Antimicrobial activity of cotton and silk fabric with herbal extract by micro encapsulation

Objective:To explore the antimicrobial activity of microcapsules encapsulated with mixture of herbs like neem,tulsi and turmeric,and its application on cellulosic fabric in the form of microcapsules.Methods:The microcapsules were prepared from the mixture of herbs by plain diffusion method,a natural encapsulation technique with yeast and applied on cotton and silk fabric by pad-dry-cure method.The microcapsules were fixed on cotton and silk fabric using the binder UF Silpure FBR-5(PA)B at 120℃.The antimicrobial activities of the finished fabric were assessed by using three types of bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus,Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas.Results:The results of antimicrobial activity from the tests including parallel streak method and disc diffusion method showed that activity of the mixture of herbs was very effective among the three types of bacteria selected,and the antimicrobial activity of prepared microcapsule against Pseudomonas was very good.Conclusions:The herbal microcapsule treated fabric could be applied in the field of medicine.The scanning electron microscope photographs ensure the fixing of the microcapsules firmly in the yarn structure of plain woven cotton and silk fabric.

Anti-inflammatory activity of the glandular extracts of Thunnus alalunga

Objective:To evaluate the anti-inflamattory activity of Thunnus alalunga by both in vitro and in vivo methods.Methods:Anti-inflammatory activity of the chloroform water extract of Thunnus alalunga was done by both in vitro and in vivo methods.In vitro method was done by human red blood cells membrane stabilization method(HRBC).In vivo evaluation was estimated on Wister albino rats.Acute toxicity studies were done on the extract and no toxicity was reported.Results: The percentage protection exhibited by 300 mg/mL concentration was more when compared to the other ones.The 400 mg/mL concentration showed potent activity on comparison with the standard during in vivo evaluation.Conclusions:In both means of estimation the extract of Thunnus alalunga was found to possess significant anti-inflammatory activity.

Formulation and evaluation of Albendazole microcapsules for colon delivery using chitosan

Objective:To formulate and evaluate Albendazole microcapsules using chitosan,a natural polymer for colon-specific delivery for better treatment of helminthiasis,filariasis,colorectal cancer,avoiding the side effects.Methods:The Albendazole microcapsules were prepared by the use of different concentrations of sodium alginate,chitosan and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose(HPMC).The polysaccharides chitosan reacted with sodium alginate in the presence of calcium chloride to form microcapsules with a polyelectrolyte complex membrane by electrostatic interactions between the two oppositely charged polymers.The microcapsules were then studied for entrapment efficiency,drug-polymer compatibility and surface morphology. In vitro drug release study in presence and absence of cecal content were also studied.Further, kinetic modellings were employed to find out release mechanisms.Results:Albendazole loaded microspheres showd high entrapment efficiency(72.8%) and the microcapsules were free flowing,non aggregated and spherical,between 600 and 1 000μm in diameter.The surface of microcapsules were found to be porous and wavy.The FT-IR spectrum showed that there is no interaction between the polymer and the drug.The in vitro drug release study found to be affected by change in chitosan,sodium alginate and HPMC concentration.The microcapsules with 2.5% sodium alginate and 0.4% chitosan shown minimum release in gastrointestinal simulated condition but shows maximum drug release at the end of 24th hour in presence of cecal content.The rate of drug release follows Korsmeyer-peppas model that was the drug release is by diffusion and erosion.Conclusions:The study reveals that Albendazole loaded chitosanalginate based microsphere can be used effectively for the colon targeting.

Formulation and evaluation of acyclovir microcapsules using bakers yeast

Objective:To formulate and evaluate acyclovir microcapsules using bakers yeast.Methods: Acyclovir,pretreated yeast and deionised water were taken at a volumetric ratio of 1:2:4 respectively.This suspension was agitated in a magnetic stirrer at 25℃30℃.35℃,and 40℃for 4 hours.The suspension was then centrifuged for 10 minutes at 2 000 rpm.The supernatant solution was decanted and the cells were washed 5 times with deionised water.Then the suspended drug entrapped yeast cells were dried in a lyophillizer for 48 hours.The yield was noted.Results:The first four formulations were done with 200 mg of the drug,followed by 400 mg for the next four formulations and 800 mg the last four formulations.SEM showed that the surface of the microcapsules was intact,with no burst characteristics.FTIR showed no interaction between acyclovir and the cell wall.DSC showed that the peak was within the standard values. The mean particle size for all the samples was 8μm in diameter.The dissolution studies were done for all the twelve samples and showed a Fickian model of diffusion.Conclusions: From the results it is inferred that the samples prepared at 40℃(FY-4,FY- 8,FY-12) show better entrapment and release.So these samples are formulated in the form of a suspension and compared with marketed acyclovir suspension using HPLC technique.The formulated suspensions with FY-4,FY-8 and FY-12 shows drug content in accordance with the standards of the pharmacopoeial limits.

