Darvyadi Kvatha Curna (DVY), is an Ayurvedic preparation which is used in leucorrhoea in the rural population as a traditional medicine. This Ayurvedic preparation was administered chronically to the male and female rats to explore the toxicological characteristics of this preparation. After the administration of DVY preparation for a period of 45 days, the following biochemical parameters (protein, albumin.triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, HDL, creatinine, uric acid, urea, and bilirubin) in the plasma of both the male and female rats were determined. In the study the total protein content in the plasma was increased (2.75%) in the DVY treated male rats. The result showed no significant difference between the control and the DVY treated groups; but the p value, though was not significant yet it was noticeable (p=0.073). Interestingly, the albumin content was significantly increased (17.21%) in DVY treated male rats. In the female rats group the total protein and the albumin content in the plasma were also increased in comparison to their control groups. A statistically significant (13.46%) increase was noted only in the case of albumin. In the male rats there was a significant decrease in the Triglycerides content in the plasma. After chronic administration of the traditional medicine the triglyceride level was 31.15% decreased in male rats group. Also insignificant decrease was noted in the total Cholesterol and HDL content in the plasma with 4.12% and 1.07% decrease respectively. Besides insignificant increase was noted in the VLDL content in the plasma with 18.16% increase. But only in the case of the content of the LDL in plasma a significant decrease (12.72 % decr.) was noted. In the female rats there was a significant decrease in the Triglycerides content in the plasma. Here the test medicine also decreased the triglyceride level by 9.47% in female rats group. Also an insignificant decrease in the total Cholesterol, VLDL, LDL and HDL content in the plasma was noted with 4.12 %, 6.94 %, 2.46 % and 0.78 % decrease respectively. In the male rats there was a significant decrease (51.37 %) in the Bilirubin content in the plasma. In the female rats there was a significant increase (33.38 %) in the Bilirubin content in the plasma. There was an increase in the plasma creatinine (2.28 %) in the DVY treated male rats, though this increase was not significant, yet noticeable (p=0.072). On the contrary, a significant decrease in the urea (11.90%) content in plasma was noted. In female rats, there was a significant decrease in both the Creatinine (36.60 %) and Urea (7.72%) content in the plasma. It was observed that about 11.71% decrease in plasma uric acid content of DVY treated male rats in comparison to their control male rats which is statistically significant. It was observed that the female rats showed significant increase in the concentration of uric acid (11.68%) level in comparison to their control female rats.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjps.v4i2.10438 S. J. Pharm. Sci. 4(2) 2011: 29-34
The aim of the present study was to increase the solubility of a poorly water soluble BCS class II drug, valsartan. Liquisolid technology and solid dispersion by kneading method were techniques used to improve the solubility of the drug by using non-volatile solvents and some hydrophilic carriers. Liquisolid compacts were prepared by dissolving the drug in suitable non volatile solvents. The various non volatile solvents used were PG, PEG, and glycerine. The carrier coating materials play an important role in improving the solubility of the drug. The dissolution rate of the drug was increased by using propylene glycol as non-volatile solvent at 20:1 ratio of carrier to coating material. Solid dispersion by kneading method were another attempt to improve solubility the various carrier materials used were PVP K 30, PEG 6000 and mannitol, these carriers are used in various ratios to improve its solubility. The dissolution rate of drug using solid dispersion kneading method with mannitol was increased at 1:3 ratio. The DSC and FTIR studies revealed no drug excipients interactions, whereas XRD revealed the reduced crystalinity of drug, which showed enhanced solubility. From the results it was concluded that the liquisolid compacts enhanced the solubility of valsartan in comparison to traditional solid dispersion method.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjps.v4i2.10441 S. J. Pharm. Sci. 4(2) 2011: 58-62
