Showing papers in "Archives of Applied Science Research in 2010"

Extracellular biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using the filamentous fungus penicillium sp

Abstract: The aim of the study was to synthesize silver nanoparticles by using filamentous fungus Penicillium sp. The fungal culture was isolated from the soil samples collected from agriculture fields in Vellore district, Tamil Nadu, India. The purified fungal isolates were inoculated in minimal medium and incubated at room temperature for three days. For the synthesis of silver nanoparticles, 50 ml of cell filtrate was mixed with equal volume of 1mM silver nitrate [AgNO3 (1 mM)] and agitated at room temperature in dark. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles was investigated by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Atomic force microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic analysis. Results indicate the synthesis of silver nanoparticles in the reaction mixture. Mechanism of silver nanoparticles synthesis was determined by nitrate reduction test.

Current review on organophosphorus poisoning.

Abstract: Organophosphorus (OP) compounds constitute a heterogeneous category of chemicals specifically designed for the control of pests, weeds or plant diseases. Our review article mainly focused on OP poisoning, especially with pesticides, its severity and management of toxic exposure. We developed a search strategy to find publications about OP poisoning and its management. So, we searched Science Direct, Medline and PubMed bibliographic databases using the key phrases causes of organophosphorus compounds, diagnosis, management of OP poisoning and drugs under clinical trials. Our review article examines pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, toxicokinetics of OP poison, its prevention and management. In addition to that, our review suggested antioxidants should be administered for OP poisoning patients to reduce severity. We conclude that in future, the ministry of agriculture of developing countries especially India, should concentrate on the optimization and monitoring of usage of OP compounds as pesticides and furthermore, encouraging the farmers to use natural pesticides rather than chemical pesticides.

Orally Disintegrating Tablets - Friendly to Pediatrics and Geriatrics

Abstract: Orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) have emerged as one of the popular and widely accepted dosage forms, especially for the pediatric and geriatric patients. To obviate the problem of dysphagia and to improve patient compliance, ODTs have gained considerable attention as preferred alternatives to conventional tablet and capsule formulations. Various scientific techniques including freeze drying, moulding, spray drying, sublimation, direct compression, cotton candy process, mass extrusion, melt granulation etc. have been employed for the development of ODTs. These techniques render the disintegration of tablet rapidly and dissolve in mouth without chewing or additional water intake. The current article is focused on ideal characteristics, significant features, patented technologies, formulation aspects including the use of superdisintegrants. Various marketed preparations along with numerous scientific advancements made so far in this avenue have also been discussed.

Study on the effects of foliar spray of micronutrient on yield and yield components of durum wheat.

Abstract: In order to study the effect of foliar spray of microelement fertilizers Fe, Zn and Cu on yield and yield components of durum wheat (cv. Dehdasht) an experiment was conducted as strip split plots in randomized completely block design with 3 replications. Treatments were spraying time as main factor (at two levels including 2 weeks before flowering and 50% flowering) and microelement fertilizer as subfactor (at 8 levels including N1=Fe, N2=Zn, N3=Cu, N4=Fe+Zn, N5=Fe+Cu, N6=Zn+Cu, N7=Fe+Zn+Cu and N8= no spraying). Analysis of variance showed that spraying time was significant only for test weight at 5% level. However, fertilizer effects were significant for most of studied traits. Means comparison revealed that all fertilizer treatments imposed positive effects on spike length and kernel protein content, but Zn had highest positive effect on them (13.4% and 9.6% compared to check, respectively). All fertilizer treatments imposed positive effects on test weight, but Cu had highest positive effect on it (6.1% compared to check). Also, all fertilizer treatments imposed positive effects on economic yield, but Fe+Cu had highest positive effect on it (34.1% compared to check). Although all fertilizer treatments imposed positive effects on fertile tiller number, but Cu+Zn had highest positive effect on it (61.6% compared to check). This treatment, also, had highest positive effect on 1000-kernel weight and spike number per unit area, and highest negative effect on sterile floret number (9.2, 17.3 and -18% compared to check, respectively). Fe+Cu+Zn treatment had highest positive effect on plant height, fertile floret number and kernel number per spike (15.1, 17.6 and 14.3% compared to check, respectively). If only one micronutrient was to be utilized, Zn is obviously the best choice for improvement of yield and its components. Since all fertilizer treatments had positive effects on most of important traits, it can be suggested the utilization of Fe+Zn+Cu treatment in the form of foliar spray in culture of durum wheat

