Showing papers in "journal of applied pharmaceutical science in 2013"

Probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria isolated from food samples: an in vitro study.

Abstract: Ram Kumar Pundir*, Satish Rana Neha Kashyap and Amandeep Kaur Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ambala College of Engineering and Applied Research (ACE), Devsthali (Near Mithapur), PO Sambhalkha-133101, Ambala, Haryana, India M.Tech. Students, Department of Biotechnology, Ambala College of Engineering and Applied Research (ACE), Devsthali (Near Mithapur), Sambhalkha, Ambala, 133101, Haryana, India

Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of ethyl acetate extract of nettle (Urtica dioica) and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Abstract: The antibacterial and antioxidant activities of ethyl acetate extract of nettle (Urtica dioica) and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) was studied, also phytochemical screening and determination of total phenolic content has been investigated. The results revealed that ethyl acetate extract of nettle was more effective on all bacterial isolates (Aeromonas hydrophila, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli) than dandelion with highest inhibition zone (24 mm) towards B. cereus, A hydrophila was more resistant than other bacteria. Also it was found that nettle gave large inhibition zone to S. typhi (22mm). Ethyl acetate of nettle had the highest content of phenolic compounds (48.3mg GAE/gdw) while dandelion had only (10.2 mg GAE/gdw) of phenolic content. The phytochemical qualitative screening exhibited flavonoid, glycosides and phenols were present in nettle and dandelion. In nettle, alkaloid, tannins and terpenoids were present, while absent in dandelion, on the other hand, dandelion had the saponins which not found in nettle. Steroids not present in the tow plants. Evaluation of antioxidant activities of ethyl acetate extract of nettle and dandelion by ferric thiocyanate method (FTC) exhibited that nettle caused 76% lipid peroxidation in inhibition of linoleic acid emulsion; this activity was greater than dandelion (44%) and α-tocopherol (65%).

A review of the taxonomy, ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Basella alba (Basellaceae).

Abstract: Article history: Received on: 16/08/2013 Revised on: 05/11/2013 Accepted on: 21/12/2013 Available online: 30/01/2014 Basella alba L. is an important green leafy vegetables found commonly in the tropical regions of the world. The plant is used as a substitute for true spinach (i. e. Spinacea oleracea L.) and also has great ethnomedicinal importance. Different studies have proved that the plant is rich in vitamin A and vitamin C along with flavonoids, saponins, carotenoids, many amino acids and organic acids. Various in vivo and in vitro studies revealed that the plants is enriched with active substances/principles having medicinal potential. Major biological activities exhibited by Basella alba is androgenic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiulcer, antiviral, CNS depressant, hepatoprotective and wound healing, properties. Besides these all the plant possess a valuable ethnomedicinal importance and are used to cure digestive disorders, skin diseases, bleeding piles, pimples, urticaria, irritation, anemia, whooping cough, leprosy, aphthae, insomnia, cancer, gonorrhea, burns, headache, ulcers, diarrhea, liver disorders, bilious vomiting, sexual asthenia.

Profile of poisoning cases in a Tertiary care Hospital, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract: Article history: Received on: 12/12/2012 Revised on: 29/12/2012 Accepted on: 09/01/2013 Available online: 28/01/2013 Poisoning is an important public health problem causing significant morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Information available with regard to acute poisoning in adults is limited at Salem, Tamil Nadu. Hence this study was done with the above objective. It is a retrospective study conducted during Jan 2009-Jan 2012 in a tertiary care hospital. 150 cases of acute poisoning in adults due to drugs and chemicals were included. Data on age, sex, marital status, occupation, religion, locality, type of poison, time and month of intake, route of exposure, associated co-morbid conditions and outcome of poisoning were recorded and analyzed by descriptive method. Among 150 cases, 148 cases were of intentional poisoning and two cases were of accidental poisoning. In all the cases the route of exposure was oral. Males (92 cases) outnumbered females (58 cases) and 101 cases were married. Peak occurrence was in the age group of 21-30 years (47 cases). Occupation wise poisoning was commonly found among male laborers (18.66%) and farmers (13.33%) followed by house wives (28%) and students (16.66%). 147 cases (98%) were Hindus. More cases were reported during summer season (36%) and day time (80%). Organophosphorus was the commonest agent (58.66%). Associated co-morbid conditions were found in 16 cases. The incidence of poisoning and its morbidity and mortality can be reduced by developing and implementation of effective prevention strategies.

