ABSTRACT

Novel drug delivery systems are need of recent developments. Controlled drug delivery systems for oral route are widely acceptable and easy to formulate. Oral controlled release systems developed to overcome short comings of conventional controlled released formulations such as short gastric residence time, unpredictable gastric emptying time, unstable at higher pH, site specific absorption, etc. Various approaches have been developed to retain dosage form in stomach for longer period of time. Bioadhesive systems, high density systems, expanding or swelling systems, effervescent buoyant systems has been discovered till date. Drugs those having narrow absorption window in stomach, stable at acidic pH and unstable in the intestinal or colonic pH, having low solubility at higher pH are suitable to develop as buoyant drug delivery systems. Present review focuses on various aspects of buoyant drug delivery systems.

Keywords: Buoyant drug delivery, Effervescent, Non-effervescent and Microballoon.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this work was to familiarize the Pharm. D students with the various web based drug information resources with its advantages, usefulness and limitations and to develop skills in retrieval and evaluation of drug information. This review work is useful for Pharm. D students and is extremely reliable. This work helps in understanding the types of drug information resources available, to develop skills to find the suitable and appropriate answer; to select suitable search strategy and appropriate drug information resources; to develop skills in accessing web based drug information resources and its applications; to understand the various limitations and the advantages of various resources; and to chose appropriate resources to answer the drug related queries. To guide the Pharm. D students, data regarding various web based resources (databases and websites) were collected, analyzed and categorized according to the requirements of the needed drug information. This review work will help and enable the students in utilizing drug information resources effectively. The usefulness of this information reflects upon their practice and can enlighten them.

Keywords: Web, drug information, limitations.

ABSTRACT

It’s necessary the ports around the world should be measuring their performance and the determination thus indicators considering the importance diminution to achieving a lot of their targets such as to know their situation about competition, strategic planning, update their technology and expansion the investments. Although international organization had submitted them and published also thus indicators but in fact also a lot of them don not following  particular the whole governing ports,  In the world, all ports are unique, and the task of measuring and analyzing performance is not simple and is made more difficult by the failure to establish industry standards on what to measure, how to measure it and how to express the measure in an informative and consistent manner. This difficulty is compounded by the fact that there is no single measure that can sum up all the important aspects of port or terminal performance. This study aims to analyze the existing literature about performance measures of container terminal operations.

Keywords: Performance, Port, Terminal, Container, Measurement.

ABSTRACT

The oral delivery of lipophilic drugs has a major challenge because of low aqueous solubility of such drugs. Self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS) have ability to increase solubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. Self-micro emulsifying drug delivery systems are isotropic mixtures of oil, surfactant, co-surfactant of co-solvents can be used for the design of formulations in order to improve the oral absorption of highly lipophilic drugs. Self micro-emulsifying drug delivery system can be orally administered in hard or soft gelatin capsule and form fine stable emulsion (oil-in-water emulsion) aqueous dilution owing to the gentle agitation of gastrointestinal fluid. Efficiency of oral absorption of the drug from the SMEDDS depends on formulation elated parameters such as concentration of surfactant, co-surfactant, ratio of oil and surfactant, charge and droplet size. Thus, there are few drug products of the pharmaceutical market formulated as SMEDDS confirming the difficulty of formulating hydrophobic drug compounds in to such formulations. The fact that almost 40% of the new drugs are hydrophobic in nature which are studies with SMEDDS will continue and more drug compounds formulated as SMEDDS will reach pharmaceutical market.

Keywords: Lipophilic, Self micro-emulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS), oral absorption, stable in water.

ABSTRACT

Chronic hepatic diseases stand as one of the foremost health troubles worldwide, with liver cirrhosis and drug induced liver injury accounting ninth leading cause of death in western and developing countries. Therapies developed along the principles of western medicine are often limited in efficacy, carry the risk of adverse effects, and are often too costly, especially for the developing world. The present review focused on different types of herbs which are traditionally used as hepatoprotective. These herbal drugs have shown the ability to maintain the normal functional statues of the liver with or without fewer side effects and medicinal plants may offer new alternatives to the limited therapeutic options that exist at present in the treatment of liver diseases or their symptoms, and they should be considered for future studies.

Key words: Hepatotoxicity, Hepatoprotection, Herbs.

ABSTRACT

The various methods of synthesizing pyrazole and bipyrazole moieties have always been a subject of interest for medicinal chemists. Primarily, the pyrazoles have been synthesized from diketones, hydrazones, acetylenes and more recently from chalcones. The bipyrazoles in turn have been derived from pyrazoles. The important methods of synthesis including the recent techniques have been reported in this review.

Keywords: Pyrazole, Bipyrazole, heterocyclic, chalcones.

ABSTRACT

Estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) belong to the nuclear receptor family of ligand-inducible transcription factors. It involves in both proliferation of breast cancer cells as well as in carcinogenesis. Many studies on polymorphisms suggested its correlation with various aspects of breast cancer. The most studied Polymorphisms are SNPs and microsatellites lying within intron one of estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) gene. A possible linkage of ER gene found in families of breast cancer patients, suggested that either the ER gene itself or an adjacent gene may be a risk of breast cancer. These alleles have also been found to be associated with traditional risk factors of breast cancer including age, family history, menstrual cycle, menopausal status, anthropometric measurements (height, weight etc.) and pregnancy history. Estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) status also plays a role in decisions making for endocrine therapy. This review focuses on association of estrogen receptors α (ESR1) polymorphism with the breast cancer risk. By understanding the frequency of occurrence of ER α polymorphism and associated risk factors may elucidate the breast cancer screening, prevention, and treatments strategies in future.

Keywords: Estrogen receptor α, breast cancer, SNP, Hormonal status.

ABSTRACT

Self nanoemulsifying drug delivery (SNEDDS) is used for drugs which exhibit low water solubility. Dissolution is the rate limiting factor for these drugs. SNEDDS are capable of improving the bioavailability substantially of such drugs. They are formulated by utilizing an oil phase, surfactant and a co-surfactant. This formulation forms nano emulsion (O/W type) on contact with aqueous body fluids i.e. gastric juices when administered orally. Solid SNEDDS (s- SNEDDS) can also be formulated in the form of tablet which shows greater advantages. With recent and potential future developments, this technology will continue to enable novel applications in drug delivery and overcome limitations associated with the delivery of poorly water soluble drugs, mainly those belonging to BCS class-II and class-IV.

Keywords: Self nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS), oil phase, surfactants, cosurfactants, Pseudo ternary phase diagrams.