The main objective of the current study was to formulate poorly water soluble drug Spirinolactone by using solid dispersion technique in order to achieve a better dissolution rate which would further help in enhancing oral bioavailability. Solid dispersions were prepared using two methods; solvent method and fusion method. Solid dispersion was prepared by using polymers, such as Hydroxy propylymethyl cellulose (HPMC 6cp), Hydroxy propyl cellulose (HPC), Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Na-CMC), Povidone K12, Povidone K30, Poloxamer 407. Solid dispersions containing Spironolactone with HPC (96.81%), HPMC 6cp (93.05%), Poloxamer 407 (90.84%) and Na-CMC (89.93%) provided higher release rate than the release rate of solid dispersion containing only Spironolactone (35.27%), and Spironolactone with Povidone K12 (76.17%), Povidone K30 (67.92%). So the present study revealed that the solid dispersion may be an ideal means of drug delivery system for poorly water soluble drugs. Further study in this field was required to establish these drug delivery systems so that in future it can be used effectively in commercial basis.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjps.v4i2.7776S. J. Pharm. Sci. 4(2) 2011: 42-47
It was 1980s when the first therapeutic protein was launched in the market. It was recombinant DNAderived insulin. Since its inception, within the worldwide pharmaceutical sector, protein therapeutics has been enjoying the fastest growth, notably for the last few years. As a result it is assumed that the treatment methodology with the conventional drug therapy will be shifted towards therapeutic proteins in near future. It made revolution in the treatment of chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases. The major segments in protein therapeutics are monoclonal antibody, insulin, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), coagulation factors etc. In this review paper we will discuss the general aspects of protein therapeutics with their advantages over small-molecule drugs, functional classification of therapeutic proteins and their uses. The pharmacokinetics of protein therapeutics, especially from the distribution and elimination characteristics of therapeutic proteins will be discussed in brief with relevant examples. The major challenges and future perspectives will also be presented in short.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjps.v4i2.10442 S. J. Pharm. Sci. 4(2) 2011: 63-65
The present study aimed to provide information about the common cancer types and respective predisposing risk factors among the Bangladeshi cancer patients from different cancer hospitals located in Dhaka city. A survey is conducted to establish a relationship between common cancer types and predisposing risk factors. A nationwide representative sample of 610 Bangladeshi cancer patients were asked about their medical history, life-style, eating habit and genetic risk factors in relation to cancer prevention, as a part of omnibus survey. Interviews were conducted with 610 subjects (339 men and 271 women). Among the male, the leading cancers were lung (76 patients), followed by mouth and oropharynx (66 patients), stomach (41 patients) etc. Among the female, breast cancer (64 patients) ranked the topmost position, followed by cervix (48 patients), ovary (37 patients), mouth and oropharynx (34 patients). Among 11 risk factors among men candidates, the attributable fraction of cancer causing by tobacco smoking was considered highest (68.14%), followed by betel leaf (67.55%). For most risk factors, attributable fraction responses were higher in women than in men. 14 risk factors among women cancer patients, the attributable fraction of cancer causing by viral and bacterial diseases (39.10%) was highest, followed by obesity (37.10%) and then chronic disease (37.03%) excluding food habit. Our results suggest that awareness of the attributable fraction of cancer causes in the Bangladeshi cancer patient tends to be dominated by tobacco smoking, food habit, cancer causing infection, men and women hygiene, and reproductive history among females rather than genetic factors.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjps.v4i2.10439 S. J. Pharm. Sci. 4(2) 2011: 35-41
The present study was undertaken to find out the promotional strategies followed by the pharmaceutical companies, attitudes and responses of physicians towards these promotional activities and influence of using gifts as promotional materials on the prescribing behavior of the physicians. In the study we found that most pharmaceutical companies believe that pharmaceuticals should be promoted by their quality and availability, not by any other promotional strategies. 84.62% pharmaceutical companies believe that gifts provided by them motivate the physicians to prescribe their products whereas 87% physicians admit that they consider the image of the company and quality of the product while prescribing. We also found that 50.5% physicians preferred information more rather than attractive gifts but only 11.77% pharmaceutical companies agreed with this statement. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjps.v4i2.10434 S. J. Pharm. Sci. 4(2) 2011: 13-18
