Mercuric chloride was administered in drinking water to mice at 1 mM and 5 mM for 100 and 30 days respectively. Lower concentration caused mild pathological changes in the small intestine while higher concentration caused severe pathological changes. Pathological symptoms were less pronounced when Liv52 was administered along with 5 mM mercuric chloric and Hg-induced changes were totally absent when drug was used along with 1 mM HgCl2 solution. After Hg-exposure at both concentrations mice were allowed to recover naturally or with drug (Post-therapy). Again, use of drug appeared useful. At least under laboratory conditions this herbal drug seems to reduce Hg-induced pathological changes in small intestine of mice.

Epidemiological studies have indicated a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease in populations with a high habitual intake of marine fish and fish oils, and this apparent protection may be due to the presence of n-3 fatty acids in the dietary fish. Two populations, a rish consuming one from coastal area and an inland one with non fish consuming from Nellore district or South India were selected for the present study. A total of one thousand healthy subjects were randomly chosen (500 in each population) from both sexes, aged from 20 to 70 years. The concentration of serum cholesterol, triacylglycerol and LDL-cholesterol were significantly lower in fish consumers, whereas HDL-cholesterol was higher in fish consumers than in non fish consumers. The difference between the percent quantities of the three n-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic, docosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids) was highly significant (p < 0.001) with a greater value in fish consumers.

A swallowed foreign body, large or small, sharp or pointed should be treated with respect. Its passage in the gastrointestinal tract should be carefully watched and monitored. The patient should be kept under regular and constant observation until such time as the foreign body has either expelled itself or is removed. We report here two cases of sharp foreign bodies ingested by children and successfully managed on conservative lines.