ABSTRACT

The present review provides an overview on recent development and capabilities of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) technique which allows the determination of elements and isotopes from the biological tissues and related materials with the spatial resolution which typically ranges from 10 to 100 μm. The outstanding properties such as high sensitivity (ranging, ppt–ppq), relative salt tolerance, compound-independent element response and highest quantitation accuracy leads to an unchallenged performance of ICP MS in its efficiency in detection, identification and quantification of trace elements. The elements that are detected are mostly ‘‘trace’’ and can be analyzed from both body tissues and body fluids. The accurate determination of elemental distribution in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, etc., helps in the better understanding of the particular diseases. ICP-MS can be applied also in environmental and bioanalytical fields when coupled/combined with different separation techniques for the quantitative determinations.

Keywords: ICP-MS, Quantitation, Sensitivity, Bioanalytical.

ABSTRACT

This review gives concise information about physico-chemical properties, synthetic strategies, characterization and possible application of Dendrimers in drug delivery. Dendrimers also known as arborols. They are radially symmetric molecules having nano size with well-defined, homogeneous and monodisperse structure consisting of tree-like arms or branches. Due to their unique architecture these have improved physical and chemical properties. They are having terminal groups, due to which these show high solubility, miscibility and reactivity. The major applications of Dendrimers are: Gene and oligonucleotide delivery, Targeting of anticancer chemotherapy. Their compatibility with DNA, heparin and polyanions make them more versatile.

Keywords: Dendrimers, PEGylated dendrimers, PPI Dendrimer, PAMAM Dendrimer, PAMAMOS Dendrimer.

ABSTRACT

From the past few decades scientific and technological advancement have been made in the pharmaceutical research and development of oral drug delivery system. Medicated chewing gum (MCG) has drawn attention to the researcher as potential drug delivery system. MCGs are the non-dissolving intraoral dosage form intended for local treatment of diseases of the oral cavity as well as systemic delivery after absorption through buccal mucosa in which the continuation of drug release depends up on masticatory activities. A special in-vitro apparatus was designed and constructed for release testing of MCGs which is official in European Pharmacopoeia. It is an excellent and convenient drug delivery system for self-medication and can be administered discreetly without water. Consequently at present chewing gum is a convenient drug delivery system, which is appropriate for a wide range of active substances. It is very likely that MCGs will be a common drug delivery system and could be a commercial success in imminent future. Purpose of this review article is to discuss the advantage and drawback, methods of preparation, evaluation, and release of drugs, factors affecting release, safety aspects and development with respect to the medicated chewing gums.

Keywords: Medicated chewing gums (MCGs), Oral drug delivery system, In-vitro apparatus, Systemic delivery.

ABSTRACT

Medical devices have been become more important in the health care sector. It is mostly used for diagnosis and prevention of public health. There are more than 8000 generic medical device groups, where some medical devices contain drugs. This increases the demand for better regulatory frameworks to ensure that products entering in the market are safe as well as efficient. One of the major issues for companies developing and producing medical devices is to be updated on the bases of regulatory requirements and to implement them in the process. This is particularly true in developing countries, where assessments of health technology are rare and where little regulatory controls exist to prevent the importation or use of substandard devices. So regulation of medical device is a vital need in Pharmaceutical Sector. This article mainly focuses on classification, classification rules, registration procedure, documents required for registration of medical device and fees for application of medical devices in Australia and India. In Australia medical devices are regulated by Therapeutics Good Administration (TGA) whereas in India medical devices are regulated by Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).

Keywords: Medical device, Regulation, Classification rules, Australia, India, CDSCO, TGA, ARGMD.

ABSTRACT

In targeted drug delivery to specific sites is significant problem which is being faced by many researchers. The development of new and complex molecules nanosponges have potential to solve these problem. Nanosponges are tiny sponges with a size of about a virus. Which can be filled with a wide variety of drugs and complex molecules. These tiny sponges can circulate around the body until they encounter the specific target site and stick on the surface and begin to release the drugs in a controlled and predictable manner. Because nanosponges play a vital role in targeting drug delivery in a controlled released rate. Nanosponges is a novel and emerging technology which offers targeted and controlled drug delivery for topical as well as oral use. A large variety of substances or drugs can be encapsulated in to the wide cavities of nanosponges. Another important features of these nanosponges is their water soluble. The nanosponges carrying both lipophilic and hydrophilic substances and mostly improving the solubility of poorly water soluble drugs. In this review article application of nanosponges, method of preparation, evaluation parameter and added recent patent have been discussed.

Keywords: Nanosponges, targeted drug delivery, solubility enhancement.

ABSTRACT

Quality by design is a standout amongst the most techniques which go about as a piece of current methodology to pharmaceutical industry. This paper gives thought regarding the Pharmaceutical Quality by Design (Qbd) and depicts utilization of Quality by design to guarantee quality of pharmaceuticals. The idea advances industry's understanding of the product and manufacturing process with product development, fundamentally constructing quality in, not testing it. It incorporates the Quality Target product profile ,critical quality attributes and key parts of Quality by Design .It likewise gives examination between product quality by end testing and product Quality by Quality by Design. The establishment of Quality by Design is ICH Guidelines. It is focused around ICH Guideline Q8 for pharmaceutical development, Q9 for quality risk management, Q10 for pharmaceutical quality system. It additionally gives application of Quality by Design in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals.

Keywords: Quality by design(QbD), Target product quality, Design space, Critical quality attributes.

ABSTRACT

Drug-drug interaction is a matter of deep concern as this proves to be the major cause of adverse drug reaction (ADR). It may be on pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic level. Pharmacokinetic interactions involve the effect of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion whereas pharmacodynamic interactions emphasize mainly on three areas viz.,  interactions that occur at single receptor site, at variety of receptor sites and general non-specific interactions mediated through unspecified sites of action. Different factors are responsible such as genetic constitution, disease, diet, pharmacological response and polypharmacy, age related physiological changes on the basis of the outcomes obtained on the clinical effects of the drug used. This article reflects a clear picture on drug-drug interactions for cytochrome p-450 and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs), antihistaminic drugs, antidepressants, interactions with antiretrovirals and Rifampin, anti-anaemic agents, dermatological drugs, antipsychotic drugs, major antibiotics, sedative-hypnotic and anti-cancer drugs.

Keywords: Adverse drug reaction (ADR), Drug-drug interactions, Polypharmacy, Cytochrome, Drug monitoring.

