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Toxicology & Pharmacology Unit

| Introduction | Research |

RESEARCH PROJECTS

• Development and Clinical Trial Studies of Hempedu Bumi (Andrographis paniculata) as commercial preparation for the prevention of Diabetes (Dr. Zakiah Ismail)
  
• Toxicity study of Misai Kucing (Orthosiphon stamineus) in Sprague-Dawley Rats (Dr. Zakiah Ismail/Dr. Noor Rain Abdullah)
  
• Toxicology studies of Standardized Kacip Fatimah (Labisia pumila var. alta, var. pumila) preparation ( Dr. Noral’ Ashikin Yahya)
  
• Advance Research and Development on Tongkat Ali Leading Towards Product Discovery (Dr. Noor Rain Abdullah)

 

ACTIVITIES

1. General Toxicology

a. Dose level determination

• Evaluation of the toxicity effect of the extracted plant through the identification of dose range and to design further toxicity studies
  

b. General Toxicity studies

• The general toxicity studies are carried out on different types of laboratory animals based on the period of exposure ( Acute, sub-acute and chronic toxicity test)
• Histopathology, Biochemical and Hematological analysis of samples from the general toxicology animals

2. Specific Toxicology

Different types of specific toxicology test are to be conducted to support the result obtained from the general toxicology study

a. AMES TEST (Bacterial Reverse Mutation Assay)

This assay involves using specially constructed salmonella strains to indicate mutagenic potential produced by plant extracts

b. MLA (Mouse Lymphoma Assay)

• In- vitro mammalian cell test which are capable in detecting plant extracts that can induce either point mutations or other chromosomal events
  

c. In- vivo and in- vitro micronucleus assay

• To identify whether the plant extracts can modulate actions on the chromosome damage/breaking activity

d. Comet assay

3. Routine Diagnostics

a. Screening and confirmation of drugs of abuse; namely Morphine, Cannabis and Amphetamine Type Stimulants

• Samples testing for year 2003- 775 tests
• Samples collection and testing refers to Manual For the Laboratory Detection of Drugs of Abuse in Urine (1988 Ministry of Health and Anti Dadah Task Force, National Security Council)

b. Analyzing various heavy metals in biological fluids from all government hospitals and private laboratories in Malaysia.

• Samples testing for year 2003- 1224 tests
• Test for Blood Cadmium, Blood Lead, Serum Selenium, Serum Copper, Serum Aluminium, Urine Lead, Urine Cadmium, Urine copper, Urine Mercury
• Samples collection refers to Guideline for specimen collection and transportation to IMR for laboratory investigation (2003 Institute for Medical Research)
  

c. Stone analysis (samples received from all government hospitals and private laboratories in Malaysia.

• Samples testing for year 2003- 167 tests
• Test for Gall Bladder stone , Kidney and Bladder stone
• Samples collection refers to Guideline for specimen collection and transportation to IMR for laboratory investigation (2003 Institute for Medical Research)

  
  d. Organize and co-ordinate the National Drug Quality Control Programme (NDQCP)

e. Participating in External Quality Assessment Scheme for Trace Elements and Toxicology Test (TEQAS)

f. Participating in External Quality Assessment Scheme for Toxicology Test from Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA)

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