Single use of tetracycline with and without diclofenac sodium as local drug delivery in pocket therapy: a clinico-microbiological study

AIM

  Local drug delivery is a non-surgical method in the treatment of periodontitis. Different chemotherapeutic agents are used for local drug delivery; one such agent is tetracycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Recent studies have also shown that the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and acts as host modulator. Thus, an attempt was made to compare and evaluate the efficacy of tetracycline alone and in combination with diclofenac sodium as a local drug delivery.

METHODS

  A total of 36 sites with chronic periodontitis were divided into three groups with 12 sites each (i.e. group A, antibiotics alone; group B, antibiotics in combination with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; and group C, control group). For all the groups, the following parameters (plaque index, papillary bleeding index, probing pocket depth, and microbial analysis) were assessed and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

  The antibiotic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug combination group showed a statistically-significant improvement in clinical parameters and a shift in microbial flora when compared to the group with antibiotics alone. However, the control group failed to show any statistically-significant improvement.

CONCLUSION

  Antibiotics in combination with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are more efficient than using antibiotics alone as local drug delivery for the treatment of periodontal pockets.

4-(1,3-Diphenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)-1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazole

The title compound, C(30)H(24)N(4), contains two pyrazole rings and four phenyl rings. The pyrazole rings are essentially planar, with maximum deviations of 0.003 (1) and 0.066 (1) Å and make a dihedral angle of 73.43 (6)°. The two pyrazole rings make dihedral angles of 40.08 (6), 9.28 (6), 15.78 (8) and 17.25 (7)° with their attached phenyl rings. In the crystal, there are no significant inter-molecular hydrogen-bonding inter-actions. The crystal structure is stabilized by C-H⋯π inter-actions.

Hypoglycemic activity of Thai medicinal plants selected from the Thai/Lanna Medicinal Recipe Database MANOSROI II

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Five medicinal plants including Anogeissus acuminata (Roxb. ex DC.) Gills. & Perr. (Combretaceae), Catunaregam tormentosa (Bl. ex DC.) Tirveng (Rubiaceae), Dioecrescis erythroclada (Kurz) Tirveng. (Rubiaceae), Mimosa pudica Linn. var. hispida Bren. (Fabaceae), and Rauwolfia serpentina (L). Benth. ex Kurz. (Apocyanaceae), which have been traditionally used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and other diseases for several generations by the Thai-Lanna people in the Northern part of Thailand were investigated for their hypoglycemic activity in normoglycemic and alloxan, induced diabetic mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The aqueous extracts of the selected five medicinal plants were tested for their phytochemicals, free radical scavenging activity and hypoglycemic activity on 18 h fasted normoglycemic and alloxan induced diabetic mice over a period of 4h comparing with the standard anti-diabetic drugs (insulin and glibenclamide) using two way analysis of variance (ANOVA) as analytical tool. Phytochemical analysis was performed using the standard methods while 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine (DPPH) was used to test for free radical scavenging activities of the medicinal plant extracts.

RESULTS

Phytochemicals detected in the extracts were glycosides, xanthones, tannins, alkaloids and saponins. Anogeissus acuminata showed the highest free radical scavenging activity with the IC(50) value of 11.00 μg/mL which was 4 folds of the standard ascorbic acid. Significant reduction in fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels of the normoglycemic mice was observed at 4 and 3h with the extracts of Mimosa pudica (200mg/kg bw) and Rauwolfia serpentina (100mg/kg bw), and percentage decreases of 46.15 and 27.94% which were 0.76 and 1.47; 0.53 and 0.91 folds of insulin and glibenclamide, respectively. In alloxan induced diabetic mice, all extracts showed significant (p<0.05) hypoglycemic activity, with the maximum FBG reduction of 78.96 at 100mg/kg bw shown by Anogeissus acuminata at the 4h. The hypoglycemic activity of Anogeissus acuminata was comparable to insulin (1.1 fold), but more potent than glibenclamide (1.76 folds).

CONCLUSIONS

Medicinal plants selected from the Thai/Lanna Medicinal Plant Recipe Database MANOSROI II showed hypoglycemic activity in normoglycemic and alloxan induced diabetic mice. This study confirmed the traditional use of these medicinal plants for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and the thiazolidiendiones mimic hypoglycemic effects of the medicinal plants was suggested.

Improved transnasal transport and brain uptake of tizanidine HCl-loaded thiolated chitosan nanoparticles for alleviation of pain

The aim of this study was to prepare and characterize thiolated chitosan (TC) nanoparticles (NPs) of tizanidine HCl (TZ) and to evaluate its transport across monolayer of RPMI 2650 cells (Human nasal septum carcinoma cell line) followed by assessment of their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic attributes, after intranasal (i.n.) administration. Chitosan was thiolated by carbodiimide method and thiolation was confirmed qualitatively and quantitatively. NPs were prepared using ionotropic gelation and evaluated for mucoadhesion using sheep nasal mucosa for drug permeation and cytotoxicity using monolayer of RPMI 2650 cells. Drug biodistribution was evaluated after technetium-99m labeling, visualized using gamma camera, and evaluated pharmacodynamically by measuring antinociceptive activity in mice. High mucoadhesion and permeation of drug were observed for TC NPs with least toxicity to nasal epithelial cells. Brain uptake and antinociceptive effect of the drug were significantly enhanced after thiolation of chitosan. This concludes that TC NPs, after i.n. administration, show significant increase in the mucoadhesion, reduction in cytotoxicity, enhanced permeation across cells monolayer, higher TZ brain uptake, and considerable increase in antinociceptive activity of TZ in mice. These features make TC an interesting polymer for demonstrating appreciable improvement of transnasal permeation of hydrophilic drugs, such as TZ, known to have limited permeation across blood-brain barrier.