ABSTRACT

Tuberculosis is one of the main public health problems worldwide. Nearly one-third of the global population, i.e. two billion people, are infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and accordingly at risk of developing the disease. More than nine million people develop active TB every year and about two million die. More than 90% of global TB cases and deaths occur in the developing world, where 75% of cases are in the most economically productive age group (15-54 years). At every outpatient clinic, hospitals and health amenities, together in the public and private sectors, all patients have to to be thoroughly screened for cough by health officers manning the health facilities. In addition, within medical colleges and hospitals, in-patients also need to be screened for detection of TB suspects. People with cough for 2 weeks, or more, with or without extra symptoms indicative of TB, should be punctually recognized as pulmonary TB suspects and steps taken to question them to sputum smear microscopy for acid-fast bacilli, for diagnosis of TB.

Keywords: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Diagnosis, Healthcare, Acid fast.

ABSTRACT

In recent years anti-virulence agents have been used widely to reduce bacterial resistance and prevent damage to host cells and normal flora.  Six  molecules were used in this study (according to previous in silico studies) to detect their antibiofilm activity in lab. Four molecules gave positive results and were as follows : Acetaminophen inhibited biofilm production 100% at 11000µg/ml concentration, Acetylsalicylic Acid inhibition was 100% at 1600µg/ml , Ibuprofen inhibited 35% of biofilm production at 600µg/ml and Acetic Acid inhibition was 25% at 1000 µg/ml concentration .All the molecules at the used concentrations were found to affect biofilm production without significant change in bacterial growth. It was concluded that a structure based drug design strategy using Ligand Based Virtual Screening had a success score of about 60% and that Acetaminophen, Acetylsalicylic Acid, Ibuprofen and Acetic Acid can be used as antibiofilm molecules . Also Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs family can be a useful library for antibiofilm future investigations.

Keywords: Drug design, antibiofilm, S. epidermidis, biofilm, acetaminophen, acetic acid, acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen.

ABSTRACT

A large number of medicinal plants are claimed to be useful in skin disease in all traditional system of medicine. Plumeria rubra is a deciduous tree, widely distributed in common rather moist garden and in lawns. Plant loses leaves for a short time during the winter. Slowly grows up to 25 feet. Plumeria rubra is nowadays, is gaining interest by the scientific researchers due to its folklorics and because of its therapeutic value, easy availability. The result showed that a ethanolic extract exhibited a significant activity with specific standard (chloromphenicol) and antifungal activity with specific standard (Fucanazole). Hence this study proves that Plumeria rubra possess antimicrobial activity.

Keywords: Plumeria rubra Flowers, Antibacterial Activity, Antifungal Activity,etc.

ABSTRACT

5-(substituted/unsubstituted benzofuran-2-yl)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carbohydrazides 1a-b  on reaction with phenylisothiocyanate, potassium thiocyanate, carbon disulphide in pyridine and carbon disulphide in KOH followed by hydrazine hydrate afforded nitrogenous, sulphur bridgehead heterocycles 2-5a-d respectively. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were elucidated by elemental analysis and spectral data such as IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and mass spectra. In addition the in vitro antibacterial and antifungal properties were tested for these synthesized compounds against B. subtilis, S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and A. niger compared with ampicillin and clotrimazole as reference drugs. Synthesized compounds were found to possess moderate to excellent activity against selected strains.

Keywords: Phenylthiosemicarbazides, thiosemicarbazide, 4-amino-[1, 2, 4]triazole-thione, 1,3,4-oxadiazole-thione

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out during the period (March to July 2012). A total of two hundred and fifty high vaginal swabs were collected from (100 pregnant and 150 non- pregnant) women patients with genital tract infection at the age ranged between (18- 55) years, who attended the gynecology clinics and obstetrics department of Maternity Teaching Hospital in Erbil city. Vaginal swab samples were collected and direct examined for pH measurement, microscopic Gram stain examination and culture techniques. Isolated microorganisms were identified using microscopical, morphological, biochemical tests, analytic profile index system and Vitek 2 compact system. The results showed that positive vaginal cultures were detected in 233 (93.2%) women patients, among pregnant were 95 (95%), while among non- pregnant were 138 (92%). The total number of bacteria isolates obtained from women patients were (191) isolates. These isolates were distributed between Gram- positive bacteria 118 (61.8%) and Gram- negative bacteria 73 (38.2%). All Gram- positive and Gram- negative bacterial isolates (191) were screened for biofilm production as one of the virulence factors by using two different methods (tube method and tissue culture plate method) and the results showed that the tissue culture plate method was the most sensitive method for detection of biofilm production. The results by tube method were 94 (49.2%) as non or weak and 97 (50.8%) as strong and moderate biofilm producers, while by tissue culture plate method using ELISA (Enzyme- linked immuno sorbent assay) system were 68 (35.6%) as non or weak and 123 (64.4%) as strong and moderate biofilm producers.

Keywords: Genital Tract Infection, Bacterial pathogens, Biofilm formation

ABSTRACT

The study was designed to investigate the gastro protective effects of fruit extracts of Artocarpus altilis (Breadfruit), using alcohol induced acute ulcer model. The extracts were administered at doses100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 300mg/kg. 10mg/kg of Omeprazole was used as a reference standard. The parameters used for this were percentage of animals with gastric ulcer (UP), ulcer index (UI) and percentage protection of ulcer (%P). The percentage of animals with ulcer was lowest in both the groups treated with 300mg/kg (16.67 ± 0.004) of extract and those treated with omeprazole (16.67 ± 0.004). While the animals in control group and those treated with 100mg/kg of extract had the highest percentage of animals with ulcer (100.01 ± 0.005). The gastro protective activity was accessed by determining and comparing the ulcer index in the test group with that of the control group. Animals pretreated with Artocarpus altilis extract showed significant reduction in ulcer index in a dose dependent manner when compared to the control group having an ulcer index of 11.51 ± 0.005 when treated 100mg/kg of extract, 3.66 ± 0.004 & 1.83± 0.004 for 200mg/kg & 300mg/kg of extract respectively. The gastro protective effect of 300mg/kg had the same potency as the standard drug Omeprazole. The administration of 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg, 300mg/kg and Standard drug (Omeprazole) reduced Gastric lesions by 9%, 71%, 85.5% and 85.5% respectively. The results suggest that the extract possesses significant protective properties against ulcer in albino rat compared to the control group.

Keyword: Artocarpus altilis, Omeprazole, gastro protective, gastric ulcer, ulcer index.