The use of natural product-papaya pulp powder as a disintegrant in tablet formulation and their invitro evaluation

Objective:An attempt was made to study the use of papaya pulp powder as a disintegrant in tablet formulations. The objective of the present work is to identify a natural binding and disintegrating agent for formulating tablets and to study the effect of disintegrating agents and binding agents on the dissolution of the formulation containing paracetamol.Methods:Papaya pulp powder is obtained from unripe papaya fruit.The fruit was screened for its physical and chemical characteristics and used in tablet formulations.In order to find out the percentage that could be used to formulate a product containing good disintegrating and dissolution characteristics, several formulations(Paracetamol) with different concentrations of 8%,10%,12%,15%,20%,25%& 30%were prepared.As a comparison,an already established disintegrant,sodium starchgylcolate was selected and several formulations containing similar concentrations,were also prepared.The invitro evaluation of the formulations were undertaken,and the results compared.In the present study preformulation studies on the purity, development of calibration curve of the drug and the compatibility between the drug and excepients were carried out.The fruits were cut into small pieces,grated,dried and powdered,passed through different sieves and made into fine powder.Fine powder of papaya was mixed with required amount of drug and sodium starchgylcolate individually in different concentrations along with other additives & binding agents.The dried granules were compressed into tablets and all the formulated dosage forms of paracetamol tablets were subjected to quality control tests like hardness disintegration and dissolution.Results:From the results it was observed that formulations S1 and P7 containing 8%of sodium starchgylcolate and 30%of papaya pulp powder showed good disintegration and dissolution characteristics.Conclusion:Since the tablet formulation P7 containing 30%of papaya pulp powder shows good disintegration and dissolution characteristics and also falls with in the limits of other tablet evaluation parameter,it justifies the possible use of papaya pulp powder as a disintegrant in tablet formulation.The percentage of papaya pulp powder to be used could depend on the nature of the formulation and other excepients used along with it.

Comparitive evaluation of different systems of medicines and the present scenario of chikungunya in Kerala

Objective:To identify the chikungunya outbreaks in both indoor and outdoor patients in some selected hospitals in our locality and the burden and magnitude of the disease,to compare different system of medicines(allopathic,Ayurvedic,homeopathy etc) and to explore the knowledge,attitude and practices of pharmacists and other health care professionals in the treatment of chikungunya.Methods:A six-month study was carried out.Detailed history was taken from the case history,personal interview of doctors and suspected cases.Personal data such as name age,sex,location,date of onset of illness,medical history,general/systemic examination features,drugs used(allopathy,Ayurveda,homeopathy,or traditional) for the treatment,etc.were noted down.A simple questionnaire was prepared and distributed to various doctors practicing various systems of medicines.Results:A total of 209 suspected cases were identified from July to December,2009.People in the age group of 20-40 years were more affected.The study revealed that females were more affected than males.The Grade-Ⅲ(58.73%) population was more prone to chikungunya than Grade-Ⅱ(38.75%) and Grade-Ⅰ(2.87%).It showed that fever,pain in muscles, and sleeping disturbances were the intense symptoms of chikungunya.Myocarditis and arthritis were concomitant diseases which worsened chikungunya symptoms.It also indicated the effective medicine for compliance is nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs(NSAIDS).Conclusions:From our study we found that in some places there is no proper documentation,even though there are proper guidelines framed by the relevant authorities.It can be concluded from the study that all the systems of medicine are equally important for the management of chikungunya.Additional effort in promoting the guidelines at local level and proper documentation helps to achieve the goal of curbing the chikungunya.It is high time to increase our effort and promote these messages at grassroot level which benefits the society/ community as a whole.

Anti-inflammatory activity of Premna corymbosa(Burm.f.) Rottl.& Willd.leaves extracts in Wistar albino rats

Objective:To evaluate the acute toxicity and to investigate the effect of Premna corymbosa ethanolic extract(PCEE) at doses of 200 and 400 mg /kg body weight in acute and chronic models of inflammation in experimental animals.Methods:In the acute toxicity study,a single dose of PCEE of 2 000 mg/kg body weight,p.o.was administered and observed for 48 h.In acute models as egg albumin induced paw edema and chronic model as cotton pellet methods was followed. Results:In acute models,egg albumin induced paw edema PCEE significantly(P【0.01) inhibited the edema formation.In chronic model,cotton pellet induced granuloma formation in rats PCEE significantly(P【0.01) reduced the granuloma formation with percentage inhibition of 35.17%and 50.38%respectively.Conclusions:The present study establishes the antiinflammatory activity of Premna corymbosa leaves.

