See: DYSENTERY.
Some people carry the amoeba in their intestines and excrete cysts but have no symptoms.
However, some strains invade and ulcerate the intestinal wall, causing diarrhoea and abdominal pain, which may develop into full-blown dysentery.
The amoebae may spread via the bloodstream to the liver, or, rarely, the brain or lung, where they cause abscesses.
Symptoms of an amoebic liver abscess are chills, fever, weight loss, and painful enlargement of the liver.
Treatment of all forms of amoebiasis is with drugs such as metronidazole or diloxanide, which kill the parasite within a few weeks, leading to full recovery.
Habitat: Cultivated as an ornamental throughout India.
English: Indian Laburnum, Purging Cassia, Golden Shower.Ayurvedic: Aaragvadha, Chatu- raangula, Kritamaala, Kritmaalaka, Karnikaara, Shampaaka, Praagra- ha, Raajvrksha, Nripapaadapa, Raajadruma, Vyaadhighaataka, Aarevata.Unani: Amaltaas, Khyaarshambar.Siddha/Tamil: Sarakkonrai.Folk: Amaltaasa.Action: Flowers and pods— purgative, febrifugal, astringent, antibilious. Seed powder—used in amoebiasis.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicated the fruit pulp for constipation, colic, chlorosis and urinary disorders.Pulp of the pod contains anthraqui- none glycosides, sennosides A and B, rhein and its glucoside, barbaloin, aloin, formic acid, butyric acid, their ethyl esters and oxalic acid. Presence of pectin and tannin is also reported.Seeds gave galactomannan free sugars and free amino acids; extract laxative, carminative, cooling and antipyretic properties.Flowers gave ceryl alcohol, kaem- pferol, rhein and a bianthraquinone glycoside, fistulin.Leaves gave free rhein, its glyco- sides—sennosides A and B.Cassia javanica L., a related species found in West Bengal, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, is used as a substitute for Cassia fistula.Dosage: Fruit pulp—5-10 g powder. (API Vol. I.)... cassia fistulaHabitat: Native to tropical America. Now cultivated in Darjeeling, Assam, in the Nilgiris, and in Sikkim.
English: Ipecac, Ipecacuanha.Action: Root—Antiprotozal, expectorant (in low doses), diaphoretic, emetic (in high doses); used in amoebic dysentery, stubborn cough, whopping cough (for liquefying bronchial phlegm).
Key application: As expectorant, emetic. (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)The root contains isoquinoline alkaloids (consisting mainly of emetine and cephaeline); tannins (ipecacuanha and ipecacuanhic acid; glycosides including a monoterpene isoquinoline derivative); saponins; a mixture of glycoproteins; starch; choline; resins.The alkaloids are clinically useful in the treatment of amoebiasis.Emetine and cephaeline are emetic due to their irritating effect on stomach; cephaeline is more toxic. Emetine is a standard antiamoebic principle. In smaller doses, both are expectorant.The fluid extract is 14 times stronger than the syrup of the crude drug. The powder is toxic at 1-2 g.Emetine accumulates in liver, lungs, kidneys and spleen; traces are detectable after 40-60 days. (Francis Brinker.)... cephaelis ipecacuanhaHabitat: Dense moist forests throughout India up to 1,500 m altitude.
English: Wood Vine.Ayurvedic: Used in the Southern states as Muurvaa.Action: Powdered root and stems— laxative, antibilious.
A lignan derivative has been isolated from the stem. It accelerated uptake of low density lipoprotein by Hep G2 cell by 67.0%.The root bark contains 3.03% of total alkaloids consisting mainly of chonemorphine. Chonemorphine di- hydrochloride is an anti-amoebic principle. It showed in vitro activity against Entamoeba histolytica and trichomo- nas vaginalis. It proved efficacious against hepatic amoebiasis in golden hamsters and intestinal amoebiasis in Wister rats.... chonemorpha macrophyllaAn amoeba is a microscopic single-celled organism with an irregular, changeable shape.
Amoebae live in moist environments, such as fresh water and soil.
Some types of amoebae are parasites of humans, causing diseases such as amoebiasis.... amoeba
Cysts may need to be removed surgically if they disrupt the function of tissues.... cyst
Habitat: The sub-tropical Himalayas of Kumaon and Nepal; cultivated in Andhra Pradesh.