Preliminary and pharmacological profile of Melia azedarach L.: an overview.

Abstract: The tree Melia azedarach (Family: Meliaceae) is known locally as bakain or drek (Hindi), Persian lilac or China tree (English), and Fleurs lilas (French). In South America is commonly known as “paraiso” or paradise, and in the US as Indian lilac or white cedar. The whole plant or its specific parts (leaves, stem, and roots) are known to have medicinal properties and have a long history of use by indigenous and tribal people in India. Melia azedarach is used as an ayurvedic medicine in India and Unani medicine in Arab countries as an antioxidative, analgesic, anti-Inflammatory, insecticidal, rodenticidal, antidiarrhoeal, deobstruent, diuretic, antidiabetic, cathartic, emetic, antirheumatic and antihypertensive. It is highly nutritious having a calorific value at 5100 kcal/kg. Also, it is used to manufacture agricultural implements, furniture, plywood, boxes, poles, tool handles and fuel wood. It is widely planted as a shade tree in coffee and abaca (Musa textilis) plantations. It is a wellknown ornamental tree. The present review is therefore, an effort to give a detailed survey of the literature on its botanical details, phytochemical reports, pharmacological studies and its therapeutic importance.

Lectins: Proteins with Diverse Applications

Abstract: Lectins are proteins that bind to carbohydrates and sugar containing substances in a specific and reversible way or precipitate glycoconjugates. These heterogeneous class of carbohydrate-binding proteins or glycoproteins of non-immune origin are capable of specific recognition of, and reversible binding to, carbohydrates without altering their covalent structure. Lectins are found in a diversity of organisms and possess the ability to agglutinate erythrocytes with known carbohydrate specificity since they have at least one non-catalytic domain that binds reversibly to specific monosaccharides or oligosaccharides. This review aims to highlight the applications of lectins in various fields of biology. Lectins are isolated from their natural sources by chromatographic procedures with various modulations to increase their production. The yields of animal lectins are usually low compared with the yields of plant lectins such as legume lectins, which form a major source of these proteins. Lectins manifest a diversity of activities including anti-insect activities, antitumor, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial and HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitory, which may find applications in many therapeutic areas. A small number of lectins demonstrate anti-parasitic activities.

The Pharmacological Properties of Salvia Essential Oils

Abstract: Salvia essential oils isolated by hydrodistillation from the plant’s commercial dried aerial parts(Fig.1)，have powerful biological activity and pharmacological properties. The oils contain more than 100 different bioactive compounds, which mainly include Monoterpene hydrocarbons, Oxygenated monoterpenes, Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, Diterpenes, Not iso-prenoid compounds and Oxygenated sesquiterpenes. It has a number of pharmacological effects including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-cholinesterase, improvement of cognitive performance and mood, reducing work-related stress, anti-mutagenic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, choleretic activities and so on. The present review focuses on the pharmacological activities of Salvia essential oils.

Pharmacological Activities of Coccinia Grandis: Review

Abstract: Many traditional medicines in use are obtained from medicinal plants, minerals and organic matter. During the past several years, there has been increasing interest among the uses of various medicinal plants from the traditional system of medicine for the treatment of different ailments. Coccinia grandis has been used in traditional medicine as a household remedy for various diseases. The whole plant of Coccinia grandis having pharmacological activities like analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiulcer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, antimalarial, antidyslipidemic, anticancer, antitussive, mutagenic. The present review gives botany, chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of coccinia grandis.

