INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES

Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity, Spectroscopic (UV-Vis, FT-IR) and GC-MS Analyses of Corn Waste (Corn Cob) Extract from Ethyl Acetate, and Its Wound Healing Evaluation in Wistar Rats

2026-05-03T05:08:44+00:00

Introduction: The exploration of agricultural wastes for bioactive compounds is critical for advancing sustainable biomedical innovations. This study aimed to profile the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, and chemical composition of ethyl acetate extract of corn cob waste and then evaluate its wound healing activity in Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods: Powdered corn cob (1400 g) was extracted with ethyl acetate by maceration and concentrated with rotatory evaporator under reduced pressure. Phytochemicals (flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, steroids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, anthraquinones and phenols) were examined in the ethyl acetate extract of the corn cob. Antioxidant activity was evaluated through lipid peroxidation inhibition, nitric oxide (NO) radical inhibition, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, DPPH radical scavenging, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to identify chromophoric groups, FT-IR analysis elucidated functional groups, and GC-MS profiling determined the detailed chemical constituents of the extract. For in vivo assessment, 21 healthy female Wistar rats (70-130 g) were divided into three groups: povidone-iodine treated (positive control), untreated (negative control), and extract-treated (test group). Standard excision wounds (2 cm diameter) were created under ketamine–xylazine anesthesia, and treatments applied topically once daily for 16 days. Wound contraction was monitored every four days; haematological profiles and histopathological analysis of the blood and organs of control and test rats were also looked into.

Results: Results showed highly abundant (++) flavonoids, saponins, phenols, and alkaloids (Dragendorff’s, Wagner’s), alongside moderate (+) terpenoids, steroids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, and anthraquinones. Concentration-dependent antioxidant analyses across multiple assays suggest notable antioxidant potential, though generally lower values than ascorbic acid. FRAP values indicated moderate ferric ion-reducing capacity (0.6045±0.0075 µg at 100 µg/mL vs. 0.6505±0.0385 µg for ascorbic acid). DPPH radical scavenging reached 75.40±0.20 % at 100 µg/mL, compared to 86.27±0.73% for the standard. Hydrogen peroxide inhibition was 65.06±0.88 % (vs. 79.34±0.22 %), nitric oxide inhibition 67.05±0.49 % (vs. 72.29±0.16 %), and lipid peroxidation inhibition 78.69±0.28 % vs. 83.67±0.22 %. These findings suggest the extract contains electron-rich and radical-quenching phytochemicals with potential for oxidative stress mitigation and wound healing applications, albeit with slightly lower potency than ascorbic acid. UV analysis across 200-800 nm revealed a strong absorption band between 324 nm and 385 nm, with the highest peak (λmax) at 359 nm and a maximum absorbance (Amax) of 3.216. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of alkanes, alkenes, alcohol, carboxylic acids, aromatics functional groups while GC-MS identified 23 compounds, including 5,8-Dihydroxy-2,7-dimethoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, piperidine derivatives, pentadecanoic acid, 14-methyl-, methyl ester, and phthalazine-1,4(2H,3H)-dione, 2-(2-methylphenyl), which are well known for their pharmacological and biological activities, such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Extract-treated rats achieved complete wound closure in 15.10±0.00 days, faster than povidone-iodine (16.00±10.30 days) and untreated controls (18.32±10.50 days). No significant haematological alterations were observed. Histopathological examination revealed complete re-epithelialization, minimal inflammation, and organized collagen deposition in the extract group which is comparable to the standard treatment.

Conclusion: This study showed that ethyl acetate extract of corn cob waste contains bioactive compounds with antioxidant and wound healing properties, demonstrating safety and therapeutic potential for sustainable biomedical applications.

Association Between Short-Form Video Screen Time and Attention- Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders-like symptoms Among College Students in Dhaka: A Cross-Sectional Study

2026-05-03T05:20:32+00:00

Background: The use of short-form videos such as Reels and Shorts has increased rapidly among students. There is growing concern that excessive screen exposure may affect attention span and executive function, especially in individuals who are more prone to ADHD-related symptoms.

Objective: To examine the relationship between daily short-form video screen time and ADHD-like symptoms among college students in Dhaka.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 305 students aged 14–21 years from selected colleges in Dhaka. ADHD-related symptoms were assessed using the World Health Organization Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1). Participants reported their average daily time spent watching short-form videos. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and correlation methods.

Results: The majority of participants (63%) reported spending 2–4 hours per day on short-form videos. Overall, 43.3% screened positive for ADHD-like symptoms. A clear trend was observed, where higher screen time was associated with a higher proportion of positive ADHD screening, increasing from about 15% in the less-than-1-hour group to more than 60% in the more-than-4-hours group.

Conclusion: Higher consumption of short-form videos was associated with increased ADHD-like symptoms among students. Although causation cannot be established, excessive screen exposure may negatively influence attention and executive functioning. Encouraging balanced digital habits may help improve focus and cognitive performance in students.

Lipid Ratios as Predictors of Cardiovascular Complications in Psoriasis

2026-05-03T05:28:57+00:00

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disorder associated with metabolic syndrome and increased cardiovascular risk. Lipid ratios (LDL/HDL, non-HDL/HDL, TG/HDL, TC/HDL) are superior to isolated lipid levels in predicting atherogenic dyslipidemia.
Objective: To compare lipid ratios between psoriasis patients and healthy controls and assess their potential as predictors of complications.
Methods: A case-control study included 100 psoriasis patients and 60 age‑/sex‑matched controls. Fasting lipid profiles were used to calculate LDL/HDL, non-HDL/HDL, TG/HDL, and TC/HDL ratios. Groups were compared using the Mann‑Whitney U test (one‑tailed, α=0.05).
Results: All four lipid ratios were significantly higher in psoriasis patients than in controls (U=0, p<0.05 for each ratio). Mean values in patients vs. controls were: LDL/HDL 3.64 vs. 1.91; non‑HDL/HDL 4.51 vs. 2.35; TG/HDL 4.36 vs. 2.25; TC/HDL 5.51 vs. 3.25.
Conclusion: Psoriasis patients exhibit markedly worse lipid ratios, indicating elevated risk of atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular events. Larger prospective studies are warranted to validate these findings and guide preventive therapy.

Instructions for Authors

2026-05-03T05:44:29+00:00

The International Journal of Medical Sciences [IJMS], ISSN 2522-7386, is a peer-reviewed, 3 issues published annually. Authors are invited to submit for publication articles with a wide spectrum of coverage reporting original work, in the fields of medicine, nursery, dentistry, and pharmacy sciences. Review articles are usually by invitation only. However, Review articles of current interest and high standard will be considered. Prospective work should not be back dated. There are also sections for Case Reports, Brief Communication, correspondence and medical news items. Authors should read the editorial policy and publication ethics before submitting their manuscripts. Authors should also use the appropriate reporting guidelines in preparing their manuscripts.