ABSTRACT

The hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous extracts of S. venulosa (AESV) and S. wallichiana (AESW) leaves on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver damage in albino rats was investigated. Animals were pretreated with the AESV (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight) and AESW (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight) for 15 days and then challenged with CCl₄ (1 ml/kg body weight) in olive oil (1:1 v/v) on the 15th day. The degree of protection was measured by using biochemical parameters such as serum glutamate oxalate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein and total bilirubin. Further the effects of both the extracts on catalase (CAT), peroxidase (Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were estimated in both CCl₄ treated and extract treated groups. Oral administration of AESV and AESW (500 mg/kg body weight) significantly protected from CCl₄-induced elevation in SGOT, SGPT, ALP, total bilirubin, total protein and decrease in the activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes namely SOD, CAT and Px. The extracts (AESV and AESW at 500 mg/kg body weight) also protected against histopathological damage induced by CCl₄ such as distorted hepatocytes and necrosis. The present study suggests that AESV has potent antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity when compared to AESW.

Key words: Schefflera species, hepatoprotective, CCl₄, antioxidant enzymes.

ABSTRACT

A new, simple, precise, accurate and reproducible RP-HPLC method was developed and validated for the simultaneous estimation of levodopa, carbidopa and entacapone in bulk and pharmaceutical formulations. Separation of levodopa, carbidopa and entacapone was successfully achieved on a phenomenex C18 (250mm x 4.6mm x 5µm). The mobile phase consisted of 0.1M Ammonium acetate buffer: methanol (60:40 v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. The response was found to be linear in the concentration range of 50µg/ml to150 µg/ml for levodopa, 12.5 µg/ml to 37.5 µg/ml for carbidopa and 200 µg/ml to 600 µg/ml for entacapone. The value of the correlation coefficient was found to be 0.999, 1.000 and 0.999 for levodopa, carbidopa and entacapone respectively. The LOD and LOQ for levodopa were found to be 0.926 µg/ml and 3.088 µg/ml, respectively. The LOD and LOQ for carbidopa were found to be 0.1917 µg/ml and 0.6389 µg/ml, respectively and LOD and LOQ for entacapone were found to be 2.068 µg/ml and 6.893µg/ml respectively.  This method was found to be good percentage recovery for levodopa, carbidopa and entacapone were found to be 99.00, 99.00 and 100.00 respectively indicates that the proposed method is sufficiently accurate. The specificity of the method shows good correlation between retention times of standard with the sample so, the method specifically determines the analyte in the sample without interference from excipients that are commonly present in tablet dosage forms. The method was extensively validated according to ICH guidelines for linearity, range, accuracy, precision, specificity and robustness.

Keywords: RP-HPLC, Levodopa, Carbidopa, Entacapone.

ABSTRACT

A novel, simple, precise, accurate and reproducible RP-HPLC method was developed and validated for simultaneous estimation of paracetamol, tramadol and dicyclomine in bulk and pharmaceutical formulations. Separation of paracetamol, tramadol and dicyclomine was successfully achieved on a Inertsil ODS C18 (250mm x 4.6mm x 5 µm). The mobile consisted of ammonium acetate buffer (pH 4.5): methanol (80:20 v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The detection was performed at 271 nm. The method was validated according to ICH guidelines for linearity, sensitivity, accuracy, precision and robustness. The response was found to be linear in the concentration range of 500 µg/mL to1500 µg/mL for paracetamol; 50µg/mL to150 µg/mL for tramadol; 10 µg/mL to 30 µg/mL for dicyclomine. The LOD and LOQ for paracetamol were found to be 2.712 µg/mL and 9.042 µg/mL, respectively. The LOD and LOQ for tramadol was 0.9009 µg/mL and 3.003 µg/mL, respectively and for dicyclomine it was 0.380 µg/mL and 1.265 µg/mL, respectively.  The percentage recovery for paracetamol, tramadol, and dicyclomine were found to be 99.00%, 100.00% and 99.00%, respectively. The excellent percentage recovery values indicate the high accuracy of the proposed method. The method specifically determines the analytes in the sample without interference from excipients of tablet dosage forms. The method was extensively validated according to ICH guidelines for Linearity, Range, Accuracy, Precision, Specificity and Robustness.

Keywords: Paracetamol, Tramadol, Dicyclomine, analysis, HPLC.

ABSTRACT

An accurate, rapid, specific and stability indicating ultra performance liquid chromatographic method was developed and validated for the simultaneous estimation of Verapamil and Trandolapril in a combined pharmaceutical dosage form. The chromatographic separation was attained on Phenonemex Luna C₁₈ (4.0 x 100 mm, 2.6mm) column by isocratic mode with the mobile phase components as 0.03M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer (pH6.5) and acetonitrile (70: 30v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and quantified at 210 nm. The average retention times for Trandolapril and Verapamil were 0.60 and 1.14 min, respectively. The UPLC method proposesoutstanding separation of two drugs with a good resolution of greater than 2.0 and tailing factor less than 2.0 with a run time of 3 minutes. The method shows linearity over the concentration range of 9-45 µg/mL for Verapamil and 0.1-0.5 µg/mL for Trandolapril with a correlation ≥ 0.999. The method is accurate with recoveries in the range of 98.0 -101.0% and precise with %RSD value lesser than2.0% for both the drugs. This method is very fast, cost saving, accurate and specific for the assay of commercially available tablets.

Keywords: Verapamil Hydrochloride (VER) and Trandolapril (TRD), Validation, Tablets, High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)

ABSTRACT

A new simple, precise, accurate and reproducible RP-HPLC method for simultaneous estimation of gentamicin and clobetasol in bulk and pharmaceutical formulations. Separation of gentamicin and clobetasol was successfully achieved on a Zorbax C18 (150 mm x 4.6mm x 5µ ) in an isocratic mode utilizing disodium hydrogen phosphate buffer and methanol (60:40 v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The method was validated according to ICH guidelines for linearity, sensitivity, accuracy, precision, specificity and robustness. The response was found to be linear in the drug concentration range of 0.1-0.30 mg/mL for gentamicin and 0.05–0.15 mg/mL for clobetasol. The correlation coefficient was found to be 0.9997 for both the drugs. The LOD and LOQ for gentamicin were found to be 0.3525 µg/mL and 1.1751 µg/mL respectively. The LOD and LOQ for clobetasol were found to be 0.1938 µg/mL and 0.6460 µg/mL respectively.  The proposed method was found to be good percentage recovery for gentamicin and clobetasol, which indicates that the proposed method is highly accurate. The specificity of the method shows good correlation between retention times of standard solution with the sample solution. Therefore, the proposed method specifically determines the analyte in the sample without interference from excipients of pharmaceutical dosage forms.

Keywords: RP-HPLC, gentamicin, clobetasol, pharmaceutical formulation, analysis.