Comparative mode of action of some terpene compounds against octopamine receptor and acetyl cholinesterase of mosquito and human system by the help of homology modeling and Docking studies.

Abstract: Article history: Received on: 04/01/2013 Revised on: 21/01/2013 Accepted on: 05/02/2013 Available online: 27/2/2013 Mosquitoes are vectors of many diseases like malaria, encephalitis, dengue, filaria, yellow fever etc. and thus possess severe threat to public health. Essential oils of some aromatic plants and many pure terpene compounds have been reported effective against different strains of mosquitoes by many authors. In the present investigation, five reported terpene compounds namely eugenol, geraniol, coumarin, eucalyptol and carvacrol were allowed to dock against octopamine receptor and acetyl cholinesterase protein models of Aedes aegypti and Homo sapiens to evaluate their comparative efficacy in terms of docking performance. All the compounds were found to dock with both the protein models of the two animal systems while some of them were found to better perform against the protein models of A.aegypti than the protein models of H.sapiens which can further be explored in mosquito control programme as a comparatively safe compound(s). The results are discussed on the basis of energy value. 3D structures of proteins were modeled using Modeller9v8. The structures assessment were established using the Procheck, WhatCheck and WhatIF server of Swiss Model Workspace. Ligands were prepared using the Commercial Software Exome Horizon.

Antioxidant activity of phenolic and flavonoid fractions of Cleome gynandra and Maerua angolensis of Burkina Faso

Abstract: Cleome gynandra L. and Maerua angolensis DC (Forsk) are two species of Capparidaceae family and of which the traditional uses are directed much against the inflammatory diseases, cancer and cellular ageing. The aim of this study is to measure the anti-FRAP, anti-ABTS and anti-DPPH activities through the n-hexane (n-H), dichloromethanolic (DCM), acetonitrile (ACN), ethyl acetate (EA), methanolic (MeOH) and n-butanol (n-BuOH) fractions of each species. We thus quantified the total phenolic and total flavonoids in different fractions. The whole of the tests were evaluated with a sample concentration at 100 µg/mL. Thus, three methods i.e., FRAP, ABTS and DPPH were used to estimate the total antioxidant capacity of the plants fractions. The total phenolic and total flavonoid were also determined spectrophotometrically using Folin-Ciocalteu and AlCl3 reagents, respectively. Butanolic fractions were give the bests anti-FRAP (535.961 µmol AAEAC/g of fraction), antiABTS (155.868 µmol TEAC/g of fraction) and anti-DPPH (81.109 µmol QEAC/ g of fraction) activities. The best phenolic content was obtained with n-butanol fraction (133.023 mg GAE/g of fraction, for C. gynandra), followed of methanolic fraction of M. angolensis (128.043 mg GAE/g of fraction). C. gynandra was give the best flavonoids contents with DCMF (50.09 %), followed of EAF (19.464 %). The obtained results allow justifying the traditional uses of these plants in the above-mentioned diseases.

Oroxylum indicum- a medicinal plant of North East India: An overview of its nutritional, remedial, and prophylactic properties

Abstract: D C Deka, Vimal Kumar*, Chandan Prasad, Kamal Kumar, B J Gogoi, Lokendra Singh, R B Srivastava Department of Chemistry, Gauhati University, Guwahati‐781014, Assam, India Science Laboratory, Archaeological Survey of India, Dehradun-248001, Uttrakhand, India. Department of Chemistry, D.A.V. P.G. College, Kanpur -208001, Uttar Pradesh, India. Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment, Kanpur208013, Uttar Pradesh, India. Defence Research Laboratory, Post Bag 2, Tezpur‐784001, Assam, India. 6 Directorate of Life Sciences, DRDO Head Quarters, New Delhi -110105, India. Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, c/o 56 APO ‐ 901205, India.

