Profilistic Study of Bioactivities of Extracts of Gongronema latifolium Incorporated with Alum on some Clinical Bacteria

Profilistic study of bioactivities of aqueous, ethanolic and methanolic leaf extracts of Gongronema latifolium in combination with potassium aluminium sulphate (Alum) against some clinical bacterial pathogens were investigated by disc diffusion (DD) and Agar well diffusion (AWD) methods respectively. The leaf extracts at concentrations of 0.1-0.3g were reconstituted in sterile distilled water as well as 1.0-3.0g of alum prior to application. In-vitro bioactivity of various concentrations of the extracts and in combination with alum were evaluated by measuring diameter of inhibition zones (DIZs) respectively. Methanolic leaf extract (MLE) had the largest mean DIZs of 14.5±0.5 and 11.5±0.0mm on Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi, with enhanced bioactivity of 19.5±0.7 and 17.5±0.7mm with alum against Bacillus subtilis, Sal. typhi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by DD and AWD methods respectively. However, aqueous leaf extract (ALE) and ethanolic leaf extract (ELE) and their combinations depicted appreciable antibacterial activity on the pathogens but incomparable to MLE. Generally, there was enhancement of bioactivties with the incorporation of Alum to the leaf extracts (irrespective of solvent of extraction) on a dose response fashion particularly by AWD method. Furthermore, the low MIC values of <0.05 to 0.2mg/ml on the bacteria with MLE and ALE, validates their potency and broad spectrum activity. In contrast, the very large DIZs of Ciprofloxacin (CP) reflects the beneficial impact of purified chemotherapeutics against pathogens. Thus, the improved efficacy of these extracts with alum would justify future application in ethnomedicine as well as in nutraceuticals/pharmaceuticals or in food systems as “green chemicals” or “biopreservatives”.International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, October 2018, 6(12): 92-98

Formulation and investigation of crushed puffed rice-chitosan-HPMC based polymeric blends as carrier for sustained stomach specific drug delivery of piroxicam using 3(2) Taguchi mathematical design studies

In the present experimental investigation an attempt has been made to assess the utility of Crushed Puffed Rice (CPR)-High Molecular Weight Chitosan (HMWCH)-Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose K15M (HPMC K15M) as a polymeric carrier for the sustained stomach delivery of Piroxicam (PRX). A total of nine formulations were prepared by using 3 (2) Taguchi factorial design, physically blending drug and polymer(s) followed by encapsulation into hard gelatin capsules size 1. The prepared capsules were evaluated for various performance such as weight variation, drug contents, in vitro buoyancy and drug release in 0.1 M HCl. The effect of drug loading on in vitro performance of the formulations was also determined. Crushed puffed rice (CPR) remained buoyant for up to average time span of 06 hr as an unwetted irregular mass in 0.1 M HCl. However, when combined with HMWCH or HPMC K15M or HPMC K15M + HMWCH a low -density cylindrical raft type hydrogel was formed which remained buoyant for up to 12 hr and released up to 99% drug in a sustained manner from 8 to 12 hr following zero order release kinetics. It was also observed that drug release from drug + CPR matrices followed Fickian mechanism. Combination of CPR + HMWCH or HMWCH + HPMC K15M also follows Fickian mechanism. Obtained data from the research work suggests that CPR in combination with HMWCH or HPMC K15M or HPMC has sufficient potential to be used as a carrier for stomach specific delivery of gastric irritant drug like PRX.Soni et al., International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, April 2018, 6(11): 61-80http://www.icpjonline.com/documents/Vol6Issue11/01.pdf

Updates on Approaches to Increase the Residence Time of Drug in the Stomach for Site Specific Delivery: Brief Review

In the field of oral drug delivery system, a gastroretentive system is gaining popularity day by day. Numerous of research work and extensive literature are published in past few years on gastroretentive drug delivery system. It is the one of the best and appropriate approaches for increasing the residence time of drug in the stomach and diffuses drug slowly in the sustained manner which helps in the site-specific delivery of the drug as well also increases the bioavailability at site-specific of delivery. This helps in many challenges associated with conventional oral drug delivery system. Different ways are used for approaching gastroretention viz. swelling and expandable system, high-density system, magnetic system, bioadhesive system and buoyant system with or without gas generating agents. During data mining well in vitro characterization and in vivo characterization including gamma scintigraphic and MRI techniques are well established and reported. But, still, today in vivo characterization technique is major challenging for the researcher due to its limitation. The documented literature explains the use of animal models like beagle dogs, rabbits and human subjects for in vivo evaluation parameter but it leads to increase in variation that’s why this delivery system is limited in the market. This paper contains the latest literature compilation and various techniques used for gastroretention with its pros and cons. This review paper helps the researcher to take an overview of basics of gastroretentive drug delivery system and helps in understanding the basics of the system.Soni et al., International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, April 2018, 6(11): 81-91http://www.icpjonline.com/documents/Vol6Issue11/02.pdf

