes acmella flowers in rats using a cold-water extract (CWE). Difl-erent concentrations of CWE (-500. 1 000, I 500 mgArg) or vehiclc or furoscmide ( 13 mg/kg) were orally administered (// : 6 per each treatrrent -uroLrp) to hydrated rats and their urine output was monitored at several intervals of time (l*-5h). The highest dose of CWE significantly (P < 0.0-5) and markedly increased the urine output. The onset of this diurctic actjon was extremeiy prompt (within I h) and lasted thror-rghoLlt the stuciied pedocl (up to -5 h). The peak efTect was evident between 1 and 2 h. Further, the intensity of diLrresis induced by the CWE in the first hi..ur rvas almost simiiar to that of furosemide. Spilanthes acmella CWE also caused marked increase in urinary Na+ and K+ levels and a reduction in the osmolarity of urine suggesting that it is mainly acting as a loop diuretic. lt may also inhibit ADH release and/or action. It is concluded that the Spilanthes acmella CWE has strong diuretic action as is claimed.
Effect of an indigenous drug formulation (Churna) on clotting of mammalian blood
(Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute, 2006) Peiris, K.P.P.; Samaratunga, U.; Jayakody, J.A.R.C.; Ratnasooriya, W.D.
Effects of zinc supplementation on sexual behavior of male rats
(Medknow Publications, 2009) Dissanayake, D.; Wijesinghe, P.S.; Ratnasooriya, W.D.; Wimalasena, S.
CONTEXT: Effects of zinc on male sexual competence are poorly understood. Aim: To study the effects of different doses of zinc on the sexual competence of males using a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three subsets (eight in each subset) of sexually experienced adult male rats were supplemented with three different oral doses of zinc sulphate (a daily dose of 1 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg respectively) for two weeks. A subset of eight animals without zinc supplementation was used as the control group Sexual behavior was observed by placing them individually in cages with receptive females. Statistical ANALYSIS : Data analysis was done using SPSS v10 for windows computer software. RESULTS: Supplementation of 5 mg of zinc/day for two weeks led to a prolongation of ejaculatory latency; 711.6 sec. (SEM 85.47) vs. 489.50 sec. (SEM 67.66), P < 0.05 and an increase in number of penile thrusting; 52.80 (SEM 11.28) vs. 26.50 (SEM 6.17), P < 0.05, compared to controls. The same group had elevated prolactin (PRL) and testosterone (T) levels compared to controls at the end of treatment period; PRL- 7.22 ng/dl (SEM 3.68) vs. 2.90 ng/dl (SEM 0.34) and T- 8.21 ng/ml (SEM 6.09) vs. 2.39 ng/ml (SEM 1.79), P < 0.05. In contrast, reduction of libido was evident in the same group, but this effect was not statistically significant ( P > 0.05). However, partner preference index was positive and 5 mg zinc supplementation did not exert a significant adverse effect on the muscle strength and co-ordination. The subset of rats supplemented with 1 mg/day did not show a difference from the control group while supplementation with 10 mg/day led to a reduction of the libido index, number of mounts and intromissions. CONCLUSIONS : Zinc therapy improves sexual competence of male rats; the effect is dose dependent. Increase in the T levels is beneficial in this regard. However, increase in PRL is responsible for the reduced libido index. Further studies on pigs and monkeys are needed to evaluate the therapeutic use of zinc in sexual dysfunction
Evaluation of reproductive hormone profile in relation to semen quality in male partners of subfertile couples
(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2007) Dissanayake, D.M.A.B.; Palihawadana, T.S.; Wijesinghe, P.S.; Ratnasooriya, W.D.; Wimalasena, S.
