Journal of Health and Visual Sciences

Clinical assessment of the efficacy and safety of T-Angelica Herbal Tonic, a herbal beverage

CA Anusiem — 2016-10-03

The safety, efficacy, and acceptability of T-Angelica Herbal Tonic (THAT), a phytomedicinal beverage was studied over a period of one week in ten healthy volunteers for regulatory purposes. The study started after an overnight fast with each subject drinking 150ml of the beverage every night and every morning for a period of one week. Urine, stool and blood samples from each subject were examined in the laboratory on days 1, 4 and 7, in addition to daily documentation of observations made of each subject. On day 7 each subject independently scored the beverage for its acceptability, and desirability to him/her on a scale of 1-10 (in ascending order of magnitude). Data analysis was carried out using GraphPad prism computer software. The beverage exerted a tolerable laxative effect, and all subjects considered it acceptable. Further larger studies are indicated to elucidate the cost-effectiveness of the use of this herbal beverage and its long-term safety.

Keywords: Laxative, Herbal tonic, herbal beverage, phytomedicine, safety, efficacy.

Basic Eye Health Care

CG Emerole — 2016-10-03

Visual function is of inestimable value to mankind. In spite of the important function the eyes perform, the simple things that can keep the eyes healthy are often ignored, resulting in damage to the eyes and vision. A review of literature on etiology, common symptoms and signs; prevention of avoidable causes and management of eye signs; prevention of avoidable causes and management of eye disorders/disease with emphasis on basic eye health care. Eye diseases (10.00-21.00%) and ametropia (over 70.00%) are the commonest problems presenting to the general practice clinic. Cataract (41.20%) and trachoma (35.30%) were leading causes of blindness and low vision in the Nigerian National blindness and visual impairment survey. Regrettably the causes of unhealthy eyes and visual impairment are largely preventable. The prevalence of ocular diseases vary in different parts of the world and is influenced by racial, geographic, socio-economic and cultural factors. The influences of gender roles on visual function are noted. Many tasks associated with rural living are divided along gender lines (gender roles originated from the biological differences between the sexes). Gender roles unlike the biology of sex are dynamic (can change over time and vary widely within and across a culture). Eye disorders/diseases, a common cause of visual impairment and visual loss are universal in occurrence. Prevention of avoidable causes, early detection, prompt management and treatment are recommended.

Key Words: Eye health, Visual impairment, Visual function, Eye disorders.

Knowledge and practice of occupational safety in quarry industries in Ebonyi Local Government Area Of Ebonyi State

EN Afoke

The study examined the knowledge and practice of occupational safety in quarry industries in Ebonyi Local Government Area (LGA) of Ebonyi State. For research questions guided the study while descriptive survey design, self structured questionnaire and frequency distribution were used for the study. The area of the study was Ebonyi LGA of Ebonyi State. The population of the study was 1400 quarry workers. The sample of the study was 105. The findings of the study revealed that the quarry workers were semi-literate with majority having non-formal education. It was also observed that they had no knowledge of the dangers associated with quarrying and their knowledge on the use and extent of usage of protective gadgets was deficient. It was concluded that the quarry workers were unaware of the hazards associated with quarrying. It was recommended among others the need for quarry workers to be educated on the working tools and the environment on commencement of their job.

Key Work: Quary. Ebonyi education occupation hazard

Evaluation of common diseases in laboratory animals

FN Oguwike — 2016-10-03

Disease is a disorder in humans, animals or plants caused by infection, pathogen, diet or faulty functioning of a process. Laboratory animals are prone to some of these diseases. This study was undertaken to evaluate common diseases found in laboratory animals in our environment. 200 animals consisting of rats, mice, rabbit and guinea pig weighing 150-200g (rats), 30-50g (mice) were used. Each species consisted of 40 animals. The results of this study indicated that about 21 diseases were observed. On evaluation, 9 diseases were common to rat and mice, 4 diseases were common to all animals, while 4 other diseases were common to rabbit and guinea pig.

Key Words: Diseases, animals, evaluation.

Ocular Dynamics of Bolus Ingestion of Eleis guineensis Sap (Palm Wine) among visually Active Volunteers

SA Igwe — 2016-10-03

Palm wine is a milky white effervescence fluid or sap obtained from palm tree (Elaeis guineensis), and is widely consumed among the various ethnic nationalities in Nigeria. The effect of bolus ingestion of 600ml, palm wine was undertaken so as to determine its ocular dynamics in healthy volunteers. Results showed that bolus ingestion of palm wine produced effects on general body physiology in which the functions of the eye were affected. Results further showed that the NPC decreased from 10.5cm to 8.5cm (19.1% fall), the AA changed from 8.0D to 9.0D or 12.5% rise, while the distant lateral phoria changed from ortho position to two (2) esoposition or 30% increase, and the mean phoria moved from 6exo to 4exo or 33.3% decrease. Furthermore, the IOP dropped from an initial value of 17.5mmHg to 13.5mmHg (22.9%) fall at the end of the study. The pupil diameter demonstrated slight miosis which was still within normal range. Results also showed that the VA at near remained unchanged while the distant VA increased by 9.9% and the AC/A ratio decreased from an initial value of 3.75 to a final value of 2.75 or 26.7% fall. We conclude that a single clear binocular vision is dependent on the perfect coordination of the convergence and accommodative mechanisms and any slight change in the balance as induced by palm wine intake will disrupt the equilibrium effect on visual functions hence the accompanying diplopia, blurred vision or vision impairment.

Keywords: Biology Elaeis guineensis, human vision ocular.

Production of Mineral Water Using Palm Bunch Ash (PBA) From Elaeis guineensis

RC Okoloekwe — 2016-10-03

A public health strategy for increasing the potassium and magnesium intake of the population was explored. These electrolytes have been confirmed by epidemiological studies to have some health benefits. A process for production of mineral water using palm bunch ash was developed. The composition of the palm bunch ash derived from oil palm Elaeis guineensis was determined and it was(PBA) found to contain potassium and magnesium in significant amounts. The ash solution was used to produce mineral water that has ionic composition comparable to those of some brands of bottled mineral water. The mineral water so produced had potassium and magnesium contents of up to 17.5mg/l and 0.5mg /l respectively, representing at least 0.15% and 0.1% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). This palm bunch ash mineral water is unique in that it contains both essential minerals and some trace elements required for good health, and might be a better substitute for patients with hypokalemia in view of its alkalinity and phosphate content.

Keywords: Mineral water, hypokalemia, palm bunch ash