Browsing by Author "Weerasinghe, P."

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Assessment of in vitro antioxidant activity and flavonoid content Vernonia cinerea
(4th International Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Weerasinghe, P.; Abeysinghe, T.; Paranagama, P. A.
Leafy greens are an essential part of a healthy diet. Eating a diet rich in leafy greens can offer numerous health benefits including reduced risk of obesity, heart diseases, high blood pressure and mental decline. In Sri Lanka, Kola kanda or herbal porridge is a traditional breakfast made up of green leaves or herbs. Out of many herbs used for Kola kanda, Vernonia cinerea (Monarakudumbiya) is used to treat various diseases on folklore levels in Sri Lanka. However, no much scientific validation is found for V. cinerea for its medicinal uses. The present study was carried out to access the in vitro antioxidant activities and flavonoid content of leaf, root, stem and flower parts of V. cinerea. In vitro antioxidant potential of methanolic extracts of V. cinerea was evaluated by means of total phenolics by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay and the DPPH radical scavenging assay using standard procedures with slight modifications. The highest phenolic content of 101.80 ± 7.74 mg GAE/g was observed in flowers and the stem having the least phenolic content (71.95 ± 5.72 mg GAE/g). The flavonoid content ranged from 17.67 mg GAE/g to 12.76 mg GAE/g in all parts. DPPH radical scavenging activity of extracts of V. cinerea increased in a dose dependent manner with IC50 values ranging from 800 μg/mL to 2350 μg/mL in different parts. The leafy green, V. cinerea under this study contains a significant amount of essential phytochemicals which possess anti-oxidant properties supporting its use as a medicinal herb.
Comparative study on Proximate and Mineral composition in Vernonia cinerea
(International Postgraduate Research Conference 2019, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Weerasinghe, P.; Abeysinghe, T.; Paranagama, P.A.
Vernonia cinerea is a herb having several medicinal properties such as antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory and anticarcenogenic. This work investigated the proximate and mineral composition in different parts (leaves, roots, stem and flowers) of V. cinerea using standard procedures. Collected data of proximate and mineral analysis were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. The results of the proximate composition were found to be as follows; ash content ranged between 10.00 ± 1.32 % w/w and 20.17 ± 6.74 % w/w while both leaves and roots had the highest and flower had the least ash content which was significantly different (P<0.05). The moisture content ranged between 61.24 ± 2.17 % - 75.45 ± 4.74 % w/w in the different parts of the plant. The mean nitrogen content ranged between 1.91 ± 0.23 % w/w and 4.80 ± 0.18 % w/w. The protein content in flower, leaf, stem and roots of V. cinerea were significantly different (P<0.05) and the values ranged between 9.19 ± 1.08 % w/w - 23.07 ± 0.85 % w/w %. The plant parts were also analyzed for mineral elements such as Zn and Cu metal ions using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The levels of these elements found were; Zn:5.58 ± 0.14 - 51.27 ± 0.81 mg/kg and Cu 3.29 ± 0.06 - 8.57 ± 0.10 mg/kg with few exceptions. The mineral content of flower, roots, stem and leaves were significantly different (P<0.05). Therefore, V. cinerea as a therapeutically beneficial herb has a significant amount of proximate and mineral ion composition that can be specified.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE CONSUMER SATISFACTION LEVELS OF PRIVATE EDUCATION PROVIDERS OF SRI LANKA – EMPLOYABLE FORCE FOR 2020, TRENDS AND CHALLENGES
(Department of Marketing Management, University of Kelaniya,Sri Lanka., 2017) Weerasinghe, P.
Educational policy reforms taken place from time to time and lack of educational expenditure bared by the state have led to many social criticisms and lack of confidence on the prevailing university education system in Sri Lanka. As solution private university education became a new addition to the education industry of Sri Lanka in the recent past. Although with varying financial expenditure bared by the private sector as opposed the state sector they are still subject to lack of resources and experience in the industry. In Sri Lanka the concept of “private education” is ill-defined due to cultural factors and despite that the private universities are keen on highlighting the “market competitiveness” and assured “employability” status of their paid educational products while the state universities are seeking ways to convert their education systems towards more “marketable products”. This points out the educational goals expected to achieve by private sector as promised in line with economical and social goals of the country. However, it is important to understand the consumer satisfaction levels of private university students that can bring about this new change to the society. This study will address the factors affecting consumer satisfaction of private university students of Sri Lanka . The analysis will be based mainly on the quality of education, relationship maintenance and customer care, active student services, skill development and cultural orientation. The outcomes of the research will lead to a balance and sustainable private university education system which supplies reliable and employable products to the job market of Sri Lanka.