The objective of the study was to assess the reproductive hormone profile of a Sri Lankan subfertile male population and to relate it to their semen parameters. Male partners of 152 subfertile couples who sought treatment at the subfertility unit of the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Faculty of Medicine, Ragama were included in the study. Serum samples were assayed for follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), Estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) levels, using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). A semen sample was obtained from each participant on the same day. Seminal fluid analysis was done according to the WHO guidelines. The mean (SEM) of FSH, LH, PRL, E2 and T levels of the males were 5.35 (0.53) mIU/mL, 6.20 (0.33) mIU/mL, 17.53 (0.60) ng/mL, 30.48 (1.80) pg/mL and 523.80 (14.74) ng/dL and the prevalence of abnormalities of these hormones were 9.8% (n=15), 5.9% (n=9), 13.15% (n=20), 0.6% (n=1) and 2.6% (n=4) respectively. Of the study population 20.3% (n=31) men had either single or combination of hormone abnormalities. When the mean hormone levels of the men with normal semen parameters were compared with those of men with abnormal semen parameters, none showed a statistically significant difference; FSH - 4.18 (2. 78) Vs 4.58 (3.15), LH - 5.90 (2.78) Vs 5.70 (2.36), PRL - 28.63 (14.96) Vs 17.59 (7.63) and T -551.39ñ208.17 Vs 515.73 (158.25). Mean (SD), FSH and LH levels were significantly higher among azoospermic participants compared with normozoospermics; 19.69 (9.93) Vs 4.18 (2.78) for FSH, 12.82 (11.82) Vs 5.90 (2.78) for LH, p<0.01). Similarly FSH and LH levels were significantly higher in severe oligospermic participants compared with the normozoospermics; 7.58 (4.34) Vs 4.18 (2.78) for FSH, and 6.96 (2.65) Vs 5.90 (2.78) for LH, p<0.05). The serum FSH level showed an inverse correlation with sperm concentration (r= -0.203, p<0.05) and total sperm count (r= -0.206, p<0.05). In conclusion, an endocrinopathy was present in up to 20% of this population. Abnormalities in Gonadotrophin levels were related with azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia. Serum FSH showed a negative correlation with the sperm concentration and the total sperm count. Other hormones failed to show a significant relationship with the semen parameters in this population. Acknowledgement: National Science Foundation research grant No. RG/2004/M/14
Haematological parameters of three species of wild caught microchiropteran bats, Miniopterus schreibersii, Taphozous melanopogon and Hipposideros lankadiva in Sri Lanka
(Journal of Science of the University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2005) Ratnasooriya, W.D.; Udagama-Randeniya, P.V.; Yapa, W.B.; Digana, P.M.C.B.; Dharmasiri, M.G.
This study,for the first time in South Asia, examines haematological parameters of thre species of wild caught Sri Lankan microchiropteran bats, belonging to three different families having different global zoogeographical distributions; Miniopterus schreibersii (Vespertilionidae: n=12), Taphozous melanopogon (Emballonuridae; n=19) and Hipposideros lankadiva (Hipposiderosidae; n=15). Blood samples were obtained from the median vein and the total white blood cell (WBC) count, red blood cell (RBC) count, packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin content(Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin content (MCHC) were determined using standard haematological techniques. lnterspecies differences existed in some of the parameters monitored, i.e. PCV, MCV, WBC and RBC counts. % of neutrophils and lymphocytes. On the other hand, a gender discrepancy was recorded for T.melanopgon with respect to neutrophils and lymphocytes, and for M. schreibersii with respect to the total WBC count. The highest WBC count and the lowest PCV and MCV were found in M. schreibersii. T.melanopgon registered the highest percentage of lymphocytes and the lowest percentage of neutrophils, while H. lankadiva possessed the highest MCV. Haematological values were recorded also for a single lactating T.melanopogon.
Inflight and Outflight Activity Patterns of Five Species of Cave Dwelling Bats in Sri Lanka
(Journal of Science of the University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2005) Yapa, W.B.; Ratnasooriya, W.D.; Costa, H.H.; Rubsamen, R.
Wavulgalge, a natural cave situated in Nikapitiya, Koslanda (6?40' - 6?45N': 80?00'-81?05'E), in the eastern region of Sri Lanka is sympatrically inhabited by five species of bats. i.e., four microchiropterans: Rhinolophus rouxii (10000 ? 12000 individuals). Hipposideros lankadiva (1500 - 2000). Hipposideros speoris (200 - 300).Mmiopterus schreibersii (700 - 1000) and one megachiropteran, Rousettus leschenaulti (5000 - 7000). Field studies were carried out from May 1988 to November 1989 in this cave to study the factors influencing the timing of inflight and outflight activity of each bat species. Throughout the study period the outflight commenced ca. 10 minutes before the sunset (light intensity 150-350 lux) and the bats retuned the following morning. ca. 10 minutes before the sun rise (light intensity 100 - 200 lux). The light intensity threshold of different species of bats appeared to be different from one another . During the outflight. R. rouxii and M schrribersii were the first bats to emerge, followed by hipposiderids and the fruit bat, R. leschenaulti. During the inflight in the morning, complete reverse sequence was observed. Results show that the light intensity is the most crucial environmental factor that regulates the time of outward and inward flight activities of the bat species of this cave. In contrast, no relationship was evident between the outward and inward flight activities of the bats and the other environmental factors monitored namely temperature, humidity, rainfall and the velocity of the wind.