The aim of the present study was to increase the solubility of a poorly water soluble BCS class II drug, valsartan. Liquisolid technology and solid dispersion by kneading method were techniques used to improve the solubility of the drug by using non-volatile solvents and some hydrophilic carriers. Liquisolid compacts were prepared by dissolving the drug in suitable non volatile solvents. The various non volatile solvents used were PG, PEG, and glycerine. The carrier coating materials play an important role in improving the solubility of the drug. The dissolution rate of the drug was increased by using propylene glycol as non-volatile solvent at 20:1 ratio of carrier to coating material. Solid dispersion by kneading method were another attempt to improve solubility the various carrier materials used were PVP K 30, PEG 6000 and mannitol, these carriers are used in various ratios to improve its solubility. The dissolution rate of drug using solid dispersion kneading method with mannitol was increased at 1:3 ratio. The DSC and FTIR studies revealed no drug excipients interactions, whereas XRD revealed the reduced crystalinity of drug, which showed enhanced solubility. From the results it was concluded that the liquisolid compacts enhanced the solubility of valsartan in comparison to traditional solid dispersion method.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjps.v4i2.10440 S. J. Pharm. Sci. 4(2) 2011: 48-57
An Ethno-botanical survey was carried out among the Sugali tribes in Yerramalais of Eastern Ghats, Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh for the exploration of antidiabetic herbal remedies. Diabetes mellitus is one of the common metabolic disorders with micro-and macrovascular complications that results in significant morbidity and mortality. It is considered as one of the five leading causes of death in the world. In Allopathy medicine no satisfactory effective therapy is still available to cure diabetes mellitus. There is increasing demand by patients to use natural products with antidiabetic activity due to side effects associated with the use of insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents. The art of herbal treatment has very deep roots in Indian culture. Even today in most of the rural areas people are depending on herbal drug systems for primary health care. The indigenous knowledge of local traditional healers and native plants used for the treatment of diabetics related health disorders were collected through questionnaire and personal interviews. A total of 10 informants with in the age group of 50 to 68 were interviewed, among them two were tribal practitioners. A total of 21 genera and 18 families were identified which are being used for the treatment of diabetes. Results depict that fresh plant materials were invariably preferred for the treatment of long term complications associated with diabetics. Anti-diabetic medicinal plants used by Sugalis have been listed along with plant parts used. The collected information's are arranged in the alphabetic order of the plant botanical name, family with the local (or) common name, and mode of use is listed. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjps.v4i2.10435 S. J. Pharm. Sci. 4(2) 2011: 19-24
It was 1980s when the first therapeutic protein was launched in the market. It was recombinant DNAderived insulin. Since its inception, within the worldwide pharmaceutical sector, protein therapeutics has been enjoying the fastest growth, notably for the last few years. As a result it is assumed that the treatment methodology with the conventional drug therapy will be shifted towards therapeutic proteins in near future. It made revolution in the treatment of chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases. The major segments in protein therapeutics are monoclonal antibody, insulin, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), coagulation factors etc. In this review paper we will discuss the general aspects of protein therapeutics with their advantages over small-molecule drugs, functional classification of therapeutic proteins and their uses. The pharmacokinetics of protein therapeutics, especially from the distribution and elimination characteristics of therapeutic proteins will be discussed in brief with relevant examples. The major challenges and future perspectives will also be presented in short. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjps.v4i2.10433 S. J. Pharm. Sci. 4(2) 2011: 01-12