Adsorption Isotherms on Fluoride Removal: Batch Techniques

Abstract: The ability of cynodon dactylon based thermally activated carbon to remove fluoride from aqueous solution has been investigated. The batch adsorption studies were carried out at neutral pH as the functions of contact time, adsorbent dose, adsorbate concentration, temperature and effect of co-anions, which are commonly present in water. The rate of adsorption was rapid during initial 105 minutes and attained equilibrium. Adsorption isotherms have been modeled by Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Redlich–Peterson isotherms. The data indicate that prepared adsorbent surface sites are heterogeneous in nature and that fits into a heterogeneous site binding model. The present system followed the Redlich–Peterson isotherm as well as Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. The enthalpy change (
H°) and entropy change (
S°) for the adsorption reaction are calculated as +8.725 kJ/mol and +0.033 J/mol K respectively. The adsorption is endothermic in nature. Instrumental analysis XRD, FT-IR and SEM gives the conformation about the fluoride binding ability of adsorbent. Field studies were carried out with the fluoride containing water sample collected from a fluoride-endemic area in order to test the suitability of the sorbent at field conditions and obtained good success rate.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticle using Euphorbia hirta L and their antifungal activities

Abstract: Development of biologically inspired experimental processes for the synthesis of nanoparticles is evolving into an important branch of nanotechnology. Metallic nanoparticles are traditionally synthesized by wet chemical synthesis techniques where the chemicals used are quite often toxic and flammable. The present study deals with cost effective and environment friendly given synthesis from 1mM AgNo3 solution through the leaf extract of Euphorbia hirta L, as reducing as well as capping agent. Nanoparticles were characterized using UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy’s. Green synthesized silver nanoparticles showed the antifungal activity against the Candida albicans, C.kefyr, A.niger.

Heavy metal assessment of some eye shadow products imported intoNigeria from China

Abstract: Chinese made eye shadows (cosmetic commonly used by women and children) were analysed to determine the levels of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr, Co, and Mn) in the products. Different samples of eye shadow were randomly selected from products available in the shops at Zaria, Kano and Kaduna markets in Nigeria. After digestion with concentrated acids (HNO3 and HCl), concentrations of the selected heavy metals were determined in triplicate using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Nickel, copper, zinc, cobalt and manganese were detected in all the colours of eye shadow in varying concentrations. Chromium was also detected in all the colours except one (Diamond pink). The regulations relating to cosmetics products gave no limit values for toxic elements such as metals occurring as impurities in cosmetics products. However, it has been proposed that the levels of nickel, cobalt and chromium should preferably be less than 170 μgg-1 and Lead should not exceed 20 μgg-1. 85% of the colours have Ni and Co concentrations above 170 μgg-1 but Cr concentrations were below this limit in all the colours. Only 2 brands (3 colours) have lead content higher than 20 μgg-1. 7 out of 20 colours (35%) of the brands of eye shadows contain cadmium at low concentrations. It is obvious from the present study that the use of facial cosmetics like eye shadow exposes users to low levels of heavy metals.

Sorption studies of crude oil on acetylated rice husks.

Abstract: Acetylated rice husks (ARH) have been studied as sorbents for crude oil spill cleanup operations in the aqueous environment. Sorption kinetics and isotherm studies were carried out under various experimental conditions. The experimental data were particularly tested with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, the Langmuir isotherm model and the Freundlich isotherm model. The crude oil absorptive behavior of the acetylated rice husks has been discussed and the experimental methods adopted for the determination and estimation of the sorption coefficients have also been described. The correlation values for the isotherms models studied showed that the data better fitted the Langmuir model than the Freundlich model. Adsorption was therefore monolayer and the optimum theoretical monolayer sorption capacity was 10.31g/g rice husks. These values indicated that the acetylated rice husks are suitable sorbents with potential for further development for oil spill treatment.