Oral diuretic activity of hot water infusion of Sri Lankan black tea (Camellia sinensis L.) in rats.
(pharmacogn magazine, 2010) Abeywickrama, K.R.; Ratnasooriya, W.D.; Amarakoon, A.M.
BACKGROUND: Black tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze (family: Theaceae)] has been used by Sri Lankan traditional practitioners to promote diuresis. However, the type and grade of tea is not specified. MATERIALS AND METHODS: THIS STUDY INVESTIGATES THE DIURETIC ACTIVITY OF BLACK TEA INFUSION (BTI) IN RATS USING BROKEN ORANGE PEKOE FANNINGS (BOPF) GRADE FROM MAJOR AGROCLIMATIC ELEVATIONS: high-, mid-, and low-grown. Different concentrations of BTI, furosemide (positive control), and water (vehicle) were orally administered to starved (18 h) male rats (n = 9/group), then hydrated. Acute and chronic (28 days) diuretic activities were assessed by measuring cumulative urine output at hourly intervals for 6 h. Electrolyte levels (Na(+), K(+), Ca(2+), H(+), Cl(-), HCO(3) (-)), pH, osmolarity of urine, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of treated rats were determined. RESULTS: Administration of BTI induced a significant (P < 0.05) and dose-dependent diuretic activity, which varied with the tea produced in different agroclimatic elevations. Diuretic activity had a rapid onset (1(st) h), peaked at 2(nd) h and maintained up to 4(th) h (except the low dose). Furthermore, there was a dose-dependent increase in micturition frequency, which peaked at 2(nd) h. A close association between the caffeine content of tea and diuretic activity was evident. BTI-induced diuresis was accompanied with an increased urine Na(+) level and GFR. The diuretic activity of BTI was mediated via multiple mechanisms: inhibition of both aldosterone secretion (with increased Na(+)/K(+) ratio) and carbonic anhydrase [with decreased Cl(-)/(Na(+) + K(+)) ratio] and via thiazide type of diuretic action (evaluated with increased Na(+)/Cl(-) ratio). CONCLUSION: The Sri Lankan BOPF grade black tea possesses mild oral diuretic activity whose efficacy differs with the agroclimatic elevation of production. Furthermore, it supports the traditional claim that the black tea acts as a diuretic.
Roost Selection of the Short-Nosed Fruit Bat, Cynopterus spp. in Sri Lanka
(Journal of Science of the University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2003) Digana, P.M.C.B.; Yapa, W.B.; Randeniya, R.V.; Ratnasooriya, W.D.
A total of 160 day roosts of short nosed fruit bats (Cynopterus sp.) were examined during a 3 year study in Sri Lanka. Day roosts were found in five species of trees; Talipot palm (Corypha umbraculiferay), Coconut (Cocos nucifera), Banana(Musa sp.), Habarala (Alocasia sp.) and Kitul (Caryota urens). A11 the day roostsfound in this study can be categorized in to three groups, viz, tents, foliage roosts and seed string roosts. Majority (92%) of day roosts were in the form of tents, all of which were found in the talipot palm. Foliage roosts ( 7%) were found in three species of plants (c. nucifera, Musa sp., Alocasia sp.) while two (1%) of the roosts were found in Kitul palm, inside the seed strings. Our observations indicate that the tents are constructed by male bats and serve as the primary roosts of the Cynopterus.
Seminal Fructose Corrected for Motile Sperm Count is a Better Marker for the Evaluation of Seminal Vesicles Function
(University of Kelaniya, 2007) Dissanayake, D.M.A.B.; Wijesinghe, P.S.; Ratnasooriya, W.D.; Wimalasena, S.