A new sesquiterpenoid from the rhizomes of Homalomena sagittifolia

A new sesquiterpenoid, 1α,4β,7β-eudesmanetriol (1), was isolated together with the known compounds 1β,4β,7β-eudesmanetriol (2) and oplopanone (3) from the rhizomes of Homalomena sagittifolia. The structures of these compounds were determined by extensive spectral analyses. The compounds 1 and 2 inhibited growth of Pseudomonas stutzeri with a MIC value of 117 µM when evaluated for antibacterial activity using the minimum concentration assay. Both these compounds showed remarkable activities against acetylcholinesterase enzyme with IC(50) values ranging between 25 and 26 µM. The isolation of these sesquiterpenoids and their biological activities observed in this study support the reported traditional uses of H. sagittifolia for the treatment of microbial related diseases and central nervous system disorders.

Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA); targeting oral cavity pathogens

BACKGROUND

Boswellic acids mixture of triterpenic acids obtained from the oleo gum resin of Boswellia serrata and known for its effectiveness in the treatment of chronic inflammatory disease including peritumor edema. Boswellic acids have been extensively studied for a number of activities including anti inflammatory, antitumor, immunomodulatory, and inflammatory bowel diseases. The present study describes the antimicrobial activities of boswellic acid molecules against oral cavity pathogens. Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA), which exhibited the most potent antibacterial activity, was further evaluated in time kill studies, mutation prevention frequency, postantibiotic effect (PAE) and biofilm susceptibility assay against oral cavity pathogens.

FINDINGS

AKBA exhibited an inhibitory effect on all the oral cavity pathogens tested (MIC of 2-4 μg/ml). It exhibited concentration dependent killing of Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175 up to 8 × MIC and also prevented the emergence of mutants of S.mutans ATCC 25175 at 8× MIC. AKBA demonstrated postantibiotic effect (PAE) of 5.7 ± 0.1 h at 2 × MIC. Furthermore, AKBA inhibited the formation of biofilms generated by S.mutans and Actinomyces viscosus and also reduced the preformed biofilms by these bacteria.

CONCLUSIONS

AKBA can be useful compound for the development of antibacterial agent against oral pathogens and it has great potential for use in mouthwash for preventing and treating oral infections.

Antifungal effects of Ficus sycomorus and Pergularia tomentosa aqueous extracts on some organs in Bufo regularis treated with Aspergillus niger

The antifungal efficacy of Ficus sycomorus and Pergularia tomentosa plant extracts on Bufo regularis experimentally infected with Aspergillus niger was studied. After an oral administration of the pathogen for 15 days, the blood, kidney and liver were examined. Treatment with A. niger produced a reduction in red blood count cells and hemoglobin content. Also, both livers and kidneys revealed marked destruction and degenerative changes. These changes included congestion of blood vessels, leukocytic infiltration, and cytoplasmic vacuolization of the hepatocytes. As well as complete destruction of the cellular boundaries of the tubular epithelia, inflammatory leukocytes between the intertubular spaces, destruction and necrosis in renal tubule cells and the swollen glomeruli with wide glomerular spaces were seen. Pretreatment with F. sycomorus and P. tomentosa plant extracts 1h prior the administration of A. niger for two weeks improved blood parameters and protected against hepatic and renal damage as observed from histological examination and reduced spore numbers in culture media on these organs.

Effect of aqueous extract of the leaves of Acalypha wilkesiana 'Godseffiana' Muell Arg (Euphorbiaceae) on the hematology, plasma biochemistry and ocular indices of oxidative stress in alloxan induced diabetic rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The leaves of Acalypha wilkesiana are used in Southern Nigeria for the management of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. In this study, the effect of aqueous extract of the leaves of Acalypha wilkesiana on the hematology, plasma biochemistry and ocular indices of oxidative stress was investigated in alloxan induced diabetic rats.

METHODOLOGY

Diabetes mellitus was induced by injection of alloxan (80 mg/kg body weight), via the tail vein. The extract was administered orally at 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg (both to normal and diabetic rats), and metformin at 50mg/kg.

RESULTS

On gas chromatographic analysis of the extract, twenty nine known flavonoids were detected, consisting mainly of 29.77% apigenin, 14.97% quercetin, 11.12% naringenin, 10.62% kaempferol, 9.05% (-)-epicatechin and 4.04% (+)-catechin. Tannic acid and β-sitosterol were also detected. Compared to test control, the treatment lowered (significantly, P < 0.05) plasma glucose, triglyceride, conjugated bilirubin levels, atherogenic index of plasma, plasma alanine transaminase activity, total protein and total bilirubin, aspartate transaminase activity and unconjugated bilirubin, plasma urea, blood urea nitrogen and ocular malondialdehyde contents, lymphocyte and monocyte counts, and not significantly, plasma very low density lipoprotein cholesterol, but increased (significantly, P < 0.05) plasma calcium contents, total white cell and platelet counts, mean cell volume and ocular ascorbic acid content, and (though not significantly) plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol level, red cell and neutrophil counts.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that the extract was hypoglycemic, positively affected the hemopoietic system and integrity and function (dose dependently) of the liver and kidney of the diabetic rats; improved the lipid profile and had no deleterious effect on red cell morphology. It also protected against oxidative stress in ocular tissues. This study also revealed the presence of pharmacologically active compounds in the leaf extract. All of these highlights the cardioprotective potential of the leaves of Acalypha wilkesiana and support its use in traditional health practices for the management of diabetes mellitus.

