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Background: Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) is widely used in Kerala, for the treatment of urinary tract infection (UTI) both by the rural folks and by traditional doctors without any scientific evidence. In this context, we decided to evaluate the antibacterial property of A. racemosus against common organisms causing UTI. Aims and Objective: To evaluate and compare the antibacterial activity of alcoholic extracts A. racemosus against common organisms causing UTIs against a standard drug. Materials and Methods: Fresh roots of A. racemosus were obtained from an organic farm and shade dried, and the ethanolic extract was obtained. The antibacterial activity of three different concentrations 100, 200, and 300 µg was studied using disc diffusion method. The standard drug used for comparison is ciprofloxacin 30 µg. Disc diffusion method was used. Quantitative variables will be expressed in mean standard deviation and their confidence interval. The significance of the difference between groups will be tested using ANOVA, and P < 0.05 will be considered as significant. Results: The ethanolic extract of A. racemosus does not demonstrate any antibacterial activity when compared to the standard drug ciprofloxacin. Conclusions: No antibacterial activity for A. racemosus against common organisms which cause UTIs.

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the anti-oxytocic activity of ethanolic extract of Asparagus racemosus root. Methods: Ethanolic extract of A. racemosus root was taken by Soxhlet extraction method. Wistar strain albino non-pregnant female rats of weight 200–300 g were pre-treated with estrogen and were sacrificed to take their uterus. The tissue was then mounted in an organ bath containing de Jalon’s solution. The response of the tissue to various doses of oxytocin alone and then on adding increasing doses of the alcoholic extracts of A. racemosus along with the dose of oxytocin which produces sub-maximal contraction were recorded on a smoked drum. Results: Extract in doses up to 40 mg when given along with oxytocin 0.1 unit produced graded increase in contractions in rat uterus. From 80 mg onward graded blockade of contractions occurred with complete blockade at 200 mg. On complete removal of the extract by thorough washing, it was seen that oxytocin was again able to produce contractions of the rat uterus tissue. Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of A. racemosus root had demonstrated good anti-oxytocic property.

Introduction: Project-based learning has both constructionist as well as constructivist principles that engage the students in autonomous deep learning. Aim: To obtain the perceptions of participants on project-based learning in the subject of Pharmacology during COVID-19 lockdown. Materials and Methods: This was an online questionnaire-based descriptive study done on the Google platform. A series of integrated lectures were conducted in the Department of Pharmacology and Internal Medicine on diabetes, lipid dysfunction and thyroid disorder for second year MBBS students. The study was conducted from August to November 2020 in a medical college in Kerala, India. Google-based project submission was done after identifying a patient at home or neighbourhood with the disease covered after each integrated lecture. A validated questionnaire was used to obtain feedback about the project-based learning on a Likert scale. Statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 16 software for Windows. Results: The response rate was 76.9% (100 out of 130). The majority of the participants agreed/totally agreed to statements on professional attributes attained during project-based learning session like the ability to think creatively (60%), make observations (71%), compile information (80%), assess and make a decision (59%), analyse situations of professional practice (65%), develop oral communication skills (57%), develop Self-Directed Learning (SDL) (70%), develop skills needed for professional practice (54%), develop empathy towards patients with disease (79%) and develop self-confidence in learning the subject (63%) with a median score of 4. The majority of participants agreed/totally agreed to the effectiveness of the project-based learning in helping acquire various clinical and theoretical competencies during COVID-19 lockdown. The majority of the participants and the patient identified at home were happy to be part of the project-based learning. Conclusion: The majority of the participants were in agreement with the questions posed to them with a median score of 4, however, a neutral opinion was obtained on the acquisition of written communication skills as well as their family members having better compliance after getting involved in project-based learning.