ABSTRACT

Inflammation plays key role in various diseases such as asthma, atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Inflammation is defined as the local response of living mammalian tissues to tissue injury due to any agent. It is a body defense reaction in order to eliminate or limit the spread of injurious agent as well as to remove the consequent necrosed cells and tissues. Leucas aspera is a used orally as stimulant, anthelmintic, laxative, diaphoretic, for the treatment of headache, asthma, and bronchitis. The decoction of roots, stem of Leucas aspera is used orally for high fevers, for influenza, and for malarial fevers. Cassia tora commonly is used as tonic, carminative and stimulant. According to Ayurveda the leaves and seeds are acrid, laxative, antiperiodic, anthelmintic, ophthalmic, liver tonic, cardiotonic and expectorant. This study was aimed to evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of the roots of Leucas aspera and Cassia tora.

Keywords: Leucas aspera, Cassia tora, anti-inflammatory

ABSTARCT

Present study was carried out to accessed the traditional medicinal bioresources used in the East Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh, India as Arunachal Pradesh is a remote Indian territory where traditional medicines has been the main source of primary health management from time immemorial. This paper reports 99 medicinal plants used among the aborigines in at least 40 types of health problems among the tribal people inhibits the East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, India belong to 55 families. With 8 species, Solanaceae was recorded as the highest representing family then followed by Asteraceae and Rubiaceae with 5 species each. Almost all parts of the plants were recorded to use in the folk medical system.

Keywords: Aborigines, Folk Medicine, Traditional knowledge, biologically active compounds.

ABSTRACT

In this present work quercetin nanosuspension (QNS) has been formulated and investigated its anti-tumor activity against Dalton’s lymphoma cells (DLA) in an in vitro model.  Since quercetin is insoluble in water, it has been formulated into nanosuspension in order to improve the solubility as well as dissolution rate of the drug. Quercetin nanosuspension (QNS) was formulated using homogenization method followed by lyophilization process. The QNS was subjected to particle size, zeta-potential, FTIR, solubility study, in-vitro dissolution study and stability study. Further QNS was subjected to anti-oxidant study and anti-tumor study using Dalton’s lymphoma cells. The results showed that Particle size of the QNS was found to be within the range of ~160-200nm. The zeta potential values of QNS were obtained as (3.69mV). Solubility of QNS was found to be 15.41±0.6683µg/ml. QNS could increase the dissolution rate as well as the saturation solubility. QNS showed significant antioxidant activity compared with that of standard ascorbic acid. QNS exhibited dose-dependent anti-tumor activity with DLA cells. This study concluded that formulated QNS exhibited potent antioxidant activity as well as anti-tumor activity.

Keywords: Nanosuspension; MTT assay; DLA cells.

ABSTRACT

Terminalia pallida brandis and Boswellia ovalifoliolata most commonly found plants in the south India. Methanolic and nHexane extract of Terminalia pallida roots and Boswellia ovalifoliolata roots were analysed for antioxidant activity. The In-vitro methods for antioxidant activity are based on the principle of inhibition of free radicals.Present study provides focus on the reducing power assay and the free radical scavenging activity of both the plants in both the extracts. It was observed that Terminalia pallida roots and Boswellia ovalifoliolata roots have demonstrated dose dependent reducing property.

Keywords: Methanolic extract, n-Hexane extract, Reducing power assay, Free radical scavenging activity.

ABSTRACT

Metronidazole 2-(2-methyl-5-nitro-1H-imidazole-1-yl) ethanol is a synthetic nitroimidazole derivative of antibacterial and antiprotozoal activity. It has different dosage forms. The stability of the Metronidazole intravenous of three different brands was studied in order to investigate the kinetics of photodegradation of this drug using a UV/ Vis spectroscopy. The degradation was carried out by the use of short (254 nm) and long UV (352 nm) lamps. The kinetics parameters of reaction order and the rate constants of the degradation were determined for the three brands products.  The degradation process was found to follow first-order kinetics. The present study also reveals that the drug is light-sensitive. Thus, appropriate light protection is recommended during the storage and handling of metronidazole products. The study highlighted the fact that there is a correlation between the radiation intensity and degradation of metronidazole (photodegradation), i.e. as the radiation energy becomes stronger, the degradation rates increases. Furthermore, the rate of degradation was found to follow pseudo-first order reaction. It was also found that as the exposure time of these drugs to radiation increased the degradation was amplified. For all three brands were used in the investigation, the average rate of degradation when using long UV irradiation, and short UV radiation as stress factors were found to be,-0.0061 day^-1 and -0.026 day^-1 respectively. The obtained results show that UV/vis spectroscopy is satisfactory technique at the determination of metronidazole degradation kinetics in e intravenous products.

Keywords: UV/Vis spectroscopy, stability, kinetic of degradation, metronidazole.

ABSTRACT

A novel series of eleven novel 4-(2, 3-dihydro-4H-1,4-benzoxazin-4-yl)-3-fluoroaniline derivatives (I e – I o) have been synthesized from commercially available 2-aminophenol as a starting material. High yield and high purity indicates lack of side reaction and by product. The chemical structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by means of ¹HNMR and mass spectral data. The synthesized compounds were then examined for their antibacterial and antifungal activities. Some of them were found to possess good antibacterial and antifungal activity.

Keywords: Morpholine, Benzomorpholine, Fluoroaniline, Antibacterial, Antifungal Activity.

ABSTRACT

The objective of the method was to develop a simple, rapid, efficient, cost effective and reproducible, stability indicating reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography method (RP-HPLC) for the quantification of cinacalcet in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage form. As very few analytical methods have been reported for the analysis of cinacalcet by chromatography, we aimed to develop a method which would be simple with optimum retention time by the use of simple mobile phase, which results in the economic method that can be used for routine analysis of the drug. The RP-HPLC analysis was carried out on Inertsil ODS C18 with a mobile phase of methanol, acetonitrile and water in the ratio of 70:15:15 v/v/v. Detection was carried out at 280 nm using a PDA detector. The method was validated for linearity, accuracy, precision, LOD, LOQ and robustness as per ICH guidelines. The method was found to be linear in the range of 10-50 µg/ml. Limit of detection and limit of quantitation was found to be 0.22 and 0.74 µg/ml respectively. Recovery was found to be in the range 99.7-100.02% and precision less than 1%. The developed method was successfully applied for the estimation of cinacalcet in marketed tablet formulation (PTH 30) and percentage assay was found to be 100.8 %. The developed RP-HPLC method was simple, rapid, accurate, precise and stability indicating for the quantification of cinacalcet in bulk and tablet dosage form.

Keywords: Cinacalcet, RP-HPLC, ODS C18, Validation, mobile phase.