Ayurvedic: Gandira (Achyranthes aquatica Br. is also equated with Gandira). (Doubtful synonym.)Folk: Garmar (Gujarat), Gurmal.Action: Root and leaf—spasmolytic, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, lipolytic.
In experimental amoebiasis of rats, the root powder and ethanolic extract showed amoebicidal activity against Entamoeba histolytica.An alcoholic extract of the roots and essential oil from it, were found to inhibit passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in the mouse and rat.The plant produces the labdane diterpenoid, forskolin in its tuberous roots.Forskolin was discovered during a screening of medicinal plants by Central Drug Research Institute, Luc- know, India, in 1974. (Planta Medica, 1985, 51, 473-477.) The screening revealed the presence of a hypoten- sive and spasmolytic principle, named coleonol (later the name was changed to forskolin). The basic mechanism of forskolin is the activation of an enzyme, adenylate cyclase, which increases the amount of cyclic adeno- sine monophosphate (cAMP) in cells. Raised intracellular cAMP level exhibits following physiological effects : inhibition of platelet activation and degranulation; inhibition of mast cell degranualation and histamine release; relaxation of the arteries and other smooth muscles; increased insulin secretion; increased thyroid function; increased lipolysis.Forskolin, in clinical studies, reduced intraocular pressure when it was applied to the eyes for treating glaucoma. It has been shown to be a direct cerebral vasodilator. It has also been studied as a possible bron- chodilator (in the treatment of asthma) and has been shown to effectively reverse methacholine-induced broncho constriction in extrinsic asthmatics.Standardized Coleus extracts containing forskolin (18% in 50 mg) find application in weight-loss programmes. (Michael T. Murray.)Studies on forskolin and some 50 derivatives of the compound indicate that the natural product is more active than the analogs prepared from it.The wild var. is known as Kaffir Potato.... coleus barbatusHabitat: The tropical Himalayas, going up to an altitude of 1,100 m. Also found throughout many forests of India, in Travancore, Assam and Uttar Pradesh.
English: Easter tree, Ivory tree, Tellicherry Bark.Ayurvedic: Kutaja, Girimallikaa, Kaalinga, Kalingaka, Indravrik- sha, Shakra, Vatsa, Vatsaka, Shakraahvya. Indrayava, Indrabija, Vatsabija (seed). Kurchi (bark).Unani: Inderjo talkh, Teewaaj-e- Khataai.Siddha/Tamil: Kudasappaalai-pattai, -vidai (bark, seed).Action: Root and bark—used in amoebic dysentery. Bark—astringent, anthelmintic, amoebicidal, diuretic. Used in colic, dyspepsia, piles, diseases of the skin and spleen. Seed—antibilious. Used for promoting conception, also for toning up vaginal tissues after delivery.
The bark contains the alkaloids, regholarrhenine-A, -B, -C, -D, -E and -F; pubescine, norholadiene, pubes- cimine, kurchinin, kurchinine, kur- chinidine, holarrifine, holadiene, kurchilidine, kurchamide, kurcholes- sine, kurchessine, conessine, cones- simine and isoconessimine, and the steroidal compounds kurchinicin and holadyson.The alkaloid conessine is used as a therapeutic drug for the treatment of dysentery and helminthic disorders. Conessine and conimine inhibited the growth of Shigella sonnei, S. flexneri and Salmonella enteritidis strains in vitro. In chronic amoebiasis, Bi-iodide compound of total alkaloids, given orally, compare favourably with emetine Bi-iodide.The plant possesses potent immuno- stimulant property.The Kurchi seeds are sold as a substitute for Strophanthus sp. seeds in Indian market. (Seeds of Strophanthus sp. contain a toxic glucoside, strophan- thin, and are poisonous.)Dosage: Stem bark—20-30 g for decoction. (API Vol. I); seed—3- 6 g powder; 20-30 g for decoction. (API Vol. III.)... holarrhena antidysentericaThe most common cause is an intestinal infection.
Bacteria may spread from areas inflamed by diverticulitis or appendicitis, and amoebae may invade the liver as a result of amoebiasis.
The symptoms are high fever, pain in the upper right abdomen, and (especially in elderly people) mental confusion.