An attempt was made to prepare fast dissolving tablets of anti-inflammatory drug Nimesulide preparing by direct compression method. The superdisintegrants Cross-carmellose and Sodium starch glycolate were used in different concentrations. Twelve formulations using those superdisintegrants at different concentration levels were prepared to access their efficiency and critical concentration level. Different evaluation parameters for tablet were studied. Tablets containing Cross-carmellose showed superior organoleptic properties and excellent in-vitro drug release as compared to other formulations. It was observed that on increasing the concentration of Cross-carmellose, the rate of disintegration was increased whereas on increasing the concentration of Sodium starch glycolate the rate of disintegration was decreased. The percentage drug release was observed as 96.32% when the concentration of Cross-carmellose was increased, whereas the same was not observed on increasing the concentration of Sodium starch glycolate. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjps.v4i2.10436 S. J. Pharm. Sci. 4(2) 2011: 25-28
Key words: Derivative spectrophotometry method; area under curve method; multi-component method; ciprofloxacin hydrochloride; tinidazole; hydrotropic agentDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjps.v3i2.6541 S.J. Pharm. Sci 3(2): 37-42
Simultaneous estimation of active ingredients in multi-component pharmaceutical products normally requires the use of separation techniques, such as HPLC, HPTLC or GC, followed by their quantitation. Presented here are two spectrophotometric methods that do not require prior separation for simultaneous estimation of three drugs; acetaminophen, tramadol hydrochloride and domperidone in a tablet formulation. Shimadzu UV 1700 capable of multi-component analysis was used for quantitation. Method A is based on the simultaneous equation and method B on the multi-component analysis. The absorption maxima of the drugs found to be at 244nm, 271.5nm and 284.5nm respectively for acetaminophen, tramadol hydrochloride and domperidone in methanol/0.1 N HCl (1:2) solvent mixture. Acetaminophen, tramadol hydrochloride and domperidone obeyed Beer's law in the concentration range of 2-22 μg/ml, 10-55 μg/ml and 30-300 μg/ml respectively. The simultaneous equation method is based on the additivity of absorbances and multi-component analysis involves recording of absorbances of standard solutions at 244nm, 250nm, 271.5nm and 284.5nm. These were processed by means of statistical calculations and results of sample solution were obtained. Result of analysis for both methods were tested and validated for various parameters according to ICH guidelines. Key Words: simultaneous equation method; multicomponent analysis; acetaminophen; tramadol hydrochloride; domperidone. DOI: 10.3329/sjps.v3i1.2655S. J. Pharm. Sci. 3(1): 28-33
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjps.v3i2.8039S.J. Pharm. Sci 3(2): 51-53
Key words: Carbon tetrachloride; Silymarin; Solena amplexicaulis; hepatoprotective activity; biochemical parameterDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjps.v3i2.5953 S.J. Pharm. Sci 3(2): 01-06
In this study, methanol extract from the root bark of Calotropis gigantea L. and its petroleum ether (40°C- 60°C), chloroform and ethyl acetate soluble fractions were tested for their cytotoxic activity against brine shrimp nauplii ( Artemia salina , Leach) and for antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus , Aspergillus niger , Penicillium sp and Trichoderma harzianum . Thin layer chromatography (TLC) screening showed that methanol extract and its different fractions contained different type compounds such as steroid, terpene, glycoside, heterocyclic and flavonoid. In brine shrimp lethality bioassay, it was found that chloroform fraction was highly cytotoxic (LD 50 14.72 μg/ml) among the tested samples. Though methanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction have no activity against all the tested fungi but petroleum ether and chloroform fractions showed potent activity against Aspergillus niger , Penicillium sp, Trichoderma harzianum and Aspergillus niger , Trichoderma harzianum , respectively, in antifungal activity test. Key words: Calotropis gigantea ; Methanol extract; Antifungal activity; Cytotoxicty. DOI: 10.3329/sjps.v2i2.2187 Stamford Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Vol.2(2) 2009: 38-41