Hepatoprotective effect of Premna corymbosa(Burm.f.) Rottl.& Willd.leaves extract on CCl_4 induced hepatic damage in Wistar albino rats

Objective:To investigate the hepetoprotective activity of Premna corymbosa leaves against carbon tetrachloride(CCl_4) induced hepatic damage.Methods:Hepatotoxicity was induced in wistar rats of both sexes by intraperitoneal injection of CCl_4,1 mL/kg body weight for every 72 h.The ethanolic extract of Premna corymbosa leaves were administrated at doses of 200 & 400 mL/kg body weight, p.o.,daily for 14 days.The hepatotoxicity and its prevention was assessed by serum markers like serum alkaline phosphatase(SALP),serum triglycerides(STG),serum total protein(STP), serum cholesterol(SC),and liver wet weight and histopathological studies of the liver.Results:In treatment with the ethanolic extract,the toxic effect of CCl_4 was controlled significantly(P<0.01) by restoration of the levels of biochemical parameters as compared to normal and standard drug silymarin treated groups.The liver weight was reduced by the ethanolic extract treated groups. The histopathology of the liver sections evidenced the hepatoprotective activity.Conclusion:The ethanolic extract of the leaves of Premna corymbosa possess significant acute hepatoprotective activity.Premna corymbosa can be recommended for the liver disorders.

Isolation of the mucilages from Hibiscus rosasinensis linn.and Okra(Abelmoschus esculentus linn.) and studies of the binding effects of the mucilages

Objective:To isolate and evaluate comparatively the binding efficacy of the mucilages obtained from the plants of Hibiscus rosasinensis and Okra(Abelmoschus esculentus).Methods:Extraction of mucilages from the leaves of Hibiscus and pods of Okra(Ladies finger) was carried out by a cold maceration process.The extracted mucilages were subjected to various physicochemical properties for its suitability as an excipient in the formulation of tablet dosage form.Different concentrations(10,8,5,2 and 1%w/v) of binder solutions of Hibiscus and Okra were used for the formulation of tablets and the formulated tablets were evaluated by studying the standard parameters like diameter,thickness,weight variation,hardness,friability,disintegration and in vitro dissolution.Stability studies of the formulated tablets were conducted for four weeks. Results:The formulated tablets prepared using the mucilages of both Hibiscus and Okra had good appearance.The in vitro drug release profile of the tablets prepared using Okra mucilage had an optimum of 90%at a mucilage concentration of 1%w/v concentration mucilage itself within 4 h.Conclusions:According to the observations,the lower concentration levels of Okra can be used as an alternative binder to starch.The higher concentration levels of Okra mucilage show a slow and sustained release,and can be considered as an alternative natural excipient in the modified drug delivery systems.At the same time,the above natural excipient of Hibiscus mucilage could be used as a platform for prolonged release if its binder concentrations are increased.

Anti-inflammatory activity of the leaf extacts of Gendarussa vulgaris Nees

Objective:To evaluate the anti-inflammatory property of the leaf exacts of Gendarussa vulgaris(G.vulgarix) Nees.Methods:G.vulgarix Nees of the family Apocynaceae is a medium sized tree grown in semishade or no shade and is common in the Ernad and Nilambur taluks of Kerala. Various parts of this plant have been used in the treatment of ulcers,sores,inflammation, dyspepsia,healing of wounds,etc.The present study aimed at the evaluation of anti-inflammatory property of the aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the leaves by both in vitro and in vivo methods. In vitro method was estimated by human red blood cell membrane stabilisation(HRBC) method and in vivo method was estimated on the carrageenan induced paw oedima.Results:Both the methods showed significant anti-inflammatory property of the different extracts tested. Conclusions:The alcoholic extract at a concentration of 300 mg/mL showed potent activity on comparing with the standard drug diclofenac sodium.