Introduction: Assessment of seminal plasma fructose in relation to seminal vesicles (SV s) function or semen quality is controversial. Majority supported the futility of assessing fructose levels in relation to SVs function or semen quality. One study has been reported that fructose corrected for motile sperm concentration is a better marker for evaluating SVs function. But there is no supportive evidence to prove this suggestion. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine a better marker for the evaluation of seminal plasma fructose in relation to SV s function and semen quality using two markers; total fructose in the ejaculate (TF) and corrected seminal fructose (CF), calculated as (log motile sperm count) x (total fructose), in a Sri Lankan male population. Method: Semen samples were obtained from 152 men who attended the subfertility unit, Faculty of medicine, Ragama for semen analysis. Samples were analyzed for semen parameters. Seminal plasma fructose levels were measured using colorimetric method given in the WHO guidelines. Results: Prevalence of hypofunction of SVs was 11 % using total fructose as a marker and 19% using corrected fructose as a marker. Asthenozoospermia was observed in 5% of males with abnormal TF levels (<13 !!mol I ejaculate) and in 9 % of males with abnormal (low) CF levels. Volume, progressive motility, viability and morphology were significantly low in CF fructose abnormal samples (volume-2.0 Vs 2.9, motility-32.5 Vs 53.2, viability-60.3 Vs 72.7, morphology- 29.7 Vs 41.1, p<0.001), whereas only parameter significantly reduced in TF abnormal group was volume (1.5 Vs 2.9, p<0.001). Regression analysis showed a better coefficient of correlations between CF and sperm count (r"' 0.365, p<0.0001) and, motile sperm count (r'"0.294. p<0.0001). TF showed a weak positive correlation with sperm count (r= 0.197, p
Serum levels of some biochemical constituents of captive Sri Lankan elephants (Elephas maximus maximus)
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) de Alwis, G.K.H.; Wijesekara, R.D.; Vithana, D.; Neththasinghe, N.; Ratnasooriya, W.D.
A Study to access the prevalence of zinc abnormalities and the effect of zinc on semen parameters in subfertile population
(Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya, 2009) Dissanayake, D.M.A.B.; Palihawadana, T.S.; Herath, H.M.R.P.; Wimalasena, S.; Ratnasooriya, W.D.; Wijesinghe, P.S.
OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between serum zinc levels and semen quality in a subfertile population. STUDY DESIGN: Study was carried out as a cross sectional prospective study at the Infertility unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of medicine, Ragama. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty two male partners of couples who were seeking fertility treatment were recruited after excluding possible confounding factors. A semen sample and a blood sample were obtained from each subject. Semen samples were analyzed according to WHO guidelines and serum level of zinc was estimated using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Mean daily intake of zinc was assessed by 24 hour dietary recall method. RESULTS: There were twenty one males (13.8 %) with serum zinc deficiency and seven (4.6 %) with serum zinc levels above the normal reference value. The mean serum zinc levels were not significantly different between normal and abnormal groups of individual seminal parameters There was no significant difference of zinc levels between normozoospermics and pathozoospermics, 0.92 Ilg/ml (SD 0.37) vs. 1.01 Ilg/ml (SD 0.35), P = 0.136. There was a weak positive correlation between serum zinc levels and seminal pH (r = 0.167, P < 0.039), but not between zinc levels and other semen parameters. The mean daily zinc intake in the study population was 13.67 mg (SD 1.55). There were no correlations between zinc intake and social aspects (income or educational level) or serum zinc levels. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of serum zinc abnormalities in this population was 18.4 %. There was no significant effect of serum zinc on the quality of semen. Assessment of serum zinc levels may have no advantage in evaluating male fertility.
Water extracts of leaves and stems of pre-flowering but not flowering plants possess analgesic and antihyperalgesic activities in rat
(Informa Healthcare, 2003) Dharmasiri, M.G.; Ratnasooriya, W.D.; Thabrew, M.I.
According to Sri Lankan traditional medicine, a decoction made from stems and leaves of Anisomeles indica Kuntze (Lamiaceae) possesses analgesic activity. However, the validity of this claim has not been scientifically tested. The aim of this study was to investigate analgesic and antihyperalgesic activities of this plant using a water extract made from the leaves and stems. The water extracts were made from leaves and stems of both preflowering (E1) and flowering plants (E2). E1 showed a dose-dependent analgesic effect up to 6 h of treatment when tested in rats using the hot plate and the tail flick techniques. Further, the analgesic effect of E1 was not accompanied by toxic effects. This effect was neither gender dependent nor dependent on the stage of the estrous cycle. E1 also showed a dose-dependent antihyperalgesic activity in the hot plate test. In contrast, E2 did not show any analgesic effect (500 mg/kg). The analgesic effect produced by E1 was not abolished by naloxone. E1 dose-dependently retarded the amplitude of the spontaneous contractions of isolated dioestrous rat uterus. Further, E1 induced a dosedependent plasma membrane stabilisation effect on rat erythrocytes. Collectively, these observations suggest that the analgesic and antihyperalgesic effects of E1 are mediated from inhibition of COX-1, thus impairing the synthesis of prostaglandins. A change in chemical contents that accompanies flowering could be one possible reason for the inability of E2 to demonstrate analgesic effect.
Zinc levels in seminal plasma and its relationship with semen parameters in male partners of sub fertile couples
(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2006) Dissanayake, D.M.A.B.; Wijesinghe, P.S.; Ratnasooriya, W.D.; Wimalasena, S.