Floating drug delivery system: An innovative acceptable approach in gastroretentive drug delivery

Abstract: The recent scientific and patented literature concluded that an increased interest in novel dosage forms which retained in the stomach for prolong and predictable period of time has been shown. Various technological attempts have been made in the research and development of rate-controlled oral drug delivery systems to overcome physiological diversities, as short gastric residence times (GRT) and unpredictable gastric emptying times (GET) using gastro retentive drug delivery system (GRDDS). It is a well known fact that differences in gastric physiology, such as, gastric pH and motility exhibit both intra as well as inter-subject variability demonstrating significant impact on gastric retention time and drug delivery behaviour. Various attempts have been made to develop Gastroretentive delivery systems. Several approaches are currently utilized in the prolongation of the GRT, including floating drug delivery systems (FDDS), swelling and expanding systems, polymeric bioadhesive systems, high-density systems, modified-shape systems and other delayed gastric emptying devices. Floating dosage forms are emerging as a promising dosage forms. Floating dosage form can be prepared as tablets, capsules by adding suitable ingredients as well as by adding gas generating agent. In this review various techniques used in floating dosage forms along with current & recent developments of stomach specific floating drug delivery system for gastro retention are discussed.

A brief review on applications of leech therapy

Abstract: Leech therapy has been practiced over the past many years and its application in both medical and dental science is well recognized. Although its use may be associated with few potential complications, yet it provides an easy and non invasive means of treatment by its blood letting property in a variety of conditions. The following article presents a brief review on the applications of leech therapy, also highlighting its importance on the dental side.

Antibacterial activity of stem bark of Prosopis cineraria (Linn.) druce

Abstract: The antibacterial activity of the various extracts of the stem bark of Prosopis cineraria (Linn.) Druce, was evaluated by the agar well diffusion method. The extracts were prepared by continuous hot percolation method with chloroform and methanol. Aqueous extract was prepared by maceration. The presence of phytosterols, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, carbohydrates, proteins and aminoacids were detected in the preliminary phytochemical tests. Moderate antibacterial activity was observed in the extracts (250μg/ml) against some pathogenic microorganisms when compared with the standard ciprofloxacin.

Anti-malarial activity of ethanolic stem bark extract of Faidherbia albida (Del) a. Chev (Mimosoidae) in mice.

Abstract: Malaria is an increasing worldwide threat, with more than three hundred million infections and one million deaths every year. In Africa and elsewhere, medicinal plants including Faidherbia albida Del. are still widely used in the treatment of malaria and other ailments. Previous studies in our laboratory have shown that the ethanolic stem bark extract of Faidherbia albida possesses antipyretic, anti-diarrhoeal and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study was carried out to investigate its in vivo antiplasmodial effect in mice. The in vivo anti- plasmodial effect against early infection, curative effect against established infection and prophylactic effect against residual infection were studied in chloroquine - sensitive Plasmodium berghei berghei NK65- infected mice. The extract at all the doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) used, produced significant (P<0.05), dose - dependent activity against the parasite in the suppressive, curative and prophylactic tests. The result suggests that Faidherbia albida ethanolic stem bark extract possesses potent antimalaria effect.

Analysis of the phytochemical content and anti-microbial activity of Jatropha gossypifolia L.

Abstract: The importance of plant is well known. Life and its growth cannot be imagined without plants. They not only produce food for survival but also create healthy environment and eco-friendly atmosphere to live. Jatropha gossypifolia Linn. well known plant of family Euphorbiaceae is used as a therapeutic agent. The leaf decoction of this plant is used for bathing wounds, sores, sprains, rash and bewitchment. In the present investigation the leaves of J. gossypifolia L. were screened for antibacterial activity by extracting them successively in various solvents such as Petroleum ether, Benzene, Chloroform, Acetone, Alcohol and Water. Crude powder of leaves was screened for the presence of chemically active compounds by standard methods and for antibacterial activity by zone of inhibition. The results revealed the presence of saponin, tannin, flavonoid, reducing sugars, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, triterpenoids, steroids, xanthoprotein, starch. The medicinal values of this plant could be attributed to the presence of one or more of the detected metabolites.