The antioxidant and anticoagulant activities of polysaccharides isolated from the brown algae Dictyopteris polypodioides growing on the Lebanese coast

Abstract: Article history: In this study, we attempt to isolate the polysaccharides from the brown seaweed Dictyopteris polypodioides (Dp) growing on the Lebanese coast. The percentages of the main polysaccharide alginic acid were 4.6% in May and 6.25% in July. The extracted yields of Fucoidan, Laminaran and Mannuronan (FLM) and Mannuronan (M) alone were respectively 0.75% and 0.38% in May and 1.15% and 0.67% in July. We performed the infrared spectroscopy in order to reveal the functional groups of alginate and mannuronan. Moreover, a non-destructive technique ¹ H NMR was used to determine the structure of alginate and the distribution of guluronic (G) and mannuronic acid (M) in the chain, allowing us therefore to calculate the ratio M/G. The latter was 0.96 showing a strong ability of alginate to capture heavy metals. The analysis of trace elements showed great amounts of K, Si, Na and Mg in both seasons. Moreover, Dictyopteris appears to be rich in fatty acids (10 items) with palmitic and oleic acids as main fatty acids. Furthermore, the anticoagulant activity of polysaccharides was investigated by activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) clotting assay and the antioxidant activity was studied by electrolysis method. It has been shown that the FLM and M fractions of Dictyopteris polypodioides have a significant antioxidant and anticoagulant activities. Further investigations are imperative in order to develop new molecules based on these polysaccharides to be used as drugs or for healthcare in general.

Docking Studies of Chlorogenic Acid against Aldose Redutcase by using Molgro Virtual Docker Software

Abstract: Docking studies of chlorogenic acid against aldose reductase, an enzyme involved in diabetic complications, have been performed, in order to evaluate the inhibitory effects of chlorogenic acid on this enzyme. The docking studies were performed using Molgro Virtual Docker (MVD) software. From the several available alternative methods to incorporate protein flexibility in docking studies, the use of multiple crystal structures with different bound ligands was applied here, thus, of the available crystal structures of the non- mutated aldose reductase enzyme from Homo sapiens, five were selected for the final docking studies. The docking results of chlorogenic acid with selected aldose reductase crystal structures shows that it forms hydrogen bonds with at least two out of three key active site residues (Tyr48, His110 and Trp111). It also form hydrogen bonds to other active site residues, in particular Thr113. The average MolDock score and the MolDock Re-rank score for cholorogenic acid are -119.34 Kcal/mol and -114.92 Kcal/mol respectively. The docking results show that chlorogenic acid fits well in the active site of aldose reductase and interact with the residues in the active site which are crucial for their biological activity, thus, it could a potent inhibitor of aldose reductase enzyme and thus be used for prevention/treatment of diabetic complications.

Chemotherapeutic potential of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn: A review

Abstract: Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. has been shown to exhibit a wide range of medicinal properties for the treatment of diabetes, inflammation, stress, hepatotoxicity, jaundice and heart failure. The extraordinary antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antibiotic, antidiabetic and anticarcinogenic properties of B. diffusa have attracted pioneers in the field of science and medicine. Moreover, the therapeutic importance of this plant, which is due to presence of polyphenols and flavanoids, makes this plant medically more important to be exploited by clinicians and scientists to gain more insight into its biological and medicinal properties. The present review on B. diffusa focuses over the chemical compositions and its ethno-medicinal uses, linked from ancient times to the present with a scope of development in future. Furthermore, a recent update on mechanistic approaches of B. diffusa has also been discussed, which could be helpful for the researchers working in this field. Eventually, based on its antioxidant and antidiabetic characteristics, it is hypothesized that B. diffusa might exhibit antiglycating properties as well.

Antibacterial Activity of Essential oils of Juniperus phoenicea from Eastern Algeria

Abstract: Article history: The present study evaluates the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oils (EOs) of Juniperus Phoenicea of five localities from eastern Algeria. The analysis and identification of the components of the Eos was performed using the (GC-MS). The average yield of essential oil of the samples is 0.82%. The chemical composition of the EOs of J. Phoenicea is dominated by the presence of a major product, α-pinene (36.3-55.9%). Three components are represented with large concentrations, terpinolene (0-13%), Δ3-carene (0- 12.4%) and the β-phellandrene (0-7.3%). Our investigation allows us to support the species Juniperus phoenicea of eastern Algeria has several variability quantitative and qualitative. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oils of J. phoenicea was evaluated against nine bacteria. The results showed a variable degree of antibacterial activity being the population Elhadjaz most effective.

