Browsing by Author "Bansal, Parveen"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Awareness and Attitude Appraisal toward Hepatitis-C among North West Population of India- A Cross Sectional Study.
    (2015) Garg, Ravinder; Aggarwal, Simmi; Kaur, Sarabjot; Bansal, Parveen; Bhatia, Aril
    Background: Hepatitis C is increasingly found to be a significant etiological agent causing liver disease in India. Prevention is the best safeguard against this silent killer but a major obstacle has been the low awareness. Attitudes and awareness of general population can play a key role in prevention of spread of infection. Aims: The objectives of the present survey were to assess the knowledge and attitudes of general population vis a vis risk factors, route of transmission, vaccination and treatment of Hepatitis-C virus (HCV). Study Design: Cross-sectional questionnaire based study. Place and Duration of Study: South west border region of Northern Indian State of Punjab from 2012-2014. Methodology: This random survey was conducted in south west border region population of northern Indian state of Punjab. Results: Overall, 24.2%, 29.2% and 46.6% respondents had good, fair and poor awareness levels respectively. Conclusion: The study highlights and calls for a targeted and effective HCV awareness, by innovative means and on an emergency basis, to control the spread of this silent killer.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Variation of Heavy Metal Content of Market Variants of Ayurvedic Formulation - Lack of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
    (2013-07) Gupta, Vikas; Bansal, Renu; Lather, Amit; Bansal, Parveen
    Aim: The present study was conducted to estimate the heavy metal content in samples of Kutazghan Vati (a pill), from three different manufacturers to know about the quality control measures being followed by manufacturers for GMP. The study will also provide a platform for regulatory authorities to tighten the noose and upgrade the industry about high heavy metal levels in relation to international regulations. Methodology: Three variants of Kutajghan Vati coded as A, B, and C manufactured by different leading manufacturers was procured from local market. Heavy metals analysis was done according to AOAC (1995) for non volatile heavy metals. Results: Cadmium content of two variants A and C was within permissible limits where as cadmium content of variant B was 2.98 ppm about ten times higher than the permissible limits of 0.3 ppm set up by WHO and the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. The lead content of variant A was 36.33 ppm that was about four times against the permissible value set up by WHO. Despite very low detection limits, mercury and arsenic were not detectable in all the three variants depicting that the formulation were free from these heavy metals. Conclusions: Despite same guidelines issued by same regulatory authorities fo production of ayurvedic formulations for permissible limits of heavy metal content, three different manufacturers marketed the same formulation with different heavy metal content which reflects that industry seems to be negligent for maintaining proper quality control. This study suggests that periodic estimation of heavy metals is highly essential for single drugs, raw drugs as well as finished products for quality assurance and safer use of herbal drugs.