By trial and experience man has identified a number of compounds around him and using them for cure of certain illnesses. Amongst these toxicological properties of certain oils and fatty acids have received a considerable attention over a period of 100 years. Clark first noted antimycotic properties of fatty acids and Kiessel reported that the antifungal property of an oil is increased with an increase in the fatty acid chain length. Later, studies by Linderberg and Linderberg supported the above view. The antimycotic nature of certain fatty acids and their wide occurrence particularly in the preening glands in birds and sebaceous glands in human beings have prompted interest in using oils and fats as natural antimicrobial agents. Kitajima and Kawamura reported that unsaturated fatty acids are more inhibitory to fungi than their corresponding saturated fatty acids. While Wyss et al. noted an increased inhibitory effect of fatty acids with both chain length and degree of saturation.
The wide application of vegetable oils in hair cosmatics could be a possible explanation for this. A number of recent reports including a reviewed information by J.J. Kabara have indicated antimicrobial property in various oils. Jain and Agrawal (1 992) have reported cent per cent inhibition in the spore germination of Aspergillus flavus, Absidia corymbifera, Penicillium nigricans and Candida albicans in the presence of mustard and coconut oils.
Essential oils and perfumes represent another group of oils which are mostly terpenes. Most of them are the secondary metabolites or by products of plant metabolism. The importance of these compounds was well recognised even in the ancient time. Our record shows that the studies on germicidal properties in essential oils were started in the second decade of present century as is evident from the publications made by De and Subramanayam. Since then a number of reports have appeared on the antimicrobial and antifungal properties of essential oils of various plants. Besides these some of reports have indicated inhibitory properties of some essential oils against dermatophytes and related keratinophilic fungi. Jain and Agrawal (1978) reported very high antifungal activity in the essential oils of Amomum subutatum against some keratinophilic fungi. Goutam et al. tested antimycotic properties of the essential oils of Angelica archangelica, Artemisia vestita, Mentha arvensis and Mentha piperita against six strains of Nannizzia (member of Microsporum gypseum complex) and found a variety of responses of these fungi against test oils. There are several other reports which indicate that the essential oils from different plants differ in their toxicity against different test fungi. A well planned screening programme to test antimicrobial and antifungal properties in the essential oils of different plants can be of much help to develop certain chemotherapeutants for the control of fungal diseases in men and animals.
*7\218\2*

Tuberous sclerosis is an inherited condition in which children may have white birthmarks on their skin and other skin lesions, mental retardation, and epilepsy. There is an abnormality of cell development affecting many organs of the body. In the brain, cells may be abnormal and may form small tumors. The cellular abnormalities and tumors, in turn, may cause epilepsy, either focal or generalized. The most common form of epilepsy is infantile spasms, discussed above. A diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis is indicated if multiple white spots appear on the skin. Older children may develop acne-like changes on their faces. The CT or MRI scan may show the tumors or areas of calcification.
The outcome of children with tuberous sclerosis varies, as does the epilepsy. Some individuals may be of normal intelligence with no significant problems. Others may have substantial mental retardation and seizures difficult to control.
If your child has this condition, it is important to talk with your physician about the possibility that your other children may also be affected.
*98\208\8*

(Ranging from predominantly insulin resistance with relative insulin deficiency to predominantly an insulin secretory defect with insulin resistance).
This form of diabetes, earlier known as non-insulin dependent diabetes or adult onset diabetes is a term used for individuals, who have insulin resistance and usually have relative (rather than absolute) insulin deficiency. It constitutes about 95% of the diabetes in our country. Type-2 diabetes is partly hereditary (Genetic) and partly environmental in origin. However, the genetic of this form of diabetes are complex and not clearly defined.
Environmental factors in development of Type-2 diabetes are:
1. Age: usually develops in 3rd, 4th and 5th decades and symptoms are usually gradual in onset. Type-2 diabetes frequently goes undetected for many years because the high blood glucose develops gradually and at an earlier stage is often not severe enough to produce the classical symptoms of diabetes.
2. Physical Activity : Exercise is a protective factor in the development of diabetes by increasing the insulin sensitivity of the peripheral tissue, especially in muscles.
3. Obesity : The most powerful factor in the development of type -2 diabetes is obesity that includes both extent and duration. It does not mean that all diabetics are obese or all obese are diabetics.
4. Stress: The role of stress as causative factor for diabetes in Indians has been discussed more in older literature than at present. It is more difficult to assess the stress and contribution of this in precipitating diabetes.
Initially Type-2 diabetes is well controlled by diet and exercise but later on may need oral hypoglycaemic agents.
Some patients with Type-2 may need insulin for its control when oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHA) fail to respond or secondary OHA failure occurs.
Ketoacidosis seldom occurs spontaneously in this type of diabetes.
*9\329\8*

Theoretically cats and dogs are not supposed to need Vitamin C in their diets as humans do, because, like most animals, they manufacture the vitamin in their own livers.