Hepatoprotective effect of Averrhoea carambola fruit extract on carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in mice

Objective:To investigate the hepatoprotective activity of Averroha carambola fruit extract against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic injury.Methods:Hepatotoxicity was induced on albino mice by intraperitoneal administration of CCl4.half an hour after the administration of the last dose of the extract of Averroha carambola fruit.Aqueous extract of the fruit of Averroha carambola was administered at a dose of 0.9 g/kg body weight once daily for seven days.The hepatic injury and its prevention was assessed by the estimation of serum activities of alanine aminotransferase（ALT）,aspartate aminotransferase（AST）,alkaline phosphates（ALP）,glutathione level and histopathological studies of liver.Results:Pre-treatment of mice with the fruit extract of Averrhoea carambola significantly reduced serum levels of ALT,AST and ALP enzyme and significantly increased the liver reduced glutathione levels 24 h after the administration of carbon tetrachloride.A marked improvement in the enzyme activities and the liver reduced glulathione level was observed in the pre-treated mice 4 days after the administration of carbon tetrachloride. Histopathological studies provided supportive evidence for the biochemical analvsis. Conclusions:The aqueous extract of the fruit of Averrhoea carambola has hepatoprotective effect against carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage in mice.

Irrational drug use-a pilot prescription study from Calicut,Kerala

Objective:To describe the prescribing behavior of the physician in Kerala,and to describe types and number of medicine prescribed by doctors so as to rationalize the prescription writing habits of physician.Methods: A six month study was done to define the pattern of drug use in Medical college hospital,Calicut. The data and the other important aspects of study were collected by personal interview,questionnaires meant for doctors and prescription monitoring Performa for the patients issued by WHO. The findings of survey were critically analyzed.Results: The results indicated that majority of doctors prescribed on the basis of patient's history,patient's feed back report,drug availability,brand cost,quality of drug and ADRs. All the interviewed doctors looked upon the side effects. It was found that individual drugs were prescribed more than fixed dose combinations (85.6%). Out of these 71.5% were prescribed as branded and 28.5% as generic. The demographic data,like name,age,sex,disease diagnosis were available on all the patient health care cards and these constituted an essential part of the prescription particularly age and sex being an important in deciding the dose preference for patients. Socio economically most patients were found to be in the grade ⅡI (Population below poverty line). During the study of drug related parameters,doses were mentioned only in 80% of the prescription. But duration of the drug therapy was found to be only 30%.These indicated the irrational use of prescription. Branded drugs prescribed were found to be 71.5%,which showed a trend towards a good prescription habit. The results indicated the rational use of drug.Conclusion: The survey reveales that most of the doctors in Medical college hospital,Calicut are maintaining rational use of drugs and their prescription writing habits was found to be good.

Gastro retentive microencapsulated Cefpodoxime Proxetil to improve oral bioavailability

Objective:The objective of the present study was to develop floating microspheres of Cefpodoxime Proxetil in order to achieve an extended retention in the upper GIT,which may result in enhanced absorption and there by improved bioavailability.Methods:The microspheres were prepared by non - aqueous solvent evaporation method using polymers such as Hydroxyl Propyl Methyl Cellulose（HPMC K15M）,Ethyl Cellulose（EC） in different ratios,and Cefpodoxime Proxetil contain in each formulation.In vitro drug release were performed by USP apparatus type I andthe microspheres were characterized by calculating percentage yield,particle size analysis, buoyancy percentage,drug entrapment efficiencyand in vitro drug release studies.Results:The result showed microspheres yield were 50.50%-72.21%,particle size were distributed between75-600μm,drug entrapment efficiency were 14.1%-28.2%,buoyancy percentage were 70.10%-88.25%.Conclusion: Cefpodoxime Proxetil floating microspheres,at the lower polymer to drug ratio,there was a significant drug release. The better drug release profile was seen with FA2 with ratio of drug polymer（1:2）.

Development of a new single dose extended release formulation of cefpodoxime proxetil

Objective:To develop floating microspheres of cefpodoxime proxetil(CP) in order to achieve an extended retention in the upper GIT for 12 hour.Methods:The microspheres were prepared by non aqueous solvent evaporation method using different ratios of cefpodoxime proxetil, hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose(HPMC K4M ) and ethyl cellulose(1:1:1,1:1:2,1:1:3,1:1:4, 1:1:5 & 1:1:6),in the mixture of dichloromethane and ethanol at ratio of(l:l),with tween80 as the surfactant.Results:The floating microspheres was extended over 10-12 hours and were characterized by particle size analysis(75-600μm),buoyancy percentage(68.1%-85.4%), drug entrapment efficiency(67.5%-88.8%),%yield(50.50%-77.31%) and in vitro drug release was studied for 12 hours.Conclusions:The floating microspheres show better result and it may be use full for prolong the drug release in stomach and improve the bioavailability.