In Vitro Antioxidant Potential and Type II Diabetes Related Enzyme Inhibition Properties of Traditionally Processed Legume-based Food and Medicinal Recipes in Indian Himalayas

Abstract: Article history: Received on: 05/01/2013 Revised on: 19/01/2013 Accepted on: 25/01/2013 Available online: 28/01/2013 In vitro antioxidant potential of methanolic extracts of six legume-based traditional plant recipes used in Indian Himalayas were evaluated by trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), scavenging of 1,1-diphenyl-2picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide radical, hydrogen peroxide, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and inhibition of s-carotene degradation activity (IBDA). Type II diabetes-related enzyme inhibition capacity of recipes was assayed on α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity under in vitro assay. The methanolic extracts of six recipes showed substantially high total phenolic and flavonoid content along with TEAC, radical scavenging activities, FRAP and IBDA in significantly different magnitudes. Apart from high magnitude of antioxidant potential, the three recipes namely ‘methi paste’, ‘arhar dal’ and ‘ghew simi’ used during diabetes by local people exhibited moderate to high level of enzyme inhibition capacity. Present results suggest that methanolic extracts of six indigenous recipes are rich in polyphenols and antioxidant activity. The three medicinal preparations have high potential to inhibit type II diabetes-related enzyme activity, and may be integrated into dietary management of type II diabetes.

Temperature Triggered In situ Gelling System for Betaxolol in Glaucoma

Abstract: Article history: Received on: 07/11/2012 Revised on: 29/12/2012 Accepted on: 22/01/2013 Available online: 28/02/2013 The aim of this research is to develop thermo sensitive drug vehicles for glaucoma therapy in in-situ form to overcome the problems of poor bioavailability, naso lachrymal drainage and rapid precorneal elimination exhibited by conventional eye drops. Thermo sensitive ophthalmic drop was prepared using cold method by mixing thermo sensitive polymer pluronic F-127, viscosifying agent HPMC-E 50 LV and antiglaucoma drug (betaxolol hydrochloride). Prepared in situ gels were evaluated for physical parameters like appearance, gelation temperature, pH, drug content, rheological properties, isotonicity, sterility test, in vitro permeation and in-vivo ocular irritation study. The drug released from selected batch provides sustained release of betaxolol over 7 hours period and showed excellent ocular tolerance. The overall results of this study supports that the Pluronic/HPMC based vehicle could be used for controlled drug release that exhibits a greater potential for glaucoma therapy.

RP-HPLC Method Development and Validation of Gallic acid in Polyherbal Tablet Formulation

Abstract: A new simple, accurate, precise, sensitive and validated RP-HPLC method was developed for the estimation of Gallic acid in bulk and pharmaceutical tablet dosage form. The chromatographic conditions used for the separation was Phenomenex Luna C18 (2) (4.6 x 250mm, 5μ), rheodyne manual injector with capacity of 20µL and mobile phase comprised of Water: Acetonitrile (80: 20%v/v) and pH is maintained at 3.00 using Ophosphoric acid (OPA). The flow rate was 1.0mL/min with detection at 272nm. The retention time was found to be 3.60min. The linearity was found to be in the range of 0.5-50µg/mL for Gallic acid with correlation coefficient of 0.9994. The proposed method is accurate with 99.97% - 100.58 % recovery and precise (%RSD of repeatability, intra-day and inter-day variations were 1.26%, 0.48-0.95%, 0.80-1.83%). The Limit of Detection (LOD) and Limit of Quantification (LOQ) were found to be 0.0178µg/mL and 0.0539µg/mL respectively. The amount of Gallic acid in Polyherbal tablet was found to be 1.63%.