Ultrasound scanning usually reveals the abscess.
It can sometimes be treated by aspiration, but often surgery is needed.... liver abscess
Diagnosis is made by proctoscopy. A biopsy is sometimes needed. Treatment of the underlying cause usually clears the problem. Corticosteroid drugs may relieve symptoms.... proctitis
Diseases spread through the tropics by insects include malaria, yellow fever, sleeping sickness, and leishmaniasis.
Exposure to strong sunlight in the tropics causes an increased tendency to skin cancer, and may lead to pinguecula and pterygium.... tropical diseases
Habitat: Tropical and subtropical countries of the world.
English: Congress Grass.Folk: Pichhi, Machhipatri.Action: Anti-amoebic, antidysen- teric, febrifuge, analgesic, emmena- gogue.
The grass was introduced into India during 1950 s (it first appeared in Pune).The grass exhibits in vitro anti- amoebic activity against axenic and polygenic cultures of Entamoeba his- tolytica, comparable to the standard drug for amoebiasis, Metronidazole.Parthenin and some of its derivatives exhibited significant antimalarial activity against a multi drug-resistant strain of Plasmodium falciparum.The main toxic constituent of the grass responsible for causing dermatitis and other forms of allergy are parthenin and coronopilin. Parthenin in present up to 8% in the capitulum and 5% in the leaves.... parthenium hysterophorusHabitat: Garhwal, Himachal Pradesh and Kulu.
English: Quassia (substitute for P excelsa Lindtl).Ayurvedic: Bhurangi, Nimbi. (Clerodendrum serratum and its related species represent Bhaargi or Bhaarangi.)Folk: Nimatotaa.Action: Wood—a non-astringent bitter tonic and stomachic, amoe- bicidal, anthelmintic (used as enema), insect repellent. Used as a supporting medicine for temporary relief in cirrhosis of liver.
Many indole alkaloids of beta-car- boline, canthin-6-one and beta-carbo- line dimer type, have been isolated from the wood. These are reported to increase the blood flow rate in the intestine and stomach of rabbit; also exhibited antiviral activity on Herpes simplex virus.Nigaki lactone and methylnigaki- none, isolated from the wood, showed antigastric ulcer activity in rats. The extract of the wood is reported to prevent the secretion of gastric juice in a dose-dependent manner in rats. The extract also showed the same effects on rats having aspirin-induced gastric ulcer.Family: Scrophulariaceae.Habitat: The alpine Himalayas from Kashmir to Sikkim.
English: Picrorhiza.Ayurvedic: Katukaa, Katurohini, Kattarohini, Katuki, Katukikaa, Krishnabhedaa, Kaandaruhaa, Matsyashakalaa, Chakraangi, Shat- parvaa, Arishta, Ashokarohinya, Shakuldaani.Unani: Kutki, Kharbaq-e-Hindi.Siddha/Tamil: Kaduguragini.Action: Root—stomachic, antidiar- rhoeal, cholagogue, hepatoprotec- tive. Used in hepatitis, chronic dysentery, amoebiasis.
Key application: In jaundice, intermittent fever, dyspnoea and skin diseases. (The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia ofIndia.)The roots yield a glycosidal bitter principle, kutkin, found to be a mixture of two iridoid glycosides, picro- side I and kutkoside. Also obtained were D-mannitol, kutkiol, kutkisterol and a ketone (identical with apocynin).Kutkin exhibited hepatoprotective activity in CCl4-induced toxic rats.Picroliv, a standardized fraction from the alcoholic extract of the root and rhizome, containing 55-60% of a mixture of picroside I and kutkoside (1:15) showed dose-dependent protective activity on isolated hepatocytes in vitro against thiocetamide-induced hepatic damage in rat and was found to be more potent than Silymarin, a known hepatoprotective agent. Pi- croliv is reported to show protective effect against rifampicin-induced hep- atotoxicity in rats. It also exerts hy- polipidaemic effect in normal, triton- treated and cholesterol-fed rats.Kutkin, picroside I and kutkoside exhibit anti-inflammatory property.The phenolic glycoside, androsin, isolated from the plant, prevents allergen and platelet activating factor- induced bronchial obstruction in guinea-pigs in vitro.Cucurbitacin glycosides, isolated from the root, exhibit liver protective, tumour inhibitory and anti-inflammatory activity.Dosage: Root—1-3 g; 3-6 g as purgative. (CCRAS.)... picrasma quassioidesHabitat: Assam, West Bengal, Orissa and Peninsular India.