Quantitative Determination of thymoquinone in Nigella Sativa and its nano formulation using validated stability indicating HPTLC densiometric method

An accurate and stability indicating high-performance thin layer chromatographic method (HPTLC) was developed and validated for the quantification of thymoquinone (TQ) as per the ICH guidelines. The analysis was carried out on the aluminum plate using n-hexane: ethyl acetate: methanol (7:2:1 v/v/v) as the mobile phase and the densitometric determination was carried out by TLC scanner (CAMAG) at 254 nm. The developed method was validated for different parameters like linearity, precision, recovery, robustness, and stressed stability study. The developed analytical method was found to be linear in the concentration range of 75-500 ng band-1 with regression value closer to unity (r2 = 0.997). The developed system was found to give compact spots for thymoquinone (Rf 0.77) with the limit of detection and limit of quantification (18 and 54 ng band-1) respectively. Further, the study showed accuracy, precision and repeatability were all within the required limits. The stress degradation study of TQ showed well separated degraded peak from the pure thymoquinone. The mean recoveries measured at three concentrations were more than 95% with RSD ≤ 3%. The method has been successfully applied in the analysis and routine quality control of herbal material and formulations containing TQ.Taleuzzaman et al., International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, September 2017, 6(10): 53-60http://www.icpjonline.com/documents/Vol6Issue10/01.pdf

Sterols from the fruit barks of Coelocaryon klainei Pierre ex Heckel (Myristicaceae)

Two sterols namely β-sitosterol (1) and stigmasterol (2) were isolated from methanolic extract of the fruit barks of Coelocaryon klainei Pierre ex Heckel (Myristicaceae). They were isolated for the first time from this species. It is the first isolation of compounds in this genus Coelocaryon. The structures were elucidated on the basis of one and two-dimensional NMR, SM, IR and UV.Akoubet et al., International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, August 2017, 6(9): 49-52http://www.icpjonline.com/documents/Vol6Issue9/01.pdf

Benefits of Oral Contraceptive Pill Pretreatment in Endometriosis for IVF/ICSI-ET: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Pretreatment with oral contraceptive pills (OCP) has been widely applied in IVF/ICSI –ET treatment. However, it remains unclear whether OCP influences pregnancy rate of fresh cycle and subsequent cumulative pregnancy rate in patients with endometriosis. In this retrospective study, a total of 512 first attempt IVF/ICSI cycles of patients with endometriosis were included and divided into two groups: the study group included 216 cycles of patients undergoing pretreatment with OCP before pituitary suppression and ovarian stimulation, while 296 cycles of patients without pretreatment were considered as control. The ovarian stimulation performance and pregnancy results were compared between the two groups. Patients with OCP pretreatment required shorter duration, a lower dosage of gonadotropins, but obtained higher E2 level and more retrieved oocytes. Patients in the two groups obtained comparable fertilization rate, cleavage rate, but the number and rate of day 3 high-quality embryos were higher in OCP-pretreated patients. No differences were found in IVF/ICSI-ET outcomes, in terms of implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rates, live birth pregnancy rate, and cumulative pregnancy rate. In addition, despite the lack of statistical significance, a trend toward higher clinical pregnancy rate in a fresh cycle and cumulative pregnancy rate was found in OCP pretreated patients. It should be recommended that patients with endometriosis take OCP pretreatment before ovarian stimulation, since it offers advantages of lower cost and higher embryo-quality, and does not negatively influence pregnancy rates.Chakrabartty et al., International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, July 2017, 6(8): 44-48http://www.icpjonline.com/documents/Vol6Issue8/01.pdf

A new natural indole and three aporphine alkaloids from Monodora bevipes Benth. (Annonaceae)