Methotrexate competitively inhibits dihydrofolic acid reductase and thereby inhibits DNA synthesis and cellular replication.This study describes a simple and fast high-performance liquid chromatography method for the determination of methotrexate [MTX] in serum.samples were collected from adult cancer patients receiving high dose MTX at Mahathma Gandhi Memorial hospital (Warangal,AP.India) at various time intervals after the end of each infusion. Serum was deproteinized with trichloroacetic acid and the supernatant was injected into a 250×4.6 mm octadecylsilane column. Mobile phase was made of TRIS-phosphate buffer (pH 5.7): methanol: acetonitrile (70:20:10) with a flow rate of 1ml/min. Ultraviolet detection was done at 313 nm and at ambient temperature. Para aminoacetophenone was used as internal standard. Methotrexate and internal standard retention times were 4.6 and 9.5 minutes, respectively. Results showed that reproducibility (precision) of method within a day was 2.6 to 6 percent and between days was 5.5 to 9.5 percent. The recovery of the method was between 61.5 and 72.7 percent. The quantitation limit of the method for methotrexate was 0.1μM. This method is suitable for quantitation of methotrexate after infusion of high doses of this drug and has good accuracy, precision and quantitation limit. Key Words: Methotrexate; HPLC; Serum Concentration. DOI: 10.3329/sjps.v2i1.1693Stamford Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Vol.2(1) 2009: 8-13
Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) could serve as a potential biomarker in monitoring the disease progression and improvement on treatment. To investigate fasting & post prandial response of DPP-IV enzyme as indirect marker of incretin response failure after chronic treatment with metformin in type 2 diabetes. The study included twelve nondiabetic subjects, ten patients with glycosylated hemoglobin values (6-8%) and fifteen patients with glycosylated hemoglobin greater than 8 % of type-2 diabetes patients of either sex with metformin treatment above 3 years were recruited. Fasting and post prandial DPP-IV levels were calculated. HbA1c was used to assess diabetes status. DPP-IV activity (fasting) in type 2 diabetic subjects with HbA1c > 8 % was significantly higher DPP-IV (44.67 ± 2.19 U/l) than in non diabetic subjects (24.39 ± 3.97 U/l). A significant correlation between DPP-IV (fasting / post prandial) and HbA1c (r = 0.821 & r = 0.732, P< 0.01) was observed in both diabetic (HbA1c 6-8, HbA1c < 8) patients. Hyperglycemia induces significant increase in serum DPP-IV activity in fasting condition and might contribute to the reduction in active glucagon like peptide-1(GLP-1) in type 2 diabetic subjects. In normal subjects during post prandial condition, there is sudden increase followed by decrease of GLP-1 due to cleavage of GLP-1 to as substrate of DPP-IV is seen as upsurge of DPP-IV. This response was lacking in diabetic patients with high HbA1c indicates indirectly metformin failure to secrete GLP-1. High fasting level and decreased post prandial of DPP-IV may indicate drug failure in type-2 diabetes mellitus. Key words: Type 2 diabetes; metformin; DPP-IV; HbA1c; GLP-1.DOI: 10.3329/sjps.v2i2.1698Stamford Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Vol.2(2) 2009: 81-85
Acacia jacquemontii was assessed for active principles to ascertain the rationale for its use in traditional medicine. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the stem bark extracts showed that it possessed the active principles - alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, terpenoids and tannins. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was assayed against pathogenic strains of Bacillus cereus, Bacillus pumilus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, S. pyrogenes, and Candida albcans using the agar diffusion method. The plant extract exhibited antimicrobial activity against all the test microorganisms. B. cereus and B. pumilus were the most susceptible to the plant extract while Candida albicans was the most resistant. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the stem bark extract of the plant ranged between 30 and 50 mg/ml while the minimum bactericidal concentration ranged between 35 and 60 mg/ml. A. jacquemontii could be a potential source of antimicrobial agents. Key words: Antibacterial; Antifungal; Baonli; Medicinal plants. DOI: 10.3329/sjps.v2i2.2384Stamford Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Vol.2(2) 2009: 21-26
In the present study, some novel amino acids incorporated bicyclo compounds have been synthesized and their structure was confirmed by physico-chemical and spectral data. The title compounds were evaluated for in silico toxicity study and anticonvulsant activity by maximal electric shock method. The results showed that substitution with cysteine and glutamic acid moiety was found to increase the activity. In silico toxicity study results showed that the compounds are free of toxicity in neurotoxicity, irritability, sensitivity, immunotoxicity and oncogenecity Key words: Maximal electrical shock method; anticonvulsant activity; in silico toxicity. DOI: 10.3329/sjps.v2i2.2607Stamford Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Vol.2(2) 2009: 42-47