ABSTARCT

Allium hookeri Roxb.isan ethnic medicinal food plant used among Adi tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Allium hookeri has been pharmacognostically discoursed in addition to phytochemical composition and proximate studies. This work also reports fifteen biologically active compounds from this medicinal food plant. Minerals and proximate composition of this plant is reported to be adequate for human consumption.

Keywords: Phytochemistry, Proximate, Minerals, Medicinal plant, Ethnic food.

ABSTRACT

The present study evaluated the ability of methanolic extract of punica granatum to induce apoptosis in lung cancer cell lines.A549 cells emerged as the most sensitive cell line for in-vitro growth inhibitory activity. A total of 50-60% confluent cells were treated with Punica granatum rind extract and their fraction for 48 hrs in complete growth medium. The ethyl acetate fraction induces uppermost cell death in the A549 cells which indicate the maximum growth inhibition. Ethyl acetate fraction of punica granatum extract induces apoptosis in A549 cells as indicated by nuclear condensation and increased annexin staining. It is possible that the use of punica granatum rind extract as a component in herbal medicines could be justifiable.

Keywords: Apoptosis, lung cancer, punica granatum.

ABSTRACT

The distribution of resistance to ampicillin, penicillin, erythromycin, tetracycline, and amoxicillin among Gram negative bacteria in the hospital wastewater samples was investigated. The emergence of resistance among the Gram negative bacterial population varied considerably in different drug and water sampling sites. Gram negative bacteria showed lower drug resistant viable count (1.23x10⁴-7.0x10²) in site-II (receiving treated wastewater), as compared to more polluted site-I (1.28x10⁴-5.0x10²), III (2.22x10⁴-5.0x10²) and site-IV (1.63 x10⁴-2.0 x10²) respectively. Viable counts of Gram negative bacterial population were recorded higher against erythromycin from sampling site-III. Lower viable counts of Gram negative bacteria were recorded against tetracycline in site-I and IV. Percentage MIC of antibiotic among the isolates observed higher in tetracycline and erythromycin than the other antibiotics. Isolates of Gram negative bacteria showed their tolerance level (MIC) in the range of 2.5-640μg/ml against the antibiotics. Maximum number of isolates exhibited their MICs at lower concentration range 2.5-5μg/ml against tetracycline. A few number of isolates also showed their MIC at lower concentration of other antibiotics tested from all the sampling sites.

Keywords: Hospital Wastewater, Viable Count, Antibiotics, Gram negative Bacteria, Minimum inhibitory concentration

ABSTRACT

Heterocyclic compounds have been employed in the synthesis of number of pharmaceutical compounds because of the significant activities possessed by them. One of the most interesting reactions in synthetic carbohydrate chemistry is the control chlorination of sugars. A series of some novel perbenzoylated N-Lactosyl-1, 2, 4- thiadiazolidines (hydrochloride) were synthesized by the interaction of hepta-O-benzoyl-β-D-lactosyl-3-aryl carbamides and N-phenyl-S-chloro isothiocarbamoyl chloride in chloroform medium.  The purity of newly synthesized compounds were judge by their C, H, N and S analysis and the structure was analyzed on the basis of IR, ¹H NMR and Mass spectral studies. The antimicrobial activities of the title compounds were determined against bacteria Escherichiacoli, Staphylococcusaureus, Proteusvulgaris, Salmonellatyphi, Klebsiella Pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis and fungi Candida albicancs and Aspergillus niger.

Keywords: N-Lactosyl carbamides, N-Phenyl-S-chloroisothiocarbamoylchloride, Thiadiazolidines, Antimicrobial activity.

ABSTRACT

Complications of drug therapy are a major cause of patient morbidity and account for a significant number of patient deaths. Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) are acute life-threatening mucocutaneous reactions characterized by extensive necrosis and detachment of the epidermis. We report a case of a SJS-TEN overlap in a 22 years old female induced by treatment with paracetamol and amoxycillin.

Keywords: Adverse drug reaction, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, causality assessment.

ABSTRACT

The objective of the present work was to make different crystal forms of Amlodipine besylate. It was planned to prepare crystal forms using solvents of varying polarity and by change of phase and it was extended to characterize the prepared crystal forms using techniques like Scanning electron microscopy, IR spectroscopy, and Differential scanning calorimetry and/or X-ray diffractometry. Based on above these studies Amlodipine besylate pure was exisisted as Amlo-I, Amlo-II, Amlo –III and Amlo-IV forms were different in size and shape.

Keywords: Amlodipine besylate, Scanning electron microscopy, IR spectroscopy and Differential scanning calorimetry and/or X-ray diffractometry.

ABSTRACT

In the present study, hepatoprotective effect of an ethanolic extract of Ipomoea batatas leaves, on liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was investigated. Wistar albino rats (n=6) were administered 300, 600 and 900 mg/kg body weight extract orally for 10 consecutive days. Marker enzymes SGOT, SGPT, serum protein and Bilirubin (total, direct and indirect) were estimated in serum whereas total protein (TP), Lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase were estimated in liver tissue as markers for oxidative stress.  Histopathological assessment was also done on liver tissue. Ethanolic extract of Ipomoea batatas leaves administration for 10 days prevented the CCl4 induced hepatic injury and oxidative stress. Hepatoprotective effect of I. batatas in CCl4 induced liver poisoning was evident by decrease in elevated levels of SGOT, SGPT and bilirubin. Treatment with I. batatas increased the reduced levels of TP and SOD and decreased the elevated level of MDA concentration and catalase activity in CCl4 induced oxidative stress in the liver. The ability of ethanolic extract of Ipomoea batatas leaves to protect the liver toxicity in rats was further confirmed by histological findings in the liver tissue. In conclusion, it was observed that ethanolic extract of Ipomoea batatas leaves have a dose dependent potential to protect the liver against CCl4induced hepatic injury through its potent antioxidant activity in rats.

Keywords: Carbon tetrachloride, Vitamin-C, Ipomoea batatas, Serum enzymes & antioxidant enzymes.

ABSTRACT

A spectroscopic method has been proposed for the determination of two phenolic drugs; Phenylephrine hydrochloride and Pyridoxine hydrochloride. The method is based on the oxidation of 2, 4- Dinitro phenylhydrazine and coupling of the oxidized product with drugs to give intensely colored chromogen. Under the proposed optical condition, Beer’s law was obeyed in the concentration range of 2.5 - 30 µg mL^-1and 5 – 20 µg mL^-1 for Phenylephrine Hydrochloride and Pyridoxine Hydrochloride respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.3, 1.95 µg mL^-1 and 0.95, 0.64 µg mL^-1 in the same order. No interference was observed from common pharmaceutical adjuvants. The suggested method was further applied for the determination of drugs in commercial pharmaceutical dosage forms, which was compared statistically with reference methods by means of t- test and F- test and were found not to differ significantly at 95% confidence level. The procedure is characterized by its simplicity with accuracy and precision.