Phytochemical studies and screening of leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica for its anti-microbial activity against dental pathogens

Abstract: The present study was carried out to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of Azadirachta indica leaves against certain bacterial strains causing dental carries using cup plate method and disc diffusion method. The leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica were prepared using different solvents like methanol, chloroform and petroleum ether and are screened for its anti-microbial activity. The best suitable extract was further optimized from the results of anti-microbial studies. The phytochemical screening of the leaf extracts was performed. The strains of four human pathogenic bacteria causing dental caries are Micrococcus albus, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris and Pseudomonas aerogenosa. The anti-microbial activities of petroleum ether extract, chloroform extract, methanol extract of neem leaves are checked by disc diffusion method. All the leaf extracts exhibited significant inhibition.Comparative study of the results obtained from both the methods indicates that the Chloroform Extract shows better antimicrobial activity against desired strains. All the extracts showed concentration dependent activity comparable with the reference Drug Streptomycin.

Provesicular drug delivery systems: An overview and appraisal

Abstract: Drug delivery systems using colloidal particulate carriers such as liposomes and niosomes have distinct advantages over conventional dosage forms. This class of drug carrier systems will likely play an increasingly important role in drug delivery. However, there remain significant problems like instability in the general application of liposomes and niosomes for drug delivery. Provesicular concept has evolved to resolve the stability issues pertaining to the conventional vesicular systems i.e. liposomes and niosomes. Provesicular systems are composed of water soluble porous powder as a carrier upon which one may load phospholipids/nonionic surfactants and drugs dissolved in organic solvent. The resultant dry free-flowing granular product could be hydrated immediately before use and can avoid many of the problems associated with aqueous vesicular dispersions. The new emerging concept has demonstrated the potential of proliposomes/proniosomes in improving the oral bioavailability and permeation of drugs across the stratum corneum. Based on the investigations it is clear that provesicular systems appear to be an alternate drug carrier for various routes of drug administration.

Inhibitory effect of different solvent extracts of Vitex negundo L. and Allium sativum L. on phytopathogenic bacteria.

Abstract: There is a world wide interest in searching for the safe and effective novel antibacterial compounds of plant origin for the control of plant pathogenic bacteria which is responsible for the great impact on the growth and productivity of agriculture crops. In this study an attempt was made to determine the in vitro antibacterial activity of sequentially extracted different solvent (dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol and water) extracts of leaf, flower and fruit of Vitex negundo L. and bulb of Allium sativum L. (Garlic) against phytopathogens namely Pseudomonas solanacearum and Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri. The preliminary antibacterial activity was performed by agar well diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined by agar dilution method. The test samples were also subjected to qualitative phytochemical analysis. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by least significant difference (LSD) test were done for the statistical analysis of the data. All the test samples showed inhibitory effect on both of the test pathogens and the diameter of inhibition zone ranged from 9.9 ± 0.5 mm to 48.5 ± 1.3 mm and the inhibitory effect differed significantly (P<0.05) among the samples. Ethyl acetate extract of flower of Vitex negundo L. showed significantly (P<0.05) higher inhibition on Pseudomonas solanacearum and Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri. The MIC values of ethyl acetate extracts of fruit and flower of Vitex negundo L. and Allium sativum and ethanol extract of flower of Vitex negundo L. ranged from 2.5 mg / ml to 40 mg / ml. Phytochemical analysis of above extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides and terpenoids. Further studies are being carried out to elucidate the active principles responsible for the inhibitory effect of these pathogens and to determine their activity in vivo. This is the first report that reveals the inhibitory effect of Vitex negundo L. on Pseudomonas solanacearum and Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri.