Characterization and behavior of anesthetic bioactive textile complex in vitro condition

In this study, a bioactive complex containing nonwoven textile material (polypropilene (PP)/viscose), chitosan hydrogel, and lidocaine hydrochloride, was designed. The purpose of such biomedical textile was in the treatment of painful sites. Mercury intrusion porosimetry was used in order to estimate the influence of medical impregnation on porous structure of nonwoven material. It was estimated that more than 97% of pores in untreated nonwoven sample were larger than 15 μm. Anesthetic treatment of nonwoven reduced total pore volume of ultramacropores and macropores, while total pore volume of mesopores slightly increased. Lidocaine hydrochloride release from the anesthetic/chitosan hydrogel/nonwoven complex was measured in vitro by Franz diffusion cell technique. Mathematical model was developed to estimate the release of the lidocaine from obtained bioactive textile material. The diffusive transport of lidocaine hydrochloride through three connected layers, i.e., polymer hydrogel, membrane, and solution is modeled based on Fick's second law. Taking all the relevant conditions, regarding this experiment, into consideration, the coefficient of lidocaine diffusion through the polymer hydrogel, as well as the concentration ratio parameter were determined by the mathematical model.

Curcumin nanoformulations: a future nanomedicine for cancer

Curcumin, a natural diphenolic compound derived from turmeric Curcuma longa, has proven to be a modulator of intracellular signaling pathways that control cancer cell growth, inflammation, invasion and apoptosis, revealing its anticancer potential. In this review, we focus on the design and development of nanoparticles, self-assemblies, nanogels, liposomes and complex fabrication for sustained and efficient curcumin delivery. We also discuss the anticancer applications and clinical benefits of nanocurcumin formulations. Only a few novel multifunctional and composite nanosystem strategies offer simultaneous therapy as well as imaging characteristics. We also summarize the challenges to developing curcumin delivery platforms and up-to-date solutions for improving curcumin bioavailability and anticancer potential for therapy.

Hordeum vulgare hull in the design of fast disintegrating tablets

In the present study, fast disintegrating tablets were designed with a view to enhance patient compliance. In this method, the hull of Hordeum vulgare, cross carmellose sodium, and sodium starch glycolate were used as superdisintegrants (4 and 6%), along with microcrystalline cellulose and mannitol, to enhance mouth feel. The prepared batches of tablets were evaluated for hardness, friability, drug content uniformity, wetting time, water absorption ratio and in vitro dispersion time. Based on the in vitro dispersion time, the formulations were tested for the in vitro drug release pattern. Tablets having H. vulgare hull showed the release profile comparable to those tablets having sodium starch glycolate and cross carmellose sodium.

In vitro antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial activity of plants used in Benin in traditional medicine and bio-guided fractionation of the most active extract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The aim of the study was to evaluate the in vitro antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial activity of crude extracts of 10 plant species traditionally used in Benin to treat parasitic infections.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For each species, dichloromethane, methanol and aqueous extracts were tested. Their antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial activities were evaluated in vitro on Trypanosoma brucei brucei (strain 427) (Tbb) and on promastigotes of Leishmania mexicana mexicana (MHOM/BZ/84/BEL46) (Lmm).

RESULTS

The best growth inhibition was observed with the dichloromethane extracts of aerial parts of Acanthospermum hispidum DC. (Asteraceae) (IC(50)=14.5 μg/ml on Tbb and 11.1 μg/ml on Lmm), twigs of Keetia leucantha (K. Krause) Bridson (syn. Plectronia leucantha Krause) (IC(50)=5.8 μg/ml on Tbb), aerial parts of Byrsocarpus coccineus Schumach. & Thonn (syn. Rourea coccinea (Schumach. & Thonn.) Hook.f.) (IC(50)=14.7 μg/ml on Tbb) and aerial parts of Carpolobia lutea G.Don. (IC(50)=18.3 μg/ml on Tbb). All these extracts had a low cytotoxicity. It is not the case for the methanolic and water extracts of roots of Anchomanes difformis (Blume) Engl. (IC(50)=14.7 and 13.8 μg/ml on Tbb) which were toxic at the same concentration range on WI38, human cells. A bio-guided fractionation of the most active extract of Keetia leucantha allowed to identify oleanolic acid and ursolic acid as responsible for the observed activities.

CONCLUSION

Our study gives some justification for antiparasitic activity of some investigated plants.