Characterization of lactic acid producing bacteria from Thai sources

Abstract: Budsabathip Prasirtsak, Somboon Tanasupawat, Ruethairat Boonsombat, Kentaro Kodama and Nuttha Thongchul Program in Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Anti-dermatophytic activity of some traditionally used medicinal plants of North Karnataka Region

Abstract: Article history: Received on: 22/08/2012 Revised on: 09/01/2013 Accepted on: 14/02/2013 Available online: 27/2/2013 To find the potentiality of the following medicinal plants for their anti dermatophytic property. Agar and broth dilution methods, Leaf extracts of Cassia occidentalis, Cassia tora, Lawsonia inermis, Xanthium strumarium and Caesalpinia bonducella with various solvents viz., methanol, alcohol, acetone, acetone, petroleum ether, chloroform and ethyl acetate were evaluated for antidermatophytic activity against human pathogenic fungi. In agar and broth dilution methods, all extracts showed antifungal activity even at minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs). The most biologically active extract was found to be ethyl acetate leaf extract of C. bonducella, which inhibited all test fungi with time and dose dependent activity. This plant extract retarded the growth of all the organisms at 10000 μg/ml up to 30 days and beyond. It is further suggested for detail investigation of active constituents of the plants used in the present.

Total phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of extracts from Tordylium maximum

Abstract: is biennial or annual plant growing up to a height of 30-130 cm. This species is distributed in the south and central Europe, though doubtfully native in the northern part of its range (Tutin, 1968). Recently, the isolation of some flavonoids and a series of antifungal and cytotoxic coumarins from

Overview of Benign and Malignant Tumours of Female Genital Tract

Abstract: Article history: Received on: 21/12/2012 Revised on: 09/01/2013 Accepted on: 19/01/2013 Available online: 29/01/2013 Female genital tract is most common site for tumours in females. The most common type of female genital tract cancers are – cervical, ovarian and endometrial carcinoma. There are other less common tumours including tumours of vagina, vulva and fallopian tubes. The Uterine corpus represents the second most common site for malignancy of the female genital systems. Cervical carcinoma is the second most common cancer in women worldwide. Tumours of the ovary represent about 30% of all cancers of female genital tract. Cancer of the vagina is relatively rare, accounting for about 1%2% of gynaecological malignancies. Tumours of the fallopian tube are much less common than the corresponding ovarian neoplasms. In view of major importance of the subject, this review study was undertaken to understand the topic in a better prospective.

Evaluation of cardioprotective effects of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq. Benth) Mimosaceae stem bark

Abstract: Article history: Received on: 17/12/2012 Revised on: 29/12/2012 Accepted on: 09/01/2013 Available online: 27/2/2013 Parkia biglobosa is one of the main medicinal plants used in traditional medicine to treat cardiovascular diseases in Africa. We investigated cardioprotective effects of stem bark hydro-alcoholic extract (HAE) of P. biglobosa in isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarction (MI). Four groups of five Wistar rats of each were used. Group I, control group, received per os (p.o) saline solution (5ml kg b.w.) as vehicle daily for 15 days and was injected subcutaneously with the vehicle (5ml kg b.w.) at an interval of 24 hours, on day 14 and 15. Group II referred to as infarcted rats, received vehicle p.o and was injected subcutaneously with isoproterenol (125 mg kg b.w.) as in group I. Groups III and IV were pre-treated p.o with HAE (90 and 60 mg kg b.w. respectively) daily for 15 days and was injected subcutaneously Isoproterenol (125 mg kg b.w.). ISO has induced MI, characterized by significant increased (p <0.001) of MDA, biochemical alterations, heart hypertrophy and histological changes in infarcted rats. HAE, prevented significantly (p <0.001) induction of all these anomalies in pre-treated rats. These results suggested cardioprotective effects of P.biglobosa against ISO induced MI.