Antagonistic activity of marine actinomycetes from Arabian Sea coast

Abstract: The sponge-microbial association is a potential chemical, ecological phenomenon, which provides sustainable source of supply for developing novel pharmaceutical leads. The present study was carried out to investigate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of sponge associated actinomycetes and actinomycetes isolated from marine soil. Sixty three marine actinomycetes strains were isolated from the sponge and soil samples collected from two different stations from Arabian sea, south west coast of India. The counts of actinomycetes were found maximum in sponges during south west monsoon season. The antimicrobial screening showed that, five Streptomyces sp. exhibited antimicrobial activity against eye pathogens, antibiotic sensitive and resistant bacterial pathogens.

Pharmacognostic studies of the leaves and stem of Diodia scandens Sw in Nigeria.

Abstract: Pharmacognostic studies of Diodia scandens Sw (Rubiaceae) were carried out. Diodia scandens Sw is a straggling herb with a taproot, slender stem and compound leaves used for treatment of various diseases such as dysentery, diarrhea, asthma, convulsion, epilepsy, oedema, gout, swelling and it is said to be anti-abortifacient, antidotes, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory in Nigeria and other countries. The phytochemical screening of the leaf extract revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, cardiac glycosides and absence of flavonoids, phlobatannins, alkaloids and anthraquinones. Anatomical examination has revealed the occurrence of paracytic, anisocytic, diacytic and brachyparacytic on the abaxial surface ad only few paracytic on the adaxial surface. The stem showed druses of crystals. There are four different types of abnormal stomata which are vertical contiguous stomata, two stomata sharing one subsidiary cell, a stoma with unopened stomatal pore and a stomata with one guard cell. The surface of the epidermal anticlinical cell walls, guard cell area, stomata index, presence or absence of trichomes and venation characters can be used as a great diagnostic tool with a view of preparing a monograph.

Simultaneous HPTLC estimation of Telmisartan and Amlodipine Besylate in tablet dosage form

Abstract: Method describes an HPTLC method for the simultaneous determination of Telmisartan and Amlodipine Besylate from tablet dosage form. This employes a precoated silica gel 60 F254 (0.2 mm thickness) on aluminium sheets and a mobile phase Ethyl acetate: 1, 4 Dioxane: Methanol: 25% Ammonia in the ratio of 15:1.5:3:1.5 v/v, having chamber saturation for 30 min at room temperature. The developing chamber was run upto 8cm. The Rf values was found to be 0.16 and 0.33 for Telmisartan and Amlodipine respectively. The plate was scanned and quantified at 323nm. The linear detector response was observed between 100 μg/ml to 500 μg/ml and 200 μg/ml to 1000 μg/ml for Telmisartan and Amlodipine respectively. The method so developed was validated for its accuracy and precision. The LOD and LOQ were found to be 0.025, 0.0747μg/ml and 0.0236, 0.0714μg/ml, respectively for Telmisartan and Amlodipine. The recovery was carried out by standard addition method. The Average recovery was found to be 100.38% and 100.24% for Telmisartan and Amlodipine respectively.

Validated UV spectroscopic method for estimation of Salbutamol from tablet formulations

Abstract: A simple, sensitive and specific UV spectrophotometric method was developed for the estimation of Salbutamol in tablet dosage form. The optimum conditions for the analysis of the drug were established. The wavelength maxima (λmax) for Salbutamol were found to be 276 nm. The linearity for this method was found to be in the range of 10-120μg/ml. The method showed high sensitivity with reproducibility in results. The lower limit of detection and the limit of quantification were found to be 4.234and 12.702 respectively. The calibration curve was drawn by plotting graph between absorbance and concentration. Coefficient of correlation was higher than 0.99. The regression of the curve was Y = 0.002x + 0.0821. Precision of the method was found to be 1.625 ± 0.324 against the label claim of 4mg. The percentage recovery was found to be 98.56±0.238. The sample solution was stable up to 12 hours. The proposed method may be suitably applied for the analysis of Salbutamol in tablet pharmaceutical formulation for routine analysis.