Potential of a Khaya ivorensis -Alstonia boonei extract combination as antimalarial prophylactic remedy

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The decoction of the combined stem barks of Khaya ivorensis A. Chev. (Meliaceae) and Alstonia boonei De Wild (Apocynaceae) has a history of use in traditional medicine of central Cameroon for malaria treatment but also for the prevention of the disease.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the antiplasmodial activity of Khaya ivorensis (K) and Alstonia boonei (A) preparations in the murine malaria model Plasmodium berghei/Anopheles stephensi, to estimate their prophylactic potential and to assess acute and sub-acute toxicity of the formulations prepared according to the traditional recipes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Aqueous extracts from the stem-bark of the two plants were prepared and tested separately and in combination. BALB/c mice were treated for 9 days and challenged on day 3 by exposure to mosquitoes infected with Plasmodium berghei. Treatment doses ranged between 200 and 400mg/kg/day, corresponding approximately to the dosage applied by traditional healers to cure malaria patients or prevent the disease. Parasitemia reduction in treated animals was calculated from Giemsa smear counts, of two replicate experiments. To estimate acute toxicity in terms of median lethal dose (LD50), geometrically increasing doses were administered to mice. Sub-acute toxicity of the herbal combination (KA) was investigated by administering the same doses as in the antiplasmodial activity test for a period of 14 days, followed by 14 days of recovery observation. Locomotor activity (Open Field Test), body weight, liver and kidney morphology were monitored.

RESULTS

The combination KA was found to exhibit antiplasmodial activity in the murine malaria model. In mice treated with the combination remedy at a dosage of 200mg/kg/day, parasitemia values of 6.2% ± 1.7 and 6.5% ± 0.8 were recorded, compared to 10.8% ± 1.3 and 12.0% ± 4.0 in controls (p<0.01). Doubling the dosage of the extracts did not significantly increase parasite suppression. When extracts of K and A were administered separately at a dosage of 400mg/kg, a reduction in parasitemia was still obtained, but it did not reach statistical significance. Toxicity studies yielded comforting results: the LD50 was estimated to be greater than 2779.5mg/kg. Moreover, mice exposed to the fourteen-day repeated-dose toxicity test (sub-acute toxicity test) did not display weight loss, liver or kidney morphological modifications, significant alterations in locomotor activity or any other sign of illness.

CONCLUSION

The antiplasmodial activity and the wide dose interval between the therapeutic dosage and the toxic dosage exhibited by the KA herbal combination in the murine malaria model argue in favor of its use as an antimalarial prophylactic remedy. It remains to be demonstrated by human clinical trials whether the combination remedy, when taken by inhabitants during malaria transmission season, can reduce parasite density and lead to a reduction of malaria episodes in the community.

Gum resin of Boswellia serrata inhibited human monocytic (THP-1) cell activation and platelet aggregation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Stem bark gum resin extract of Boswellia serrata is traditionally used in India for its hemostatic, antiinflammatory and cardiovascular health effects and it is named as Śallakī in Ayurvedic medicine.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidative and antithrombotic properties of stem bark gum resin extracts of Boswellia serrata (BS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The inhibitory activity of the BSWE and BSAE on FeCl(3) induced lipid peroxidation (in vitro) in rat liver and heart homogenates was measured spectrophotometrically. Their effect on H(2)O(2) induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in human monocytic (THP-1) cells was investigated by tracking intensity of a cell permeable fluorescent dye, H(2)DCFDA and subjecting the cell samples to confocal microscopy. Further, the effect of BSAE and BSWE on ADP-induced platelet aggregation was assessed using a multimode detection plate reader, plasma coagulation times using an automated blood coagulation analyzer and on human blood clotting factors Xa and XIa using chromogenic substrate. Phytomarker analysis of the water (BSWE) and hydroalcoholic (BSAE) extracts of BS-gum resin was done through HPLC using a standard compound AKβBA.

RESULTS

BSAE and BSWE inhibited, to varied extents, the lipid peroxidation in liver (80%) and heart (50%) tissue homogenates of male Wistar rats. Further, BSAE (30 μg dwt/mL) and BSWE (300 μg dwt/mL) attenuated ≥ 60% of H(2)O(2) mediated ROS generation in THP-1 cells. In case of standard compounds, ascorbate (20 μg dwt/mL) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (10 μg dwt/mL) completely scavenged ROS in the cells. BSAE and BSWE at 3 mg dwt/mL completely inhibited ADP induced platelet aggregation and activities were comparable to 20 μg/mL of heparin. The extracts also showed very high activity in prolonging coagulation time periods. Both types of extracts extended prothrombin time (PT) from ∼13 to >60s and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) from ∼32s to >90s. BSAE inhibited clotting factors Xa and XIa remarkably at 6 μg of dwt where as BSWE did not show much effect on FXa and showed 30% inhibition on FXIa at 120 μg. 10 μg of heparin was required to inhibit about 30% activity of the above factors. HPLC analyses suggested that BSAE and BSWE had AKβBA of 9% (w/w) and 7.8% (w/w) respectively.

CONCLUSION

Present study demonstrated antioxidant and antithrombotic anticoagulant activities of water and hydroalcoholic extracts of Boswellia serrata's gum resin. We suggest that BS-gum resin as a good source for lead/therapeutic compounds possessing antioxidant, antiplatelet and anticoagulant activities.