However, when a dog or cat is not well you often see them biting the tender tops of grass — showing that they do need fresh vitamin-rich greens.- Their natural instinct is right.

Many dog and cat owners have found that their pets improve in health and vigour and their coats grow glossy when some Vitamin C rich product like the baby’s rose hip syrup is added to their diet.

The treatment of colds, distemper and kidney disease is improved by doses of C several times a day — about 100 to

250 mg at a time.

Here is another instance where experience pays better

than mere theory.

The term ‘peptic ulcer’ is given to an ulcer on the wall of the stomach or in the next part of the digestive tract, the duodenum. The latter is far more common than the form­er, but both are due to the pepsin in the acid gastric juice digesting away a surface area in the protein lining of the stomach and forming an ulcer. Free acid juice in the stomach irritates the ulcer and causes pain.

The presence of food of an non-irritating nature ab­sorbs the acid and pain is relieved.

This is a simple explanation of how the pain of an ulcer is caused and why it comes on some time after a meal when the food is practically all digested, leaving the juice in con­tact with the stomach wall; or the highly acid partially di­gested contents of the stomach are squirted through the pyloric valve onto the wall of the duodenum.

The aim of the old classical diets was to provide antacid powder or liquid with frequent small soft non-irritating meals every hour or two so that the stomach was never empty. The Sippy and Lenhartz diets of milk, eggs and cream and a little blanc mange, and others consisting largely of soft starchy foods had no Vitamin C and no healing properties at all.

On these diets ulcers would persist for years. A few ounces of orange or tomato juice were given daily in some diets, but I have heard patients complain that they could not take such ‘acid’ fruits as they increased the pain.

Although many medical papers pointed out that ulcer patients should receive adequate amounts of Vitamin C — its healing properties were ignored by doctors and hospitals advising day to day diets.

Nowadays doctors usually tell their patients to eat what they like in a normal diet, avoiding only foods too tough or highly spiced, and taking antacid and other acid-absorbing preparations after meals. There are, however, several ex­cellent preparations on the market designed to protect the ulcerated area.

But still the urgent need for ample C, the healing vitamin, is virtually ignored.

It is very important that ulcer patients receive ample Vitamin C not only for its healing properties, but also to prevent haemorrhage, as one of the first symptoms of the sub-scurvy state is a breakdown in capillary walls through which blood can ooze.

Vitamin C will also prevent the bleeding ulcers caused by such drugs as aspirin, cortisone and the anti­inflammatory drugs; while healing after gastric surgery is hastened by ample Vitamin C.

The great trouble in giving Vitamin C — ascorbic acid — to ulcer patients is its acidity. Many ulcer patients find even the partly buffered ascorbic acid tablets accentuate pain and indigestion . Protein coated tablets 500 mg which dissolve slowly in the stomach and gastro intestinal tract are now available, and do not cause irritation. There are also flavored crystals which are only faintly acid, 1 teaspoon dissolved in a small glass of water provides 1000 mg of Vitamin C.

The best way for the ulcer patient to take his Vitamin C, however, is as the neutralized salt of ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate. This is now available from many chemists as a white powder with a slightly alkaline taste. It is soluble in water and can be taken in any beverage. One rounded teaspoon equals three grams.

Suggested doses are half to one teaspoon dissolved in milk taken before each meal — that is 4Vz to 9 grams a day. Half a teaspoon dissolved in 56 ml of water is said to relieve the pain that so often distresses the ulcer patient when the stomach is empty.
*29/21/7*
No prescription pharmacy, Viagra, Cialis and Levitra

Vitamin C is used in modern treatment of schizophrenia and similar mental disturbances.

The most effective treatment of schizophrenia of all types was introduced by Drs Abram Hoffer and Humphrey Osmond in Saskatchewan, Canada, in 1945. It has proved successful in at least 75 per cent of cases and is now widely used in U.S.A. and other countries.

Schizophrenia — the commonest of all mental diseases — has been shown to be largely due to a special need for

Vitamin B3 (used as niacin, nicatinic acid or nicatinamide) and a relative deficiency of this vitamin. Amounts needed by these individuals cannot be obtained by diet alone.

The best results are obtained when an equal amount of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is given with the B3 — usually at least 3000 mg a day in divided doses. Each patient has individual needs and 6 to 8 grams and higher may have to be given until there is a spill over of ascorbic acid in the urine, before the symptoms subside.

Dr D. Hawkins, Director of one of the largest mental institutions in U.S.A., found that by adding this mega-vitamin treatment he doubled the recovery rate, halved the re-hospitalization rate and virtually eliminated self-destruction in dealing with schizophrenics, who have a suicide rate 22 times that of the general population.

The ascorbic acid appears to enhance the action of the B3 and the two vitamins are always given together, however long the course of the treatment — whether in institutions or at home.

In 1974 it was estimated that at least 1500 doctors and psychiatrists in U.S.A. were using these large doses of vitamins — especially B3 and C in the treatment of mental disease.