Keywords: 2, 4- Dinitro phenylhydrazine, Phenylephrine hydrochloride, Pyridoxine hydrochloride and Spectrophotometry.

ABSTRACT

Irinotecan( CPT-11 ) is an important chemotherapy for the treatment of colorectal cancers. The main drawback is its toxicity which includes Neutropenia and Diarrhea.  Some studies confirms the correlation between increasing the incidence of Neutropenia and Diarrhea in patients with UGT1A1*28 polymorphism and other studies could not conclude it. So, other factors may incorporate to act with the presence of the polymorphism to increase CPT-11 toxicity. In this study, we try to find these factors. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence or absence of previous chemotherapy treatment. All patients received standard IFL regimen. Primary endpoint was: comparison between the 2 groups as regard to toxicities. Secondary endpoint was assessment of the incidence of UGT1A1*28 polymorphism. UGT1A1*28 polymorphism was present in 20 patients (43%) of them 15% are homozygous. Twenty three patients were chemotherapy naive in group (1) and 20 patients in group (2) had received previous chemotherapy. Grade (II-IV) neutropenia were found in 52 % of group 1 versus 20 % of group 2 (P=0.1). Grade (II-IV) diarrhea was found in 52 % of patients of group 1 and 15% of patients with group 2 (P=0.05).Treatment delay occurred in 29.16 % of group 1 versus 72.4 % of group 2. (P=0.1). The study concluded that UGT1A1*28 polymorphism is present frequently (43%) in a Caucasian population and is associated with more incidence of toxicity in chemotherapy naïve patients.

Keywords: Irinotecan, UGT1A1, Colorectal, Previous Chemotherapy.

ABSTRACT

Gum odina, a natural polymer of carbohydrate moiety, has already been shown its potential as pharmaceutical excipient as a binder in tablet dosage form and also as an emulsifying agent but very little data are available regarding the use of it as controlled release polymer. In the present study the objective was to investigate the potential use of gum odina as natural release retarding material in sustained release drug delivery system (matrix tablet) using tramadol hydrochloride as a model drug. Tablet containing tramadol hydrochloride was prepared using gum odina and further coated with Eudragit L 100 to prevent its release in stomach. The prepared tablets were evaluated for physical characterization and in-vitro drug release. The results of this study has proven the suitability of using gum odina as an alternative to existing natural polymer in the field of controlled delivery of drug with a significant effect on drug release and desired release rate of drug from tablets.

Keywords: Gum odina, matrix tablet, tramadol, sustained release.

ABSTRACT

Simple, rapid, accurate, precise and economical UV-spectrophotometric methods have been developed and validated for simultaneous estimation of Aspirin and Lansoprazole in a Synthetic mixture. The first method is the Q-Absorption ratio method, which involves formation of Q-absorption equation at 299.2 nm (isoabsorptive point) for Aspirin and Lansoprazole  and also at 276.6 nm (λmax of Aspirin). The Second method is Dual Wavelength Method. The method was based on determination of Aspirin at the absorbance difference between 272.28 nm and 286.41 nm and Lansoprazole at the absorbance difference between 269.20 nm and 294 nm. Developed methods were validated according to ICH Q2 (R1) guidelines. The methods were found to be linear between the range of 33.3-166.6 µg/ml for Aspirin and 5-25µg/ml for Lansoprazole for both methods. The precision (intra-day, inter-day) of methods were found within limits (RSD <2%). Accuracy was determined by recovery studies and showed % recovery between 98 to 102%.

Keywords : Aspirin and Lansoprazole, Synthetic mixture, Spectrophotometric methods.

ABSTRACT

Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) is a key therapeutic target for combating hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases. ACE inhibitory novel designed substituted 1, 4-benzothiazine derivatives offer the prospect of enhanced potency, high specificity, and no or low side effect. Novel 1,4-benzothiazine derivatives were designed keeping in view the structural requirement of pharmacophore and Quantitatively structure Activity Relationship (QSAR).In the docking study, the most active compounds of the series were, AR 1, AR 2 and AR 3 exhibited good binding properties. Result reveals that the protein-ligand interaction energy of derivatives AR 1, AR 2 and AR 3 were -7.51 kcal/mol, -8.80 kcal/mol and -7.63 kcal/mol, which is slightly greater than the marketed antihypertensive Losartan drug as -5.51 kcal/mol, so that the derivatives have satisfactory affinity with established hypertensive receptor namely Angiotensin converted enzyme II. A computational study was also carried out including prediction of pharmacokinetic properties, toxicity and bioactivity studies. The percentage of absorption (%ABS) was calculated and observed that all titled compounds exhibited a better %ABS %ABS ranging 90.54, 91.42 and 90.55 respectively and compared than standard Losartan drug as %ABS 77.06.Although other pharmacological parameters were better than the standard drug. The above observation suggested that these compounds would serve as better lead compound for antihypertensive screening for future drug design perspective.

Keywords: 1, 4-benzothiazine derivatives, Anti hypertension activity, Computational study and ACE-II.

ABSTRACT

The hot continuous extraction (Soxhlet extraction) was carried by using different solvents from daily used condiments such as garlic, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon and clove. Those extracts were qualitatively screened for the presence of the secondary metabolites by standardized method. The extracts were quantitatively analyzed for the presence of Flavonoids and Phenolic compounds where the highest concentration of both the compounds were 432.19* and 395.04^{^} respectively in 70% ethanolic (v/v) extract of clove. Likewise the antioxidant activity of the acetonic extract of garlic 60.58 ± 1.596% of scavenging effect was the highest whereas succeeding highest extract for the activity was for the 95% ethanolic extract of Turmeric with 59.93±1.600% of scavenging effect. There was a trend of relatedness for the concentration of Flavonoids and Phenolic compound with the antioxidant activity. The extracts from cinnamon, clove and turmeric gave a good anti-microbial property against pathogenic bacteria and fungus. In turmeric crude we get 3 bands this shows there are 2 secondary metabolite in it but in purified sample we get 3 band as we use petroleum ether instead of hexane in purified sample so it may be the reason that as petroleum ether is slightly polar it break curcuminoid into curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bis-demethoxycurcumin. “Out of all samples analyzed,  it was confirmed that turmeric, cinnamon and clove have the higher potential for  antimicrobial property followed by garlic and ginger.” (*- equivalent to mM quercetin; ^- equivalent to mM Gallic acid).

