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GC-MS analysis and evaluation of antibacterial activity of Sida cordifolia leaf extracts from Jaffna, Sri Lanka

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: GC-MS analysis and evaluation of antibacterial activity of Sida cordifolia leaf extracts from Jaffna, Sri Lanka Authors: Sivakumar, D.; Balachanthiran, T.; Srikokulan, S.; Jeyaseelan, T.C. Abstract: Introduction: Antimicrobials are becoming less effective due to growing antimicrobial resistance; thus, finding alternatives is crucial. Medicinal plants provide valuable sources of antimicrobial compounds. In traditional medicine, Sida cordifolia is employed to treat inflammation, wounds, and skin infections. Objective: To identify the bioactive compounds in S. cordifolia leaf extracts and evaluate their antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Methods: Methanol, ethyl acetate, and petroleum ether leaf extracts were prepared using a maceration process. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. Phytochemical analysis of the methanolic leaf extract was performed using GC-MS. Results: Methanolic extracts showed the highest antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. The MICs of methanol, ethyl acetate, and petroleum ether extracts were 50 mg/ml, 100 mg/ml, and 100 mg/ml, respectively. The GC-MS analysis results revealed that long-chain fatty acids are the major compounds. Conclusion: The findings support the traditional use of S. cordifolia as an antimicrobial agent.

Prevalence of leftover medicines and associated factors among patients attending different clinics at Teaching Hospital Jaffna, Northern Province

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Prevalence of leftover medicines and associated factors among patients attending different clinics at Teaching Hospital Jaffna, Northern Province Authors: Vinothini, J.; Kalki, P.; Harshya, A.; Aravinthi, Y. Abstract: Introduction & Objective: Leftover medicines (LMs) are medicines that remain unused or partially used after being dispensed. LM accumulation has become a growing healthcare concern as it may lead to medication wastage, healthcare costs, and finally led to treatment failure. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of and identify the factors associated with the LMs. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 580 different clinic patients attending Teaching Hospital, Jaffna, in 2026 and stratified random sampling was adopted. Data were collected through an intervieweradministered questionnaire for patient’s information and medications information was extracted from clinical records. Results: The median participant age was 58 years (IQR: 44–68), and 59% were female. The prevalence of LMs was 82%. Tablets and capsules were the most common dosage form (83%). Among 17 therapeutic categories, antihypertensive (15%), and analgesic (12%) medicines were the most common LMs. The major reasons were cognitive-related medication non-adherence (36%), obtaining medicines beyond clinical need (23%), and reductions in prescribed doses (13%). LMs were significantly associated with age >60 years, below secondary education, unemployment, chronic disease, follow-up intervals >2 months, disease duration >4 years, and prescription of >5 medicines (p < 0.001). Adverse effects (p = 0.002) and poor understanding of medication instructions (p = 0.005) were also significantly associated. Conclusion: LMs were highly prevalent and significantly associated with several socio demographic factors. Study reveals the importance of structured medication reconciliation and patient counselling during follow-up visits.

Drinking water quality and associated risk factors among chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology patients at Nephrology clinic, Divisional hospital, Padavi Sripura

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Drinking water quality and associated risk factors among chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology patients at Nephrology clinic, Divisional hospital, Padavi Sripura Authors: Karthiga, M.; Wimalarathna, W.C.S.S.M.; Herath, G.H.M.N.T.; Rajapaksha, R.D.J.S.; Saseevan, S.; Sivasinthujah, S.; Ramesh, J. Abstract: Introduction & Objectives: Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown etiology (CKDu) is a major public health concern in Sri Lanka, particularly in dry zone agricultural areas. Drinking water quality and agrochemical exposure have been reported as potential contributors. This study aimed to evaluate the drinking water quality and the associated risk factors for CKDu among patients at Nephrology clinic of Divisional Hospital Padavi Sripura. Materials & Methods: Forty-eight CKDu patients were included in this study. Clinical and and other related data were obtained from both clinic records and interviewer-administered questionnaire. Drinking water samples were analyzed for pH (pH meter), electrical conductivity (EC) (conductivity meter), total dissolved solids (TDS) (gravimetric analysis), total hardness (TH) (EDTA titrimetric method) and fluoride concentration (ion selective electrode). Data were analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlation, Kruskal- Wallis test, and multiple linear regression. Results: Among 48 participants, 81.25% were males. Farmers accounted for 68.75%. Well water was the primary drinking water source of participants (85.42%). Dug and tube well water showed pH, 7.01 ± 0.17 (SLS: 6.5-8.5), EC, 1007.93 ± 371.23 μS/cm (SLS: 750), TDS, 752.81 ± 253.14 mg/L (SLS: 500), TH 420.00 ± 137.18 mg/L (SLS: 250), and fluoride 0.68 ± 0.20 mg/L (SLS: 1.0). Filtration significantly reduces EC, TDS, TH, and fluoride (p < 0.05), whereas boiling produces minimal reduction in EC, TDS, and TH. Score was positively correlated with EC (ρ = 0.624, p < 0.001), TDS (ρ = 0.602, p < 0.001), TH (ρ = 0.366, p = 0.011), and fluoride (ρ = 0.474, p = 0.001). TDS was identified as the only significant predictor of Scr. Conclusions: The findings suggest poor drinking water quality, particularly high TDS and mineral content are associated with impaired kidney function among CKDu patients in Padavi Sripura. However, it needs further validation with large sample size.

In vitro evaluation of antidiabetic activity of the methanolic extract of the seed of Vateria copallifera

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: In vitro evaluation of antidiabetic activity of the methanolic extract of the seed of Vateria copallifera Authors: Athapatthu, A.W.M.A.K.; Rathnayake, G.W.S.L.; Prasadi, H.L.T.; Sivasinthujah, S. Abstract: Introduction & Objectives: Vateria copallifera alston is one of the endemic plants in Sri Lanka and is reported to have larvicidal, antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Ayurveda uses the plant's seeds to treat diabetes mellitus. Because of this medicinal value and the fact that no studie investigated the antidiabetic property of the seed, this study focuses on evaluating the antidiabetic activity of the methanolic seed extract. Seeds were collected in Kalutara, Sri Lanka. Materials & Methods: Seeds were dried, powdered, and macerated in methanol to obtain the methanolic extract. The antidiabetic potential was evaluated by the α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory assay using acarbose as standard. Total phenolic content was evaluated using gallic acid as the standard. Qualitative phytochemical screening was performed on crude methanol extracts. All experiments were performed in triplicate and reported as mean ± standard deviation. Results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test (p < 0.05) in SPSS23. Results: The methanolic extraction of seeds produced an extraction yielded of 16.77%. Regarding the α-amylase inhibition, acarbose exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect (IC50: 145.3629±4.12 μg/ml), while V. copallifera seed extract exhibited moderate inhibitory activity (IC50: 3046.180 ± 1025.67 μg/mL). Regarding α-glucosidase inhibition, acarbose exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect (IC50:211.98 ± 1.16 μg/mL), while the seed extract exhibited (IC50: 318.04 ± 0.947 μg/mL). The total phenolic compound of the seeds was 59.39 ± 1.08 mg GAE/g extract. Statistical analysis showed that the IC50 values of seed extract for both α-amylase and α-glucosidase differed significantly from those of acarbose (p < 0.05). The qualitative phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, gum mucilage and glycosides. Conclusions: This study provides first evidence that V. copallifera seed extract has antidiabetic activity, supporting its Ayurvedic use. It showed potent α-glucosidase inhibition, but weaker α- amylase inhibition. This activity likely stems from high phenolic content and phytochemicals. Further isolation and in vivo studies are warranted