Evaluation of aquifer characteristics and groundwater quality using geoelectric method in Choba, Port Harcourt

Abstract: A total of seven (7) vertical electrical sounding locations were occupied using the Schlumberger electrode configuration in the evaluation of the aquifer characteristics and ground water quality in Choba, Rivers State. The study was aimed at characterizing the aquifer in the area as well as assessing its potential risk to contaminant seepage in terms of the aquifer hydraulic properties and protective capacity of the overburden rock materials using Dar zarouk parameters. The results show a lithology that is dominated by sands of various grades with no significant delineable intercalating clay/shale impermeable bed. The study area is characterized by low values of the protective capacities Pc, of the overburden rock materials and high aquifer porosities and transmissivities. The low value of the protective capacities makes the aquifer system in the area highly vulnerable to surface contamination. A high porosity and transmissivity value of the aquifer materials implies highly permeable aquifers with significant storativity, which enhances the migration and circulation of contaminants within the ground water system over large areas. These revelations are indications that the ground water quality may have been impaired in the area and borehole water samples should be randomly sampled for contaminant loads based on this analysis.

Synthesis and characterization of silver doped ZnO nanoparticles

Abstract: Nanocrystals of undoped and silver doped zinc oxide (Zn1-x Ag x O (where x = 0.00 to 0.05) were synthesized by coprecipitation method. Crystalline phases and optical absorption of prepared samples were determined by X-ray diffraction and UV-visible spectrophotometer. The average particles size was determined from X-ray line broadening. X-ray analyses reveals that Ag doped ZnO crystallizes in hexagonal wurtzite structure. The incorporation of Ag+ in the place of Zn2+ provoked an increase in the size of nanocrystals as compared to undoped or pure ZnO. Optical absorption measurement indicates red shift in the absorption band edge upon Ag doping. The band gap values of as prepared undoped and doped with silver samples are found to decrease with increase in temperature from 300 to 800 oC.

Influence of biofertilizers on stevioside content in Stevia rebaudiana grown in acidic soil condition

Abstract: The present study was carried out to evaluate the influence of biofertilizers on stevioside content (Main active principle) in the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana grown in acidic soil condition. The six month field experiment study was revealed the combined application of three biofertilizers showed that the total yield of fresh biomass has been recorded an increase up to sixth month, being highest in the combined application of biofertilizers over that of their corresponding sole applications. The percent increase of bio-mass yield was recorded highest (22.14%) in the treatment when all the bio-fertilizers were applied together. Further the results envisaged the content of stevioside were recorded significantly higher (20.17 %) with the same treatments (T8) as compared to control by applied HPLC chromatogram. The chromatographic separations were carried out using a C18 column using the mobile phase consisting of methanol and water, and with UV detection at 210 nm. The limits of determination of stevioside were 4 μg/ml for the leaf extracts.

Screening for Antimicrobial Activity in Acanthus ilicifolius

Abstract: The antimicrobial activity of ethanol, methanol and aqueous extracts of leaf, stem and root of Acanthus ilicifolius were studied. These created an interest to test the possible antimicrobial activity of the different part of this plant, which has not been reported. The cub-plate agar diffusion method was employed to assess the antimicrobial activity of the prepared extract. Eleven test microorganisms were used in this study. Microorganism were grown overnight at 370C in the Mueller-Hinton broth at pH 7.4. The data obtained were subjected to ANOVA test to determine the significance extracts in antimicrobial activity of Acanthus ilicifolius. ANOVA test of data on the antimicrobial activity of aqueous, ethanol and methanol extracts on Bacillus megaterium, Lactobacillus plantarum, Salmonella paratyphi B, Shigella dycentreae, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus mutans, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus, Staphylococcus albus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, revealed that the solvent used in extraction procedure had significant effect (P 0.05) between extract concentration. The most active antimicrobial parts were aqueous root, ethanol stem and methanol leaf. The ethanol, methanol and aqueous extracts of the different parts of the Acanthus ilicifolius exhibited strong to moderate activity against test microorganism. The effect exhibited by ethanol extract was significantly higher than that produced by methanol and aqueous extract. However, the length of incubation produced significant effect (P>0.05).