Keywords: Soxlet apparatus, organic solvents, phytochemical screening, antioxidant assay, antimicrobial assay, Thin layer Chromatography, Minimal Inhibitory Concentration.

ABSTRACT

To study the effect of co morbidities, quality of life, motor and cognitive dysfunction and assess the influence of age, gender in stroke patients. Observe prescribing pattern of drugs. Patients were evaluated for following parameters Age, Gender, Motor FIM, Cognitive FIM, QOL, Comorbidities. Comorbid conditions were assessed using CCI. Patient’s disability was assessed using FIM. The ADL was recorded according to Katz Index. Different Prescription patterns were identified. The incidence of stroke is maximum in the age group of 51-60 years which comprises 30% patients. Stroke is more common in males than females. Smoking and Alcoholism were detected as most common risk factors. FIM Scores of physical and cognitive disability are useful to measure patient’s progress and showed improvement or functional gain in the patients. Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus were most frequent comorbidities in Stroke. Various classes of drugs were administered to patients. Calcium channel blockers, Beta Blockers, Diuretics, ACE Inhibitors, ARB’s and combinations. Phenytoin, Piracetam, Mannitol, Atorvastatin, Aspirin, Enoxaparin were prescribed. There should be a standard stroke pharmacotherapy for better usage and patient compliance. The incidence of Stroke has significant impact in the quality of Life of the patients. Various risk factors associated with Stroke and presence of comorbidities deteriorate the patient’s progress. FIM scores clinically assess physical and cognitive disability. The standard prescribing patterns should be followed for pharmacotherapy to improve patient care.

Keywords: Quality of life, Stroke, Incidence, Pharmacotherapy.

ABSTRACT

The study describes the simple, sensitive, accurate, rapid and reliable ultra violet spectroscopic method has been developed for determination of Deferiprone in bulk drug and pharmaceutical formulation. Deferiprone is use as second line agent for thalassemia when iron overload from blood transfusion occurs.in order to investigate the stability of drug, a stress testing of drug sample by exposing it to variety of force degradation conditions has been recommended. Deferiprone was subjected to stress degradation under different condition recommended by international conference on harmonization (ICH). Deferiprone shows maximum absorbance at 279nm & calibration graph linear in the concentration range 5-25 Mcg/ml with correlation co-efficient 0.9997.The higher percentage of recovery study indicates that there is no interference of excipients in the presence of formulation. The stability study indicates appreciable changes were observed by treating the drug with acidic hydrolysis, basic hydrolysis and oxidation. However, there is no appreciable changes were observed for thermal stress and photolytic degradation.

Keywords: Deferiprone, UV spectroscopy, Force degradation, Stability indicating method, Validation.

ABSTRACT

To assess efficacy of different classes of drugs in therapy of low back pain. A prospective observational study was carried out over a period of 12 months in which a total of 300 patients with low back pain were enrolled and divided equally into three groups – group 1 (NSAIDs), group 2 (muscle relaxant ±NSAIDs) and group 3 (muscle relaxant ± NSAIDs ± neurotropic drugs). Efficacy of drugs was assessed using oswestry low back disability questionnaire at baseline, 3 weeks and 6 weeks, and the disability index was calculated. There was a male predominance in the study population with a mean age of 39.76 ± 9.40 years. Mean percentage reduction in disability index was maximum in group 2 (54.66±9.85), followed by group 3 (51.33 ± 6.95) and group 1 (46.78 ± 10.12). A significant inter-group difference (p<0.05) was found. NSAIDs with muscle relaxants are more efficacious for low back pain as compared to other combinations.

Keywords: Low back pain, NSAIDs, muscle relaxant, neurotropic drugs

ABSTRACT

Geriatrics accounts for 7% of the total world population. As age advances apartfrom health, sleep quality also becomes compromised in geriatrics. In addition, an increased incidenceof insomnia has been noted in the elderly. As a result geriatric population constitutes the largestconsumers of hypnotics. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of hypnotics prescribedfor insomnia in the geriatric population. A prospective study for a period of ten months wascarried out in the geriatric population who consumed at least one hypnotic during their hospital stay. A total of 93 patients were included in the study. Data was collected from the patient's case report forms.The sleep quality was assessed using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the patients were categorizedbased on their PSQI score. A total of 93 patients who met the inclusion criteria were includedin the study. Among them 49(53%) were female and 44(47%) were male. 59(63%) patients of thestudy population were experiencing trouble in falling asleep, 47(51%) were complaining of lessduration of sleep and 43(46.2%) were complaining early morning awakening as their major sleepcomplaint. The analysis of sleep quality by PSQI revealed that a total of 29% (27) patients had scoredless than 5 points (PSQI score) and had good quality sleep and the rest 71% (66) patients were foundto have poor quality of sleep. Zolpidem was found to be most effective for providing fast onset of sleep,diazepam for duration of sleep and clonazepam to reduce the early morning awakening. A statisticallysignificant improvement of sleep quality was observed in alprazolam 0.5mg and 0.25mg with a p-valueof 0.001 and 0.002 respectively.

Keywords: Sleep, Hypnotic, Geriatric Population

ABSTRACT

A major problem in ocular therapeutics is the attainment of optimal drug concentration at the site of action, which is compromised mainly due to precorneal loss resulting in only a small fraction of the drug being ocularly absorbed. Brimonidine tartrate is an antiglaucomic agent which shows rapid precorneal exclusion and reduced ocular bioavailability when given in form of conventional ophthalmic formulations. The poor bioavailability and therapeutic response exhibited by conventional ophthalmic solutions may be overcome by the use of in-situ gel forming ophthalmic systems that are instilled as drops into the eye and undergo a sol–gel transition in the cul-de-sac. In the present study, environmentally responsive ophthalmic drug delivery system composed of two gelling polymers with different phase transition mechanisms was developed. Combination of polyacrylic acid (carbopol 934P) and xanthan gum was investigated as ophthalmic vehicle. Different ratios of these polymers were used to prepare environmentally responsive ophthalmic drug delivery system by simple mixing procedure. Developed formulation was assessed for various evaluation parameters such as appearance/clarity, pH, gelation, drug content, rheological measurement, in-vitro release, and sterility testing and stability study. Prepared formulation showed agreeable appearance/clarity, acceptable pH and good gelation property. In-vitro studies demonstrated adequate drug content, desired rheological behaviour and reasonable in-vitro drug release property. Formulation was stable over one month period. In conclusion, the optimum concentration of polymers results in minimized drug loss and sustained drug release. On the basis of these findings, prepared in-situ gel may be considered as a viable alternative to conventional brimonidine tartrate eye drops.

Keywords: carbopol 934P, xanthan gum, brimonidine tartrate, antiglaucomic