Trends in Pharmaceutical Research and Development Vol. 2

Sudanese Vetiver Oil Vetiverianigritana (Benth.) Stapf

Muna Abdel Latif Khalil, Saad Mohamed Hussein Ayoub — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

The volatile oil of the roots of Vetiverianigritana (Benth.) Stapf was extracted by hydrodistillation for 36 h to yield 1.35%. The physical and chemical properties were determined according to international standards and were not compatible with published data. Analysis of the oil by gas liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (GLC-MS) technique revealed that the oil was composed of 50 compounds of which 9 compounds were not identified. The main constituents were longifolene D (25.1%), 2-hydroxycyperol (9.7%) and aromadendrene oxide (1) (8.8%). The different and extremely complex composition of vetiver oil from different geographic regions of the world prompted us to add that the Sudanese vetiver oil is also different and do not comply with the "finger print" of the oil in the literature (α- and β- vetivone plus khusimol).

Tea Tree Oil in Calcium Alginate Microparticles

Lorena Segale, Andrea Foglio Bonda, Lorella Giovannelli — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

The aim of this work was the characterisation of tea tree oil calcium-alginate microparticles prepared using prilling vibration technology and drying according to three different methods (oven at 40°C, dynamic drying under air-flow at 22°C and freeze-drying). Microparticles were characterized by stereomicroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and as regarding essential oil content and in vitro release. After oven drying and air-flow drying processes, microparticles were partially aggregated. They had a high oil content (more than 50% w/w) and were able to release tea tree oil in about 3 hours. Freeze-drying gave microparticles well separated to each other, characterized by the highest dimensions (about 500 µm), a good essential oil content and the fastest release rate. For all systems, the oil content decreased during storage with a total loss, after 5 months, ranging from 10% (air-flow dried microparticles) to 24% (oven-dried microparticles).

Stability Testing of Ayurvedic Formulations: Exigency of Today’s World: Brief Overview

Chinky Goyal, Sharma Khemchand, Gupta Arun Kumar — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

The concept of stability is one of the most important issues regarding Ayurvedic formulations as till date no specific guidelines are available for the same. Although the Ayurvedic lexicon as well as Gazette notification issued by Government of India on 26^th November, 2005 revealed shelf life of Ayurvedic formulations but greater advancements in packaging and storage technology now-a-days has created a need for the revision of their shelf life. Mainly, two guidelines namely ICH (International Conference on Harmonization) and WHO (World Health Organization) provide details regarding parameters for stability study of pharmaceutical products but ICH guidelines from Q1 to Q11 is generally followed. A well designed stability protocol containing information like Selection of Batches and Samples, Test Attributes, Analytical Procedures, Acceptance Criteria, Storage Conditions and period, Testing Frequency, Sampling plan, Container Closure System etc, various types of stability study and stability testing methods should be taken into consideration. Currently pharmaceutical product are generally assayed using a validated stability indicating analytical method and an expiry date is marked based on the predicated period from date of manufacture when the pharmaceutical product would show more than 10% deterioration in the active molecule. So, these guidelines may also be implemented on Ayurvedic formulations where percentage degradation can be assayed when the product is stored at different conditions of temperature and humidity. The general concept of stability for Ayurvedicor modern medicine remains same but the parameters used to assess the stability may vary from product to product.

Transfusional Malaria and Associated Factors at the National Blood Transfusion Center of Niamey-Niger: Global Perspective

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Transfusional malaria is an accidental transmission of Plasmodium via a blood transfusion. Its magnitude is underestimated and very little data on the assessment of this risk are available in Niger. However, the blood requirement for sickle cell anemia and children suffering from severe malaria with anemia is very important.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of plasmodial infection of blood bags at the National Blood Transfusion Center of Niamey (NBTC).

Methodology: A cross-sectional study to diagnose Plasmodium infection by microscopy and Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) was carried out during the rainy season (September to November 2015). Blood grouping was performed by the BETH-VINCENT technique.

Results: One thousand three hundred and fifty-seven (1357) blood bags were collected. One hundred and fifty-seven (11.6%) of the donors were infected with Plasmodium by microscopy and 2.4% (9/369) by rapid diagnostic test. All infections were with P. falciparum (100%). The mean parasite density was 197 parasites/uL (SD=281; [80: 2000]). There were no significant differences in infection prevalence between the ABO blood groups (p = 0.3) or the rhesus positivity (p=08). There is also no significant difference in temporal (p = 0.1) and spatial (p = 0.6) distribution.

Conclusion: The transmission of transfusional malaria during the rainy season is a fact in Niger. Such risks were independent of the ABO blood type and positivity for the rhesus antigen. Pretransfusion diagnosis or posttransfusion therapy should be instituted to prevent it.