Polyaniline:TiO2 Nanocomposites: Synthesis and Characterization

Abstract: We report preparation and structural, optical and electrical properties of polyaniline (PANi), nanocrystalline TiO2 and PANi: TiO2 nanocomposites The TiO2 powder of particle size 50–60 nm was synthesized by sol–gel technique and the polyaniline was synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline. The composite films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) Fourier transform infra red (FTIR) and UV-Vis spectroscopy and the results were compared with polyaniline films. The intensity of diffraction peaks for PANi:TiO2 composites are lower than that for TiO2. The characteristic FTIR peaks of PANi were found to shift to higher wave number in PANi: TiO2 composite. These observed effects have been attributed to interaction of TiO2 particles with PANi molecular chains. The room temperature resistivity of polyaniline: nano-TiO2 composite is 3.43 x103
cm and the resistivity of pure nano-TiO2 particles is 1.60 x 106
cm.

Emblica Officinalis (AMLA) leaves extract as corrosion inhibitor for copper and its alloy (CU-27ZN) in natural sea water

Abstract: The inhibition efficacy of Emblica officinalis leaves extract on the corrosion of Copper and its alloy (Cu-27Zn) in Natural sea water environment has been studied by mass loss measurements at various time and temperature. The inhibition efficiency is markedly higher in Natural sea water environment with addition of Emblica officinalis leaves extract compared with those in the inhibitor free solution. The inhibition efficiency increased with increase of inhibitor concentration but decreased with rise in temperature and time. Corrosion inhibition may be due to the spontaneous physical adsorption of the plant constituents on the surface of Copper and its alloy. Experimental data fitted the Langmuir and Temkin adsorption isotherms. On comparing the UV and IR spectrum of alcoholic crystals of inhibitor and the corrosion product on Copper in the presence of inhibitor is reported.

Chewing gum as a drug delivery system

Abstract: The potential of chewing gum as a drug delivery system together with different formulation principles and methods of assessment are discussed in this article. The release of a drug from chewing gum is dependent upon its water solubility. Water soluble substances are released rapidly and completely from chewing gum and methods are available which retard their release from chewing gum to provide an extended release profile. Slightly water-soluble drugs are released slowly and incompletely from chewing gum and require special formulation techniques to produce a satisfactory release profile. Studies evaluating the potential application of medicated and non-medicated chewing gum in the treatment of local diseases in the oral cavity are described. Specific examples of the use of chewing gum as a delivery system for dental health, smoking cessation and antifungal therapy are cited. Few drugs are suitable candidates for incorporation into chewing gum formulations for the intention of their systemic delivery. Know-how derived from the development and manufacture of already existing medicated and non-medicated chewing gum, supplemented with today's knowledge of the principles of pharmaceutical formulation, constitute the basis for the development of the medicinal chewing gum of tomorrow.

Removal of Dyes from Aqueous Solution Using Neem (AzadirachtaIndica) Husk as Activated Carbon

Abstract: The adsorption of xylenol orange, remazole turquoise blue and procion red by neem (Azadirachta indica) husk carbon activated with ZnCl2, H3PO4 and KOH was examined at different concentrations and at the optimized particle size, shaking time and adsorbent dosage. The adsorption obeyed both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms but fit Langmuir isotherm than Freundlich isotherm. Adsorption studies were carried out using carbonized neem carbon, activated neem carbon and commercial adsorbent from coconut shell on xylenol orange, remazole turquoise blue and procion red. The study shows a high adsorption for remazol turquoise blue.

Medicinal Plants as a Source of Anti-Pyretic Agents â A Review

Abstract: Fever is a complex physiologic response triggered by infectious or aseptic stimuli. Elevations in body temperature occur when concentrations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) increase within certain areas of the brain. These elevations alter the firing rate of neurons that control thermoregulation in the hypothalamus. Although fever benefits the nonspecific immune response to invading microorganisms, it is also viewed as a source of discomfort and is commonly suppressed with antipyretic medication. Antipyretics such as aspirin have been widely used since the late 19th century, but the mechanisms by which they relieve fever have only been characterized in the last few decades. It is now clear that most antipyretics work by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase and reducing the levels of PGE2 within the hypothalamus. Various medicinal plants are used as an antipyretic agent from the ancient time. In this review we have enlisted around 50 medicinal plants which are used as an antipyretic agent which can be one of the good alternatives for the traditional allopathic antipyretic agents.