A study on ethnomedicinal plants of Kalavai, Vellore District, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract: Article history: Received on: 28/10/2012 Revised on: 15/11/2012 Accepted on: 21/11/2012 Available online: 28/01/2013 A qualitative ethanobotanical survey was carried out among the local Irula tribals of Kalavai village, Vellore district, Tamil Nadu, to study the various medicinal plants that are used by the people for the treatment of common ailments such as fever, cold, cough, diabetes, jaundice, diarrhea, rheumatism, snake bite, and headache, in order to evaluate the potential medicinal uses of local plants. 250 respondents were interviewed. A total of 50 species of plants used by the local tribes of Kalavai are described in this study based on questionnaire, interviews and discussions with the local people. Several plants were found to be effective in curing asthma, skin disease, headache, wound healing, cough, cancer, fever, cold, rheumatism, hepatitis, diarrhea, paralysis, dyspepsia, ulcers, dysentery, tumors, some viral infections and scorpion bite. Conservation and cultivation of these plants is essential for sustaing the medicinal and cultural resource of mankind.

In vitro antioxidant and photoprotective activities of dried extracts from Neoglaziovia variegata (Bromeliaceae)

Abstract: The phytochemical screening, antioxidant and photoprotective activities of dried extracts from the leaves of Neoglaziovia variegata were investigated. It was also evaluated the total phenolic and flavonoid contents by the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods, respectively. Antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated by using of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging and β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching and compared with ascorbic acid, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) used as reference compounds. The photoprotective effect was evaluated by the spectrophotometric method. Preliminary analysis demonstrated that the extracts were found to be positive for the presence of anthracene derivatives, flavonoids, tannins, mono and diterpenes, naphthoquinones, coumarins, triterpenoids and steroids. The most significant total phenolic and flavonoid contents was of 608.50 ± 14.74 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g and 272.50 ± 9.25 mg of catechin equivalent/g, respectively, for ethyl acetate fraction (Nv-AcOEt). The Nv-AcOEt also presented the best antioxidant activity (IC50 3.51 ± 0.18 μg/ml) for DPPH scavenging. The chloroform fraction (Nv-CHCl3) and Nv-AcOEt showed characteristic absorption bands in regions UVB and UVA in a concentration-dependent manner. Nv-AcOEt presented the highest sun protection factor SPF (27. 68 ± 4.03). It shows the possibility to use this extract as sunscreen in pharmaceutical preparations.

Formulation and Evaluation of Colon Targeted Drug Delivery System of Levetiracetam using Pectin as Polymeric Carrier

Abstract: Article history: Received on: 10/12/2012 Revised on: 29/12/2012 Accepted on: 15/01/2013 Available online: 28/01/2013 The aim of the present work was to develop and evaluate colon specific sustained release tablet using levetiracetam (LEV), microbially degradable polymeric carrier (pectin), coating material and matrix forming polymers. The colon targeted tablet was prepared by wet granulation technique using different percentage of pectin as matrix carrier, starch mucilage as a binding agent, HPMC K-100 as swellable polymer and coated with Eudragit polymers. Pectin, drug and physical mixture were evaluated for incompatibility study by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). All the batches of matrix tablet (F1-F4) were subjected for in-vitro dissolution in various simulated gastric fluids for suitability for colon specific drug delivery system. Tablets were evaluated for micromeritic properties of granules, physical properties, drug content, water uptake and erosion characteristics. F2 was optimized and subjected to coating based on evaluation results. The dissolution study of F2 revealed, in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) release was 40.48% at the end of 6h and in simulated colonic fluids (rat caecal content) was 102.88% after degradation at the end of 8h. The colon targeted matrix tablet of LEV showed no change either in physical appearance, drug content or dissolution pattern after performing stability study for 3 months. The studies confirmed that, the designed formulation could be used potentially for colon delivery by controlling drug release in stomach and the small intestine.