Recent Study Hepatoprotective Activity of Morus alba (Linn). Leaves Extract against Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

M. G. Hogade, S. S. Kuthar — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Aim: To investigate the hepatoprotective activity of Morus alba Linn. leaves extracts against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced hepatotoxicity.

Materials and Methods: Leaves powder of Morus alba was successively extracted with petroleum ether extract (PEE), chloroform extract (CHE), alcoholic extract (ALE) and water extract (AQE) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced hepatotoxicity and using Standard drug is Liv-52. Preliminary phytochemical tests were done.

Results: The ALE showed presence of alkaloids, flavonoides, carbohydrates, tannins and steroids, while carbohydrates, flavonoides, alkaloids were present with AQE. The PEE, CHE, ALE did not produce any mortality. Carbon tetrachloride produced significant changes in biochemical parameters (increases in serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), Serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), alanine phosphatase (ALP) and serum bilirubin.), histological (damage to hepatocytes). using Standard drug Liv-52. Pretreatment with ALE and AQE extracts significantly prevented the biochemical and histological changes induced by CCl₄ in the liver.

Conclusion: The present study that shows the ALE and AQE extracts possessed hepatoprotective activity.

Amalgamation of Ayurveda with Modern Medicine System – Need of the Hour

Ruchika Nandha, Harpal Singh — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

‘Good health is true wealth’, So the prime concern of every human being is to maintain the healthy state of body, mind and spirit to acquire comprehensive health. In wake of the fact that despite the availability of advanced technologically aided modern medicine system, our society is witnessing a rise in various life style disorders, chronic diseases and development of resistance to the existing remedies, integration of Ayurveda with Allopathy seems the need of the hour. A novel comprehensive system if generated by fusion of rich traditional therapies with modern medicine system, can utilize the best of both the systems without disrespecting any and can provide care in disease management, disease prevention, preservation, protection and rejuvenation of health. Amalgamation of Ayurveda with Allopathy will certainly be able to create a healthy society by developing a health care system that is more effective, less expensive and less toxic than either system used alone.

Research on Effectiveness of Vitamin C in the Treatment of Anemia in Patients with Chronic Diseases: A Case Study

Raúl H. Morales-Borges, Krystal M. Rivera-Rodríguez — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Vitamin C has been shown to be useful in the treatment of anemia of chronic diseases, but there is insufficient evidence to recommend it in the management of anemia in patient with chronic illness, with chronic kidney disease. We performed a small control study to probe if high dose intravenous vitamin C will raise the hemoglobin and improve the quality of life of patients with chronic diseases.

We screened six patients and the study was performed from September to December of 2015, but one quit prior to begin the study. Their age ranges from 37 to 95 years-old, and three are male and two female. Their mean hemoglobin went up from 8.6 g/dL to 9.7 g/dL after they received vitamin C 10 g IV weekly for 6 weeks. The CRP level had a 41.4% effective reduction and their performance status & quality of life as per the questionnaire improved.

We demonstrated a clinical benefit of high dose intravenous vitamin C in anemia of chronic diseases even though a small study. We recommend to perform a randomized controlled study with larger sample in a future.

Biodegradable Interpenetrating Polymer Network Hydrogel Membranes for Controlled Release of Anticancer Drug: Advanced Study

B. Mallikarjuna, K. Madhusudana Rao, K. Pallavi, K. Chowdoji Rao, M. C. S. Subha — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Biodegradable interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel membranes of chitosan and gelatin were prepared by solvent casting evaporation method for the controlled release of 5‑fluorouracil (5‑FU), an anticancer drug. The membranes were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), X‑ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Tensile strength measurements. The FTIR was used to understand the formation of crosslinking and to confirm the absence of chemical interactions between drug and membranes. DSC and XRD studies were performed to understand the crystalline nature of drug after encapsulation into the membranes. SEM was used to study the surface morphology of the membranes. The in vitro studies were carried out in phosphate buffer pH 7.4 at 37°C. The results of controlled release tests showed that the amount of 5‑FU release increased with the increasing the amount of gelatin in the membrane. Moreover, the release rate of drug increased as the amount of drug loaded in the membranes increased. All the results indicated that the prepared membrane was potentially useful in drug‑delivery systems, and the prolonged release rate was observed up to 12 h.

The Details of Cleidocranial Dysostosis – An Enigma Developmental Bones Anomaly

A. O. Adebola Yusuf — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Cleidocranial Dysostosis, known also as Cleidocranial dysplasia, Mutational Dysostosis, Scheuthauer Marie-Sainton syndrome, is a rare condition which is characterized by delayed ossification of midline structures. Case study of the phenomenon has been reported here. Reports revealed that the classical association of a spectacular dental anarchy, with non-closure of cranial sutures, retention of deciduous teeth and delayed eruption of permanent denture and typical facies of underdevelopment raise strong suspicion of autosomal syndrome. The reviewed patient as a classic demonstration of cleidocranial dysostosis, succinctly represented the condition.