Dimethyl sulfoxide: an effective penetration enhancer for topical administration of NSAIDs

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a molecule with a long history in pharmaceutics and is now well established as a penetration enhancer in topical pharmaceutical formulations. It is currently used for this purpose in diclofenac sodium topical solution (approved in the United States to treat signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis) and idoxuridine topical solution (approved in Europe for the treatment of herpes zoster). This article reviews the mechanism of action of DMSO as a pharmaceutical penetration enhancer, the characteristics of the molecule that facilitate transdermal drug delivery, and studies of efficacy and safety. The clinical use of pharmaceutical-grade DMSO as a penetration enhancer is supported by the robust data that have accumulated over the past 3 decades demonstrating the favorable safety and tolerability profile. Dimethyl sulfoxide is a safe and effective mechanism for facilitating the transdermal delivery of both hydrophilic and lipophilic medications to provide localized drug delivery.

Screening for in vitro antioxidant properties and fatty acid profiles of five Centaurea L. species from Turkey flora

Centaurea species are used for the treatment of various ailments in the popular medicine in some countries. This study was designed to examine antioxidant potentials and fatty acid profiles of five Centaurea species from Turkey flora. Antioxidant properties of methanolic extracts from these species were evaluated by six different methods: phosphomolybdenum assay, free radical scavenging assay, β-carotene/linoleic acid test system, metal chelating activity, ferric and cupric reducing power. Total phenolic and flavonoid concentrations of each extract were also determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and aluminum chloride. The results of these assay showed a significant antioxidant capacity in all researched extracts. Centaurea cheirolopha extract, with the highest amount of total phenolic and flavonoids, showed the highest antioxidant activities in all assay, except for metal chelating. Fatty acid profiles of these species were examined by GC-FID and 30 fatty acids were identified. Palmitic, linoleic, oleic, and linolenic acid were detected as the main components. The results of the study indicated that the Centaurea species can be considered as a source of new natural antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids for food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Exposure to anti-malarial drugs and monitoring of adverse drug reactions using toll-free mobile phone calls in private retail sector in Sagamu, Nigeria: implications for pharmacovigilance

Background

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) contribute to ill-health or life-threatening outcomes of therapy during management of infectious diseases. The exposure to anti-malarial and use of mobile phone technology to report ADRs following drug exposures were investigated in Sagamu - a peri-urban community in Southwest Nigeria.

Methods

Purchase of medicines was actively monitored for 28 days in three Community Pharmacies (CP) and four Patent and Proprietary Medicine Stores (PPMS) in the community. Information on experience of ADRs was obtained by telephone from 100 volunteers who purchased anti-malarials during the 28-day period.

Results and Discussion

A total of 12,093 purchases were recorded during the period. Antibiotics, analgesics, vitamins and anti-malarials were the most frequently purchased medicines. A total of 1,500 complete courses of anti-malarials were purchased (12.4% of total purchases); of this number, purchases of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) and chloroquine (CQ) were highest (39.3 and 25.2% respectiuvely). Other anti-malarials purchased were artesunate monotherapy (AS) - 16.1%, artemether-lumefantrine (AL) 10.0%, amodiaquine (AQ) - 6.6%, quinine (QNN) - 1.9%, halofantrine (HF) - 0.2% and proguanil (PR) - 0.2%. CQ was the cheapest (USD 0.3) and halofantrine the most expensive (USD 7.7). AL was 15.6 times ($4.68) more expensive than CQ. The response to mobile phone monitoring of ADRs was 57% in the first 24 hours (day 1) after purchase and decreased to 33% by day 4. Participants in this monitoring exercise were mostly with low level of education (54%).

Conclusion

The findings from this study indicate that ineffective anti-malaria medicines including monotherapies remain widely available and are frequently purchased in the study area. Cost may be a factor in the continued use of ineffective monotherapies. Availability of a toll-free telephone line may facilitate pharmacovigilance and follow up of response to medicines in a resource-poor setting.

Silver nanoparticles are broad-spectrum bactericidal and virucidal compounds

The advance in nanotechnology has enabled us to utilize particles in the size of the nanoscale. This has created new therapeutic horizons, and in the case of silver, the currently available data only reveals the surface of the potential benefits and the wide range of applications. Interactions between viral biomolecules and silver nanoparticles suggest that the use of nanosystems may contribute importantly for the enhancement of current prevention of infection and antiviral therapies. Recently, it has been suggested that silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) bind with external membrane of lipid enveloped virus to prevent the infection. Nevertheless, the interaction of AgNPs with viruses is a largely unexplored field. AgNPs has been studied particularly on HIV where it was demonstrated the mechanism of antiviral action of the nanoparticles as well as the inhibition the transmission of HIV-1 infection in human cervix organ culture. This review discusses recent advances in the understanding of the biocidal mechanisms of action of silver Nanoparticles.

Progesterone blocks multiple routes of ion flux

The administration of progesterone as a neuroprotective agent following traumatic brain injury has recently entered phase III clinical trials. Previous work has demonstrated that therapeutic concentrations of progesterone decrease excitotoxicity through direct inhibition of voltage-gated calcium channels, an action independent of the nuclear progesterone receptor. Here we report using cultured rat striatal neurons that these same concentrations of progesterone also block voltage-gated potassium channels, sodium channels and GABA(A) currents. The actions of progesterone act at the surface membrane of neurons in a steroid specific, voltage-independent, concentration-dependent manner. Notably, these broad actions of progesterone on ion channel and neurotransmitter receptor function mirror those of dihydropyridines, and indicate potential shared mechanisms of action, the prospective of additional therapeutic applications, and possibly, untoward effects.