Four compounds were isolated from the leaves of Monodora brevipes Benth. (Annonaceae). Among them, one new natural indole named 5-formylindole (1) and three known aporphine alkaloids: (+)-roemeroline (2); (+)-corydine (3) and (+)-menispermine (4). They were isolated for the first time from this species. The structures of these compounds were established according to their spectral data (NMR, SM, IR and UV).Eric et al., International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, June 2017, 6(7): 40-43http://www.icpjonline.com/documents/Vol6Issue7/01.pdf

Novel inhibitor of brain indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase, docking and experimental studies

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is a haem-containing monomeric enzyme that catalyze the conversion of tryptophan (L-TRP) to N-formyl kynurenine. IDO activity is regulated by cytokines. Pro inflammatory cytokines are potent inducers of IDO, whereas anti-inflammatory cytokines are IDO inhibitors. Prostaglandin E2 induces IDO activity. In inflammation the relationship between immune system and the kynurenine pathway play an important role. IDO is an important therapeutic target for the treatment of inflammation. Present study evaluates the binding of Hypericum perforatum (HP) against IDO enzyme using MVD software acute and chronic effects of HP on IDO enzyme activity. Docking results show that HP fit well in the allosteric site of IDO. Energy scores for HP -158.687 Kcal/mol. Administration of HP (500mg/kg/3ml) shows that serum IDO activity was significantly increased (171%, P<0.01) and (114%, P<0.01) respectively after acute and chronic treatment. Brain IDO activity was decreased by 42%, (P<0.01) after acute and 43% (P<0.01) chronic treatment. It is concluded from the present study that HP is noncompetitive inhibitor of IDO as proofs by docking further its inhibitory effects on brain IDO reveals its anti-inflammatory effect.Dawood and Bano, International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, May 2017, 6(6): 34-39http://www.icpjonline.com/documents/Vol6Issue6/01.pdf

Evaluation of prescription pattern and efficacy of anti-diabetic drugs in Coimbatore, India

In this present study, 1500 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) patients were included from Coimbatore zone, Tamil Nadu, India. The blood glucose levels were monitored to correlate the glycemic control with the antidiabetic drug treatment. This study addressed many variabilities in such treatments including the prescribing pattern of various novel entities along with existing drugs for glycemic control, diabetic vascular complexities on Coimbatore zone, lack of relevant scientific data, occurrences of prescription errors, less awareness of the DM patients, the insufficient number of local hospitals and high cost of the medicine. Data analysis was carried out by segregating the DM patients under study according to their blood glucose level. Results demonstrated that brand names of anti-diabetic drugs were taken more frequently by outpatients when contrasted with inpatients. Also, the number of drugs prescribed under generic names were significantly less than prescribe brand names. Prescribed formulations results indicated that tablets were preferred over other formulations. Frequently prescribed twenty-one brands and their combination results demonstrated the popularity of the insulin human Mixtard® injection 30-40 IU. Moreover, frequently prescribed 21 branded drugs' cost were analyzed. It can be concluded from the current work that appropriate steps should be taken to raise awareness of the DM patients in Coimbatore zone so that they can follow the specialists' instruction for better hyperglycemia control. Finally, it can be suggested that the Tamil Nadu Government should put more effort on improving health care support in Coimbatore zone.Govindasamy and Sellappan, International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, April 2017, 6(5): 27-33http://www.icpjonline.com/documents/Vol6Issue5/01.pdf

A summarized review about natural polymers role in floating drug delivery system and in-vivo evaluation studies

The approach of eco-friendly and safe environmental materials for various industrial applications like medicine, agriculture and similar areas is growing rapidly. The advantages of biologically degradable and non-toxic materials like the natural polymers are evident by the mounting level of its use in pharmaceutical field particularly. The various natural polymers have been aiding the drug delivery systems for long time as the drug transporters with the objective of improving the efficacy and efficiency. The floating drug delivery systems are required to possess proper floating capability in gastric systems and use of natural polymers in such delivery systems has been very beneficial. The physical characteristics of natural polymers facilitate them to be brilliant drug carriers for such type of drug delivery systems. The aim of this review is to provide the overview of role of natural polymers in floating drug delivery system, its characteristic effects, ongoing research and trend of future developments and applications in the field.Javaid et al., International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, March 2017, 6(4): 23-26http://www.icpjonline.com/documents/Vol6Issue4/01.pdf