A novel HPTLC method for quantitative estimation of biomarkers in polyherbal formulation

Objective: To explore the quantitative estimation of biomarkers gallic acid and berberine in polyherbal formulation Entoban syrup.Methods: High performance thin layer chromatography was performed to evaluate the presence of gallic acid and berberine employing toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid:methanol 12:9:4:0.5(v/v/v/v) and ethanol: water: formic acid 90:9:1(v/v/v), as a mobile phase respectively.Results: The R f values(0.58) for gallic acid and(0.76) for berberine in both sample and reference standard were found comparable under UV light at 273 nm and 366 nm respectively. The high performance thin layer chromatography method developed for quantization was simple, accurate and specific.Conclusions: The present standardization provides specific and accurate tool to develop qualifications for identity, transparency and reproducibility of biomarkers in Entoban syrup.

Hypothyroidism—A Question towards Quality and Patient Centricity

The metabolic and endocrine disorders are either increasing across the globe or may have been observed with more focus in recent years. It is not uncommon now to find out neither patients of endocrine and metabolic disorders nor a physician of the associated diseases. There were 42 million people who had thyroid disorders including hypothyroidism according to the survey of endocrine society of India. Hypothyroidism is said when less activity of thyroid glands is observed then the normal. So, to evaluate the quality standard, empowerment and patient centricity in Pakistan with present prevalence of hypothyroidism in different age groups, gender along with the prescribed medication against pre diagnosed disease and associated co-morbidities, the study is designed with a questionnaire development including both qualitative and quantitative variables. Study was conducted on various OPD’s, profit and not for profit secondary and tertiary care hospitals and consultant clinics during July 2013 to Jan 2014 and it was given consideration to include people from all areas of life with minimization of any unforeseen biasness and comprehensive data. After full filling the inclusion criteria, 102 patients were selected as study participants. After completion and reviewing the questionnaire, data were analyzed by 21.00 SPSS version. Chi square/ fisher test, spearmen’s rank correlation were applied for categorical quantitative variable. Paired t test before and after were applied for qualitative variable. Highly significant reliability of items in the questionnaire was found along with inter item correlation (P < 0.05). Out of 102 patients of the study, 80 patients fell into the inclusion criteria, while 22 were excluded. A total of 80 patients were registered in the incorporate duration. Among the total samples 36 (42.9%) were males and 44 (52.4%) were females. Mean age males and females included in the study were 34.89 ± 17.73 and 33.36 ± 13.73 years respectively. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure (120/80 mg Hg) was observed in 18 (40.9%) females’ and 13 (36.1%) males’ patients. Quality, patient centricity and empowerment were the poor areas which need additional consultations and counseling for crutches free environment.

Determination of the heavy metal content of Entoban herbal medicinal product

The levels of As, Cd, Pb and Hg were investigated in the medicinal herbal syrup Entoban, which is widely used in the management of non-specific diarrhea and acute intestinal infections of various etiologies. The ingredients in Entoban syrup include 6 potent herbal drugs: Aegle marmelose, Berberis aristata, Butea frondosa, Holarrhena antidysenterica, Myrtus communis, and Quercus infectoria. Entoban medicinal plant syrup was analyzed for As, Cd, Pb and Hg by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy(FAAS). Contents of heavy metals in the examined samples were in the range: As(0.074–10.0 ppm); Cd(0.020–0.3 ppm); Pb(0.00–10.0 ppm) and Hg(0.00–1.0 ppm). Results were compared with permissible limit acceptability intake(AHPA). According to determined amounts of heavy metals, the investigated Entoban syrup samples were validated and considered safe for human consumption.