Synthesis of some new 1,3,5-trisubstituted pyrazolines bearing benzene sulfonamide as anticancer and anti-inflammatory agents

Thirteen new 2-pyrazoline derivatives bearing benzenesulfonamide moiety (2a-m) were synthesized by condensing appropriate chalcones with 4-hydrazinonbenzenesulfonamide hydrochloride and tested for anticancer and anti-inflammatory actions. According to the protocol of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in vitro disease-oriented human cells screening panel assay compounds 2b, 2c, 2e, 2f and 2g exhibited considerable antitumor activities against the entire tested tumor cell lines and showed effective growth inhibition GI(50) (MG-MID) values of 2.63, 2.57, 6.61, 3.31 and 2.57μM, respectively, beside a cyclostatic activity TGI (MG-MID) 9.54, 8.51, 24.0, 19.9 and 8.71μM, respectively. Two compounds 2g and 2k showed more potent anti-inflammatory activity than celecoxib at 5h in carrageenan-induced rat paw edema bioassay. These compounds (2g and 2k) proved to have superior gastrointestinal safety profiles as compared to celecoxib, when tested for their ulcerogenic effects. Compounds 2g and 2k showed no inhibition against the enzymatic activity of bovine COX-2 (in vitro).

Gastroretentive microparticles for drug delivery applications

Many strategies have been proposed to explore the possibility of exploiting gastroretention for drug delivery. Such systems would be useful for local delivery, for drugs that are poorly soluble at higher pH or primarily absorbed from the proximal small intestine. Generally, the requirements of such strategies are that the vehicle maintains controlled drug release and exhibits prolonged residence time in the stomach. Despite widespread reporting of technologies, many have an inherent drawback of variability in transit times. Microparticulate systems, capable of distributing widely through the gastrointestinal tract, can potentially minimise this variation. While being retained in the stomach, the drug content is released slowly at a desired rate, resulting in reduced fluctuations in drug levels. This review summarises the promising role of microencapsulation in this field, exploring both floating and mucoadhesive microparticles and their application in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori, highlighting the clinical potential of eradication of this widespread infection.

A survey evaluating nurses' perception and expectations towards the role of pharmacist in Pakistan's healthcare system

AIM

This paper is a report of a study of nurses' perception towards the role of pharmacist in Pakistan healthcare setup.

BACKGROUND

Collaborative care by the healthcare professionals has the potential to improve patient care, enhance patient safety and to reduce workload issues that cause burn out among healthcare professionals.

DESIGN

A quantitative (cross-sectional) study design was adopted.

METHOD

A sample of 458 nurses was selected from government hospitals of three cities of Punjab, Pakistan. The study took place from 10 January 2009 to 15 March 2009.

RESULTS

Two hundred and sixty-six questionnaires were returned, giving the response rate of (58·07%). Three-fifths of the nurses reported that they had once a day interaction with the pharmacist. Seven-tenths of the nurses expected the pharmacist to take personal responsibility for resolving any drug-related problems. Moreover they appear to have high expectations of the pharmacist, almost nine-tenths regarded pharmacists as knowledgeable drug therapy experts, and almost two-thirds of the nurses emphasized on counselling of patient by the pharmacist.

CONCLUSION

Nurses in Pakistan showed negative perception towards the role of pharmacist in healthcare setting. Although nurses considered pharmacist as a drug information expert but their expectation did not match their experience. A possible factor for this behaviour could be due to nurses' belief that incorporating the role of pharmacist in patient care, may decrease their worth and can result in intrusion into their duties.

An ultraviolet-spectrophotometric method for the determination of glimepiride in solid dosage forms

BACKGROUND

Considering the cost of acquiring a liquid chromatographic instrument in underdeveloped economies, the rising incidence of diabetes mellitus, the need to evaluate the quality performance of glimepiride generics, and the need for less toxic processes, this research is an imperative.

METHODS

The method was validated for linearity, recovery accuracy, intra- and inter-day precision, specificity in the presence of excipients, and inter-day stability under laboratory conditions. Student's t test at the 95% confidence limit was used for statistics.

RESULTS

Using 96% ethanol as solvent, a less toxic and cost-effective spectrophotometric method for the determination of glimepiride in solid dosage forms was developed and validated. The results of the validated parameters showed a λ(max) of 231 nm, linearity range of 0.5-22 μg/mL, precision with relative SD of <1.0%, recovery accuracy of 100.8%, regression equation of y = 45.741x + 0.0202, R(2) = 0.999, limit of detection of 0.35 μg/mL, and negligible interference from common excipients and colorants. The method was found to be accurate at the 95% confidence limit compared with the standard liquid chromatographic method with comparable reproducibility when used to assay the formulated products Amaryl(®) (sanofi-aventis, Paris, France) and Mepyril(®) (May & Baker Nigeria PLC, Ikeja, Nigeria). The results obtained for the validated parameters were within allowable limits.

CONCLUSION

This method is recommended for routine quality control analysis.