Antigiardial Effect of Kramecyne in Experimental Giardiasis: General Overview

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

A variety of drugs are used in giardiasis treatment with different levels of efficiency, presence of side effects, and even formation of resistant strains, so that it is important to search new only-one-dose treatments with high efficiency and less side effects. Kramecyne, an anti-inflammatory compound isolated from methanolic extract of Krameria cytisoides, does not present toxicity, even at doses of 5,000 mg/kg. The objective was to determine the antigiardial effect of kramecyne over Giardia intestinalis In vitro and In vivo and analyze the expression of genes ERK1, ERK2, and AK on kramecyne treated trophozoites by Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR). The median lethal dose (LD50) was 40 ug/mL and no morphological changes were observed by staining with blue trypan and light microscopy; experimental gerbil infection was eliminated with 320 ug/Kg of weight. After treatment there were no differences between intestines from treated and untreated gerbils. Kramecyne did not have significant effect over ERK1 and AK, but there are differences in ERK2 expression (p = 0.04). Results show antigiardial activity of kramecyne; however the mode of action is still unclear and the evaluation of ultrastructural damage and expressed proteins is an alternative of study to understand the action mechanism.

Application of the Cryopreserved Pigskin Substrate for Correction of Immunity Disorder (Experimental Research)

Larysa Iakovlieva, Olena Koshova, Oksana Tkachova, Anatoly Gordienko — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: Allergic pathology remains a global problem of humanity. Despite a wide range of anti-allergicdrugs, the problem of developing reasonable and safe measures for allergic diseases (ADs) treatment and prevention remains unresolved. Among existing modern therapeutic measures, particular attention is drawn to the allergen-specific immunotherapy. It seems promising to use the cryopreserved pigskin substrate (CPSS), cellular elements of which serve as the source of antigens and are capable of triggering immunotolerance mechanisms. We investigated the effect of CPSS on the development of mouse immunodeficiency and an allergic reaction of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH).

Materials and Methods: The effect of CPSS on the development of mouse immunodeficiency induced by hydrocortisone acetate (once, intraperitoneally, 250 mg/kg,) was investigated. The CPSS was administered on a daily basis into the stomach of animals as a suspension emulsified with Tween at dosas 200 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg. As the reference drug, we used an analog regarding pharmacological action, the immunostimulatory agent of natural origin thymalin, lyophilisate for solution for injections (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Blood serum of experimental animals was analyzed to assess parameters of the humoral component of the immune system, namely, titers of hemolysins and hemagglutinins and the number of antibody-forming cells according to Ierne and Nordin. The effect of CPSS on development an allergic reaction of DTH induced by skin sensitization with a 5% 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) solution (five applications of three drops of a 5% alcohol-acetone solution (1:1) of 2,4-DNCB to the animal skin. Four days after the last application, three drops of the 5% 2,4-DNCB solution were applied to the right paw of an animal (initiation of the allergic reaction) was investigated. As the reference drug, we used loratadine tablets, at a dose of 1 mg/kg. Popliteal lymph nodes were removed and weighed. DTH reaction index was determined. The concentration of IgE, as well as the level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TFN-α), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and IL-10 cytokines, were assessed in blood serum of sensitized animals. Neutrophil phagocytic activity was determined in whole-blood after coincubation of neutrophils with yeast cells.

Results: The study established that preventive administration of the CPSS contributes to restoring the balance between cellular and humoral immune responses, which results in inhibition of the pathological process, reduction in specific hyperresponsiveness of tissues to proinflammatory mediators, and reduction of signs of allergic inflammation or immunodeficiency states.

Conclusions: Рreventive administration of the CPSS contributes to restoring the balance between cellular and humoral immune responses, which results in inhibition of the pathological process, reduction in specific hyperresponsiveness of tissues to pro-inflammatory mediators, and reduction of signs of allergic inflammation or immunodeficiency states.

Analysis of Photochemical Constituents and Anti- bacterial Activity on Tridax procumbens Plant Extract for Wound Care Applications

V. Krishnaveni — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

The serviceable necessities of shielding textiles are very important need of current environmental issues and based on the requirements the use of natural plants with various healing properties for wound care infections. The special factor of perfect comfort also has become the necessary for protective care textiles. The Tridax procumbens is one of the incredibly important natural plant available in the all areas with hygienic properties. The Tridax procumbens herb leaves were collected and extracted and it was coated on bamboo fabric. The extract coated samples was tested under phytochemical analysis and exhibited the incidence of phytochemicals. The anti-microbial activity of 6% and 12% conc tridax plant ethanolic extract coated samples were tested namely AATCC 147 and AATCC 100 tests against both gram positive and gram negative bacterial pathogens.The test result shows that the tridax plant 12% coated sample proved greater antibacterial activity than 6% coated sample. Based on the results, the coated extract can be applied to any textile material for wound care applications.