Making Nitrogen Enriched Biochar and its Effect on Crop Performance and Soil Properties
(University of Kelaniya, 2012) Chandrasoma, H.E.L.J.M.; Weerasinghe, P.; Yapa, P.L.
Nitrogen is an essential plant nutrient. Since it is a limiting nutrient in soil, nitrogen based fertilizers are extensively used in agriculture to enhance crop production. Biochar (BC) on the other hand, has a greater surface area and has the ability to retain nutrients. The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of N enriched BC as a nitrogen input for tomato under greenhouse conditions. Treatments used were Soil (control), Soil + BC, Soil + 100% N in the form of Urea, Soil+ 100% N in the form of BC ( N enriched biochar), Soil + 75% N in BC, Soil + 50% N in BC and Soil + 25% N in BC. All the pots were equally treated with potassium and phosphorus. Coconut shell charcoal was enriched with N using urea for different rates. Rate of BC application was 5 T/ha. Soil and BC samples were analyzed for pH, Electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon, available phosphorus and exchangeable potassium prior to the application of treatments. Plant height, fresh weight, dry weight, nitrogen uptake at harvesting and root dry weight were considered as crop parameters. Soil pH, EC, total nitrogen and available nitrogen were determined after harvesting. According to the results, Soil + 75% N treated BC showed the highest plant height and root dry weight. Soil (control) alone and BC + soil showed the lowest plant height, plant fresh and dry weights and nitrogen uptake. Nitrogen enriched BC at 75% N level gave comparable plant dry weight and N uptake with 100% inorganic N application. Root weight was more pronounced in BC with 75% N level and the application of inorganic fertilizer showed poor root weight compared to BC treated plants. Addition of BC raised soil pH and lowered EC. The study showed that the addition of N enriched BC at 75% n could produce comparable dry matter yield with standard NPK fertilizer application. BC addition improved the available N presence in soil at harvesting.
Presenting symptoms/conditions and selected aspects of health care quality at the Outpatient Department (OPD) of the Wickramarachchi Ayurvedic Hospital, yakkala
(College of the Community Physicians of Sri Lanka, 2007) Wanigasekara, C.; Weerasinghe, P.; Weerasinghe, A.; Weerasooriya, S.; Wellagiriya, S.; Wickramarathne, S.; Wijerathne, B.; Abeysena, C.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the presenting symptoms/conditions and selected aspects of health care quality of the Outpatient Department (OPD) of the Wickramarachchi Ayurvedic Hospital. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted on patients seeking treatment from the CPD oi the Wickramarachchi Ayurvedic Hospital. Yakkala between February to April 2007. A pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire was used to gather information from 250 patients. RESULTS: Fever, cold and respiratory symptoms (44.2%; n=46), musculoskeletal complaints (28.8%; n=30) and dermatological conditions (14.4%; n=15) were the commonest presentations among persons up to 40 years old. Musculoskeletal complaints (26.8%; n=38). lever, cold and respiratory symptoms (24.6%; n=35) diabetes and hypertension (20.4%; n=29) and eye problems (9.8%; n=14) were the commonest presentations among persons above 40 years. Out of 250 patients, 56(22.4%) had visited the Ayurvedic Hospital as the first preference for the current illness and the balance 194(77.6%) patients had taken treatment from other health care institutions. The majority (86%: =168) sought ayurvedic medicine after taking western medicine. The most common reason for giving up previous treatment methods was treatment failure (69%; n=135). The distance between home and the hospital was <10 km for 52.4%(n=137) patients and >20 km for 11.6%(n=54) patients. Median total expenditure for one visit to the Ayurvedic hospital was Rs.200 (Range Rs. 00500 to 3000.00) and 57.6%(n=144) had spent Rs.100-500 for one visit. Median waiting time for consultation was 90 minutes (Range 5 — 300min). Consultation time was <5 minutes in 52%(n=131) and >10minutes in 24%(n=60) of patients. Two hundred and seven (83%) patients were satisfied with treatment given and 224 (69.6%) on facilities provided by the Ayurvedic hospital. Statistically significant associations were observed between high satisfaction and low educational level (p<0.001) and previous treatment failure from other systems (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients seek ayurvedic treatment for various symptoms/diseases irrespective of their severity. patient's age and the distance to the hospital. The commonest reason for seeking ayurveda treatment was treatment failure at other methods. A majority were satisfied with the treatment provided and facilities available.
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.
Underwater archaeological impact assessment of the Colombo port city, Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2013) Wijesuriya, A.; Weerasinghe, P.; Karunaratne, S.; Tennegedara, P.