Antigenotoxicity and antioxidant activity of Acerola fruit (Malpighia glabra L.) at two stages of ripeness

Genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of acerola fruit at two stages of ripeness were investigated using mice blood cells. The results show that no ripeness stage of acerola extracts presented any genotoxic potential to damage DNA (Comet assay) or cytotoxicity (MTT assay). When antigenotoxic activity was analyzed, unripe fruit presented higher DNA protection than ripe fruit (red color) extract. The antioxidant capacity of substances also showed that unripe samples inhibit the free radical DPPH more significantly than the ripe ones. The results about determination of compounds made using HPLC showed that unripe acerola presents higher levels of vitamin C as compared to ripe acerola. Thus, vitamin C and the complex mixture of nutrients of Malpighia glabra L., and especially its ripeness stages, influenced the interaction of the fruit extract with the DNA. Acerola is usually consumed when ripe (red fruit), although it is the green fruit (unripe) that has higher potential as beneficial to DNA, protecting it against oxidative stress.

A comparative study of the antimicrobial and phytochemical properties between outdoor grown and micropropagated Tulbaghia violacea Harv. plants

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study aimed to compare the antimicrobial and phytochemical properties of in vitro cultured and outdoor grown Tulbaghia violacea plants in the quest to validate the use of micropropagated plants as alternatives to outdoor grown plants in traditional medicine. Tulbaghia violacea is used extensively in South African traditional medicine for HIV/AIDS patients and in the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments, asthma, fever and tuberculosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Extracts of micropropagated and outdoor grown Tulbaghia violacea plants were evaluated for their antibacterial and antifungal activities against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and a fungus Candida albicans using microdilution methods. Saponins and phenolic compounds including condensed tannins, gallotannins and flavonoids were quantitatively determined using spectrophotometric methods. A qualitative test for saponins was also carried out.

RESULTS

The petroleum ether (PE) extracts of micropropagated plants and dichloromethane (DCM) extracts of outdoor grown plants showed good antibacterial activity, each against two bacterial test strains. PE extracts of micropropagated plants showed the best antibacterial activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.39 mg/ml against Bacillus subtilis. Good MIC (<1mg/ml) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values of 0.78 mg/ml were only obtained in DCM extracts of outdoor grown plants. MIC and MFC values for water and ethanol extracts of both micropropagated and outdoor grown plants were similar and in the range 3.125-12.5mg/ml. Total phenolics, gallotannins, flavonoids and saponins were significantly higher in micropropagated plants than in outdoor grown ones. In all cases, the amounts of phytochemical compounds in micropropagated plants were more than twice that of outdoor grown plants except for condensed tannins.

CONCLUSION

The results form a good basis for the use of Tulbaghia violacea micropropagated plants as a complement to the outdoor grown plants in traditional medicine.

Antibacterial activity of leaves and inter-nodal callus extracts of Mentha arvensis L

OBJECTIVE

To determine the anti-bacterial efficacy of chloroform, ethanol, ethyl acetate and water extracts of inter-nodal and leaves derived calli extracts from Mentha arvensis (M. arvensis) against Salmonella typhi(S. typhi), Streptococcus pyogenes(S. pyogenes), Proteus vulgaris(P. vulgaris) and Bacillus subtilis(B. subtilis).

METHODS

The inter-nodal and leaves segments of M. arvensis were cut into 0.5-0.7 cm in length and cultured on Murashige and Skoog solid medium supplemented with 3% sucrose, gelled with 0.7% agar and different concentration of 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxyacetie acid (2,4-D) either alone or in combinations. The preliminary phytochemical screening was performed by Brindha et al method. Antibacterial efficacy was performed by disc diffusion method and incubated for 24 h at 37 °C.

RESULTS

Maximum percentage of callus formation (inter-nodal segments 84.3 ± 0.78; leaves segments 93.8 ± 1.27) was obtained on Murashige and Skoog's basal medium supplemented with 3% sucrose and 1.5 mg/L of 2, 4-D. The ethanol extracts of leaves derived calli showed the maximum bio-efficacy than other solvents. The leaves and stem derived calli extracts on Proteus sp. showed that the plants can be used in the treatment of urinary tract infection associated with Proteus sp. Through the bacterial efficacy studies, it is confirmed that the in vitro raised calli tissue was more effective compared to in vivo tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

The bio-efficacy study confirmed that the calli mediated tissues showed the maximum zone of inhibition. The present study paved a protocol to establish high potential cell lines by in vitro culture.

Prokinetic and laxative activities of Lepidium sativum seed extract with species and tissue selective gut stimulatory actions

AIM OF THE STUDY

To provide ethnopharmacological basis for the medicinal use of Lepidium sativum seeds in indigestion and constipation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The in vivo studies were conducted in mice, while isolated tissues of mouse, guinea-pig and rabbit were suspended in tissue bath to measure isotonic contractions.

RESULTS

The aqueous-methanolic extract of Lepidium sativum seeds (Ls.Cr) at 30 and 100mg/kg showed atropine-sensitive prokinetic and laxative activities in mice, which were partially sensitive to atropine. In isolated gut preparations of mouse and guinea-pig, Ls.Cr (0.1-1mg/mL) caused a concentration-dependent stimulatory effects both in jejunum and ileum, which was blocked in the presence of atropine. In rabbit jejunum, the stimulant effect of Ls.Cr remained unchanged in the presence of atropine, pyrilamine or SB203186, while in rabbit ileum, the stimulatory effect was partially blocked by atropine. The Ls.Cr was more efficacious in gut preparations of rabbit than in guinea-pig or mouse. The phytochemical analysis of the plant extract detected alkaloids, saponins and anthraquinones as plant constituents.