A Wee Study on Behavioural, Organ Somatic Index and Histological Alterations of the Fresh Water Fish Pangasius sutchi in Response to Protection Studies, Exposed to Gamma Radiation Perceived by Genotoxic Assays: New Perspectives

Pamela Sinha, Kantha D. Arunachalam — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

The aim of the present study was to evaluate radio-protective effect of Gymnema sylvestre and its active compound gymnemagenin against gamma radiation(⁶⁰Co) in Pangasius sutchi. The fishes were treated with lowest concentration of amifostine (83.3 mg/kg of b.wt.), G. sylvestre plant-extract (25 mg/kg of b.wt.), and gymnemagenin (0.3 mg/kg of b.wt.) as intramuscular injection one hour prior to exposure of gamma radiation. The result revealed destructive histological alteration of irradiated fishes compared to pre-treatment group of amifostine, G. sylvestre, and gymnemagenin. Similarly, behavioural changes and organ somatic index also showed variations among the irradiated and pre-treatment groups which might reflect metabolic and physiologic disturbances under the effect of radiation. The pre-treatment of G. sylvestre showed similar result as compared to amifostine which indicates the existence of radio-protective properties in the plant.

Utility of Various Resistance Indicators for Enterobacteriaceae from Urinary Tract Infections: Local Experiences

Márió Gajdács — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Aims: To assess the epidemiology of UTIs affecting inpatients and outpatients and the antibiotic resistance levels, expressed as multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) indices from the isolated species at a tertiary-care hospital in Hungary, during a 10-year study period.

Study Design: Retrospective microbiological study.

Place and Duration of Study: 1st of January 2008 - 31st of December 2017 at the University of Szeged, which is affiliated with the Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, a primary- and tertiary-care teaching hospital in the Southern Great Plain of Hungary.

Methodology: Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed using disk diffusion method and when appropriate, E-tests on Mueller–Hinton agar (MHA) plates. The multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index of the isolates was determined.

Results: During the 10-year study period, the Institute of Clinical Microbiology received 21,150 urine samples from outpatient clinics and 19,325 samples from inpatient departments that turned out to be positive for a significant urinary pathogen. Out of the positive urine samples, E. coli represented the overwhelming majority of all positive urine samples. The resistance levels in inpatient isolates were higher than in the outpatient isolates (average MAR indices: 0.347 vs. 0.410, 0.267 vs. 0.435 and 0.318 vs. 0.473 for the E. coli/Klebsiella, CES and Proteae group, respectively).

Conclusion: As the therapeutic options are becoming increasingly limited in the current antibiotic resistance climate, more effort should be put into the prudent use of antibiotics and the development of novel antimicrobial agents.

Study of In vitro Anti-inflammatory Property of Dendrocnide sinuata (Blume) Chew and Chenopodium ambrosioides (L.): Ethnomedicinal Plants from Assam

Khadijatul Qubra, Bisu Singh — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Traditionally many of the medicinal plants are used by Assamese people to treat various ailments, of them Dendrocnide sinuata and Chenopodium ambrosioides are used for treating inflammation- related diseases. The present study was carried out to investigate and verify the anti-inflammatory property of Dendrocnide sinuata and Chenopodium ambrosioides by in-vitro human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization method. In addition, the phytochemicals present in both the plants were also analyzed. The results revealed that both the plant extracts have HRBC membrane stabilizing activity with Chenopodium ambrosioides showing greater efficacy than Dendrocnide sinuata and standard drug diclofenac. However, the efficacy of the extracts was dose-dependent and was highest at 5,000 µg/ml. The analysis of the phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of anti-inflammatory compounds such as flavonoids and triterpenes in both the plant samples. The study provides the evidence for anti-inflammatory efficacy of both the plants.

Diaplant-Neo: Complex Therapy of Acute Intestinal Infections

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Aims: To develop the composition and technology of the combined capsules "Diaplant‑Neo" for the complex treatment of gastrointestinal infections, investigation its antiexudative and spasmolytic activities.

Objects of the Study: Nifuroxazide, Plantaglucidum, Calendula extract, encapsulation mass and Diaplant‑Neocapsules.

Subject of Study: Development of the composition and technology of the combined drug in the form of capsules for the treatment of gastrointestinal infections.

Methods of the Study: Model of acute aseptic carrageenan inflammation, J. Setnicar method.

Results: Technological scheme of the Diaplant-Neo production was developed. As a result of a study of Diaplant-Neo, it was found that antiexudative activity is not significantly inferior to the effect of sodium diclofenac, antispasmodic activity corresponds to the action of plantaglucid.

Conclusion: The Diaplant‑Neocapsuleshas broad pharmacological properties, comprehensively affects acute intestinal infections pharmacotherapy, reduces the phenomenon of polypharmacy.