Dr Linus Pauling suggested at a London International Conference on Social Psychiatry in London in 1969 that an optimal intake of ascorbic acid could mean a 10 per cent improvement in physical and mental health.

‘What would be the consequences for the world’, he speculated, ‘if the national leaders and the people as a whole were to think just 10 per cent more clearly’.
*28/21/7*
Pharmacy information, compare service

Cradle cap appears as a crusty or scaly, oily covering on areas of the scalp, which looks unsightly, but does not seem to bother the baby at all. It begins soon after birth, and may last for several months if not treated appropriately.

Cause

The exact cause of cradle cap is not known, but it is thought to be related to the influence of the mother’s hormones, which still circulate in the baby’s bloodstream after birth.

Clinical features

Most often cradle cap appears as a pale yellow scale or crust (which has an oily texture) at the back or on the top of the head. It is difficult to peel off. The baby is not irritated by the rash, and it is not itchy or sore.

Treatment

Applying olive oil can help to soften the crusts, and this may be all that is needed. Make sure you wash the oil off after an hour or else it may aggravate the cradle cap. In addition, you may try using an antidandruff shampoo for several days, massaging the scalp firmly for 5 minutes. Try using a soft brush to gently lift out some of the scale. There are special preparations for cradle cap that you can buy across the counter from the chemist. When used as directed, they will clear up most cases of cradle cap in a short period of time.

When to see your doctor

• if the cradle cap does not improve after 2 weeks, despite these simple measures;

• if the rash is red or sore, or your baby is scratching at it;

• if the rash seems to be spreading;

• if you are in any doubt that the rash your baby has is cradle cap.

*302\90\8*

In Australia 10% of toddlers receive medical attention for poisoning before their fourth birthday. One to 4 year olds have a very high risk of accidental poisoning, due to their inquisitive natures coupled with their lack of understanding of danger. The severity of the effects of poisoning depends on many factors, not just on the type of poison taken. The age, weight and health of the child, as well as the amount and strength of the poison, are all important factors.

There are many substances around the house which can be poisonous. These include medicines, household cleaners, alcoholic drinks, insecticides and plants. Australia also has more than its fair share of poisonous creatures which can inflict dangerous bites and stings.

Poisons can enter the body via various routes. They can be swallowed, breathed in, splashed in the eyes or on the skin, or transmitted via bites of venomous creatures. There are basic first aid measures for each of these circumstances It is well worth your while to read them now, so that you are prepared for any emergency.

The list given below of things to do will greatly reduce the likelihood of poisoning occurring. Read it now.

• Store medicines in their original containers and away from household products. Never store medicines in food or drink containers. If medicines need to be kept in the fridge, make sure you place them on the top shelf at the back. Seal them inside a separate container.

• Do not put several different medications into the same container.

• Check the label carefully on the product before using it so that you do not confuse one substance for another. Check expiry dates and dosages on medicines.

• Always use substances that have child resistant packaging.

• Do not take medicines in front of children — children tend to copy adults.

• Call medicines by their real name — they are not cute little lollies.

• Keep all handbags out of reach of children — they often contain medications.

• Do not let your child take someone else’s medications. Even one tablet may cause serious side effects.

• Clean out your medicine cabinet every three months, and take old medications to a pharmacy for disposal, or flush them properly down the toilet. Do not dispose of old medications in a rubbish bin.

• Never mix cleaning products together. Dangerous chemical reactions can occur.

• Rinse empty containers before discarding them.

• Make sure areas are well ventilated when using sprays, paints or volatile chemicals. Wear protective clothing, a mask and gloves.

• Keep all alcoholic drinks in a locked cabinet.

Always contact your doctor or Poisons Information Centre if you have any questions or concerns.

*6\90\8*

At those times when we are running cold, feeling defeated, inadequate, and passive, our sexual response reflects this life-style. We all run hot and cold at different times, and when we are cold, we

xperience a “learned helplessness,” a feeling that there is little hope, that the world does not live up to our expectations and that our efforts to do much about it are ineffective.

The neuroendocrine system reflects this life orientation and influences sexual response. Here is a list of the cold sexual problems, and remember, the person is not cold, but his or her life-style at this particular time is.

MALE

Diminished pre-ejaculatory fluid

Abbreviated orgasmic contractions

Absence of orgasmic contractions

Diminished F- and/or R-area sensitivity

Prolonged contemplation

Decreased arousal

Absence of psychasms

Diminished sexual interest

Lengthening of refractory period

FEMALE

Diminished lubrication

Abbreviated orgasmic contractions

Absence of orgasmic contractions

Diminished G- and/or C-area sensitivity

Prolonged contemplation

Decreased arousal

Absence of psychasms

Diminished sexual interest

Lengthening of refractory period

Talk with your spouse about the problems you are having or might like to avoid. Remember that you are trying to provide a working diagnosis, not a verdict. Talk as much about how you are living as how you are loving, for they are really one and the same.

*165\97\8*