English: Emetic Swallow Wort, Indian or Country Ipecacuanha.Ayurvedic: Antamuula, Muulini, Arkaparni.Siddha/Tamil: Nay Palai, Nangilaip- piratti.Action: Leaves—used for bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis.
The whole plant yielded alkaloids including tylophorine, tylphorinine, desmethyltylophorine and desmethyl- tylophorinine, and a flavonoid kaem- pferol. The root yielded alkaloids, tylophorinidine and gamma-fagarine. The leaves gave tylophorinidine, d- septicine, d-iso-tylocrebrine; triterpe- noids alpha-and beta-amyrin; beta- sitosterol, stigmasterol and campes- terol; phenylalanine; and quercetin. Ceryl alcohol has also been reported from the plant.The plant exhibited anti-amoebic activity against axenic and polyax- enic strains of Entamoeba histolytica. Tylophorine and 4-methoxy-14- hydroxytylophorine are 2 and 4 times more effective, respectively, than the standard drugs Emetine dihydrochlo- ride and Metroindazole. Tylophorine is found effective in intestinal as well as hepatic amoebiasis in test animals, but its gross toxicity excludes its potential use in humans.Tylophorine also exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour properties.Desmethyltylophorine gave promising results in leukaemia.The drug irritates the digestive tract.... tylophora indicaTreatment by or in liaison with general medical practitioner.
Attention to water supply. Water should be boiled for five minutes to destroy cysts. Avoid fruits and salad materials from unhygienic sources and exposure to flies.
Alternatives. Agrimony, Balm, Bayberry, Bistort, Blue Flag, Burdock, Calamus, Catechu (black), Cranesbill, Echinacea, Fenugreek, Garlic, Goldenseal, Holy Thistle, Ipecacuanha, Ladies Mantle, Marshmallow, Mullein, Nettles, Pulsatilla, Raspberry leaves, Red Clover, Shepherd’s Purse, Slippery Elm, Spurge (hirta), Tormentil root, Thyme (garden), Wild Yam, Witch Hazel, Yarrow.
Tea. Equal parts: Holy Thistle, Marshmallow, Thyme. 2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-15 minutes; 1 cup thrice daily or every 2 hours acute cases.
Decoction. Combine, Wild Yam 1; Marshmallow root 1; Echinacea 2. One heaped teaspoon to two cups water. Simmer gently 20 minutes. Half-1 cup thrice daily: every 2 hours acute cases.
Formula. Equal parts: Bayberry, Burdock, Echinacea, Peppermint. Dose: Liquid extract: one 5ml teaspoon. Tinctures: one to two 5ml teaspoons. Powders: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half teaspoon) in water, honey or fruit juice, thrice daily: every 2 hours for acute cases.
Practitioner. (1) Tincture Ipecacuanha (BP 1973). Dose: 0.25-1ml as prescribed.
(2) Formula. Liquid Extract Echinacea 15ml; Liquid Extract Monsonia ovata 4ml; Liquid Extract Marigold 4ml; Tincture Goldenseal 2ml; Oil Cinnamon 1ml. Distilled water to 240ml (8oz). Dose: 1 dessertspoon (8ml) every 3 hours. (A. Barker)
Preventative: two Garlic capsules at night.
Note: Fenugreek tea: frequent cupfuls. Good results reported. Drink plenty of fluids: milk, oatmeal porridge, vegetable juices. ... dysentery, amoebic
Common bacteria, such as staphylococci, are the usual cause of abscesses, although fungal infections can cause them, and amoebae are an important cause of liver abscesses (see amoebiasis). Infectious organisms usually reach internal organs via the bloodstream, or they penetrate tissues under the skin through a wound.
An abscess may cause pain, depending on where it occurs. Most larger abscesses cause fever, sweating, and malaise. Those that are close to the skin often cause obvious redness and swelling.
Antibiotics, antifungal drugs, or amoebicides are usually prescribed as appropriate.