Design and Evaluation of Miconazole Nitrate loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLC) for improving the Antifungal therapy

Abstract: The aim of this study was to prepare and evaluate gels incorporating nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) of Miconazole nitrate (MN) for systemic delivery of the active after topical application. MN has been used as model drugs to be incorporated into nanostructured lipid carriers, once they are very well established as antimycotics for the treatment of topical fungal infections. NLC designed for topical administration of MN, were prepared by the hot high pressure homogenization technique. This MN-NLC was characterized for particle size, entrapment efficiency, and SEM. The lipid nanoparticles were incorporated in gels for convenient topical application and were evaluated forfor particle size, Rheological analysis Texture analysis , In vitro drug release studies and Ex Vitro skin permeation Studies. The preparation of aqueous NLC dispersions with a mean particle size lower than 300 nm has been obtained with uniform size distribution (PI < 0.350). The prepared semi-solid systems showed mean particle size remained lower than 250 nm and PI remained lower than 0.500 after 3 months of storage. An initial rapid release was observed in the case of Marketed gel, whereas MN- NLC Gel depicted a slow initial release with a lag time of 0.5 h and 1 h, respectively. High amount of MN release was facilitated through abdominal skin of rats from marketed gel than MN-NLC Gel. Research work could be concluded as successful development of MN-loaded NLC-bearing hydrogel to increase the encapsulation efficiency of colloidal lipid carriers with advantage of improved performance in terms of stability and provides a sustaining MN topical effect as well as faster relief from fungal infection.

Chemical composition, antibacterial activity and chromosome number of Algerian populations of two chrysanthemum species.

Abstract: The chemical composition of essential oil isolated from Chrysanthemum fontanesii and C. coronarium by hydrodistillation, was analysed by GC and GC/MS. A total 66 compounds representing 97.9% of the oil were identified in C. fontanesii, and 44 components representing 97.2% of the total oil in C. coronarium. The chemical composition of C. fontanesii and C. coronarium, is very different, the only common components are α-pinene, β-pinene, myrcene and Δ3-carene. The Essential oil of C. fontanesii and C. coronarium was tested for antibacterial activity against nine bacteria strains. The oil showed modest effect against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, and it has no significant antibacterial activity against the other bacteria tested. The population of C. fontanesii studied showed a diploid chromosome number 2n = 2x = 18 and a tetraploid 2n = 4x = 36 for C. coronarium.

Stability Indicating HPLC Method for the Determination of Hydrochlorothiazide in Pharmaceutical Dosage form

Abstract: A stability indicating analytical method has been developed and validated. In this study Hydrochlorothiazide was degraded under different stress test conditions as per International Conference on Harmonization. The degraded samples were used to develop a stability-indicating high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the Hydrochlorothiazide. The Hydrochlorothiazide was well separated from degradation products using a reversed-phase (C-18) column and a mobile phase comprising of Methanol: Buffer pH- 3.2 (60:40 v/v) and other HPLC parameters were flow rate 1 mL/min, detection wavelength 270 nm and injection volume 20 µl. The method was validated for linearity, precision, accuracy, ruggedness and robustness. Results obtained after validation study indicating that the proposed single method allowed analysis of Hydrochlorothiazide in the presence of their degradation products formed under a variety of stress conditions. The developed procedure was also applicable to the determination of stability of the Hydrochlorothiazide in commercial pharmaceutical dosage form.

Phytochemical screenings, thrombolytic activity and antimicrobial properties of the bark extracts of Averrhoa bilimbi

Abstract: Article history: Received on: 05/02/2013 Revised on: 21/02/2013 Accepted on: 01/03/2013 Available online: 30/03/2013 In this present study, the bark extracts of Averrhoa bilimbi were subjected to the thrombolytic activities were assessed by using human erythrocyte and the results were compared with standard streptokinase (SK). On the other hand, bark extracts of A. bilimbi revealed moderate antibacterial activity against some microorganisms used in the screening. Preliminary phytochemical investigation suggested the presence of flavonoids, saponins and alkaloids.