Most abscesses also need to be drained (see drain, surgical), and in some cases a tube may be left in place to allow continuous drainage.
Some abscesses burst and drain spontaneously.
Occasionally, an abscess within a vital organ damages enough surrounding tissue to cause permanent loss of normal function, or even death.... abscess
Acute diarrhoea is usually a result of consuming food or water contaminated with certain bacteria or viruses (see food poisoning). Infective gastroenteritis also causes diarrhoea and may be acquired as a result of droplet infection. Other causes of acute diarrhoea include anxiety and, less commonly, amoebiasis, shigellosis, typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever, drug toxicity, food allergy, and food intolerance.
Chronic diarrhoea is generally repeated attacks of acute diarrhoea. It may be the result of an intestinal disorder such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, cancer of the colon (see colon, cancer of), or irritable bowel syndrome. Diarrhoea that recurs, persists for more than a week, or is accompanied by blood requires medical investigation.
The water and electrolytes (salts) lost during a severe attack of diarrhoea need to be replaced to prevent dehydration. Ready-prepared powders of electrolyte
mixtures can be bought (see rehydration therapy). Antidiarrhoeal drugs, such as diphenoxylate and loperamide, should not be taken to treat attacks of diarrhoea due to infection; they may prolong it. Drugs may help if the diarrhoea is disabling or if there is abdominal pain.
Viral gastroenteritis in a child can damage the lining of the intestine, which may lead to lactose intolerance and further diarrhoea. Seek medical attention if diarrhoea in an infant persists for more than 48 hours. Call a doctor urgently if the infant is dehydrated. (See also rehydration therapy.)... diarrhoea
Structural abnormalities may be present from birth (congenital) or may develop later. They cause blockage of the intestine (see intestine, blockage of) and include atresia, stenosis, and volvulus. In newborns, meconium (fetal intestinal contents) may block the intestine.
Generalized inflammation of the intestine may result from viral or bacterial infections or from noninfectious causes, as in ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Gastroenteritis is the term commonly applied to inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Infection encompasses food poisoning, traveller’s diarrhoea, typhoid fever, cholera, amoebiasis, and giardiasis. Intestinal worm infestations include roundworms and tapeworms. Sometimes inflammation is localized, such as in appendicitis and diverticular disease.
Tumours of the small intestine are rare, but noncancerous growths, lymphomas, and carcinoid tumours (causing carcinoid syndrome) occur. Tumours of the large intestine are common (see colon, cancer of; rectum, cancer of). Some forms of familial polyposis may progress to cancer. Impaired blood supply (ischaemia) to the intestine may occur as a result of partial or complete obstruction of the arteries in the abdominal wall (from diseases such as atherosclerosis) or from the blood vessels being compressed or trapped, as in intussusception or hernias. Loss of blood supply may cause gangrene.
Other disorders that affect the intestine include peptic ulcers, diverticulosis, malabsorption, coeliac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.... intestine, disorders of
rectal examination Examination of the anus and rectum, performed as part of a general physical examination, to assess symptoms of pain or changes in bowel habits, and to check for the presence of tumours of the rectum or prostate gland. rectal prolapse Protrusion outsid.
nent in elderly people. If the prolapse is large, leakage of faeces may occur.
Treatment is with a fibre-rich diet.
Surgery may also be performed.... rectal bleeding
Swimming in polluted water should be avoided because, if swallowed, there is a risk of contracting disease. In addition, a form of leptospirosis is caused by contact with water contaminated by rat’s urine. In tropical countries, there is also a risk of contracting schistosomiasis (bilharzia), which is a serious disease caused by a fluke that can burrow through the swimmer’s skin.... water-borne infection
Bacillary dysentery is caused by bacteria of the genus Shigella and is spread by contact with a patient or carrier or through contaminated food or water. Epidemics are common in overcrowded, insanitary conditions. Symptoms develop 1–6 days after infection and persist for up to 2 weeks; they include diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal cramping, and fever. An attack may vary from mild diarrhoea to states of severe dehydration and gastrointestinal haemorrhage. In most cases, provided fluid losses are replaced, recovery occurs within 7–10 days; antibiotics may be given to eliminate the bacteria. Compare cholera.... dysentery
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