CONCLUSION

This study showed the prokinetic and laxative effects of Lepidium sativum in mice, which were partially mediated through a cholinergic pathway. The in vitro spasmodic effect of the plant extract mediated through a similar mechanism with species and tissue-selectivity, provides a rationale for the medicinal use of the seeds of Lepidium sativum in indigestion and constipation, and suggests studying the plant extracts on more than one species to get the wider picture.

Thioridazine affects transcription of genes involved in cell wall biosynthesis in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

The antipsychotic drug thioridazine is a candidate drug for an alternative treatment of infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in combination with the β-lactam antibiotic oxacillin. The drug has been shown to have the capability to resensitize MRSA to oxacillin. We have previously shown that the expression of some resistance genes is abolished after treatment with thioridazine and oxacillin. To further understand the mechanism underlying the reversal of resistance, we tested the expression of genes involved in antibiotic resistance and cell wall biosynthesis in response to thioridazine in combination with oxacillin. We observed that the oxacillin-induced expression of genes belonging to the VraSR regulon is reduced by the addition of thioridazine. The exclusion of such key factors involved in cell wall biosynthesis will most likely lead to a weakened cell wall and affect the ability of the bacteria to sustain oxacillin treatment. Furthermore, we found that thioridazine itself reduces the expression level of selected virulence genes and that selected toxin genes are not induced by thioridazine. In the present study, we find indications that the mechanism underlying reversal of resistance by thioridazine relies on decreased expression of specific genes involved in cell wall biosynthesis.

Antistaphylococcal and biofilm inhibitory activities of acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid from Boswellia serrata

Background

Boswellic acids are pentacyclic triterpenes, which are produced in plants belonging to the genus Boswellia. Boswellic acids appear in the resin exudates of the plant and it makes up 25-35% of the resin. β-boswellic acid, 11-keto-β-boswellic acid and acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid have been implicated in apoptosis of cancer cells, particularly that of brain tumors and cells affected by leukemia or colon cancer. These molecules are also associated with potent antimicrobial activities. The present study describes the antimicrobial activities of boswellic acid molecules against 112 pathogenic bacterial isolates including ATCC strains. Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA), which exhibited the most potent antibacterial activity, was further evaluated in time kill studies, postantibiotic effect (PAE) and biofilm susceptibility assay. The mechanism of action of AKBA was investigated by propidium iodide uptake, leakage of 260 and 280 nm absorbing material assays.

Results

AKBA was found to be the most active compound showing an MIC range of 2-8 μg/ml against the entire gram positive bacterial pathogens tested. It exhibited concentration dependent killing of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 up to 8 × MIC and also demonstrated postantibiotic effect (PAE) of 4.8 h at 2 × MIC. Furthermore, AKBA inhibited the formation of biofilms generated by S. aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis and also reduced the preformed biofilms by these bacteria. Increased uptake of propidium iodide and leakage of 260 and 280 nm absorbing material by AKBA treated cells of S aureus indicating that the antibacterial mode of action of AKBA probably occurred via disruption of microbial membrane structure.

Conclusions

This study supported the potential use of AKBA in treating S. aureus infections. AKBA can be further exploited to evolve potential lead compounds in the discovery of new anti-Gram-positive and anti-biofilm agents.

Enhanced bioavailability of exemestane via proliposomes based transdermal delivery

Exemestane, a novel steroidal aromatase inactivator used in the treatment of advanced breast cancer has limited bioavailability (42%) due to poor solubility, extensive first-pass metabolism, and also the absorption is dependent on formulation type and food. The present study is aimed to evaluate the feasibility of proliposomes for transdermal delivery of exemestane. The prepared proliposomes were characterized for size, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency. The size of the vesicles was found to be between 440 and 700 nm with high entrapment efficiency for the formulation containing greater amounts of phosphatidylcholine. Differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared studies were performed to understand the phase transition behavior and mechanism for skin permeation, respectively. The drug release across cellophane membrane follows zero-order kinetics by diffusion. Ex vivo permeation enhancement assessed from flux, permeability coefficient, and enhancement ratio were significantly higher for proliposome gels compared with control. A significant improvement in the bioavailability (2.4-fold) was observed from optimized proliposome gel compared with control (oral suspension). The stability data reveal that the formulations are more stable when stored at 4°C. In conclusion, proliposomal gels offer potential and prove to be efficient carriers for improved and sustained transdermal delivery of exemestane.

Potential antimalarials from Nigerian plants: a review

Malaria, caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, is one of the leading infectious diseases in many tropical regions, including Nigeria, a West African country where transmission occurs all year round. Many of the inhabitants use plants as remedies against fever and other symptoms of acute malaria, as reported herein. Some of these plants have their antimalarial efficacies scientifically demonstrated and the active compounds isolated with their probable mechanisms of action studied. Medicinal plants are used to treat diseases also where the biodiversity of plants occur in parallel with endemic transmission of malaria. This review focuses on medicinal plants which are used to treat malaria in Nigeria, and on antimalarial testing of extracts and purified compounds from plants. Some show intense activity against malaria parasites in vitro and in experimentally infected mice. The search for new drugs based on plants is important due to the emergence and widespread of chloroquine-resistant and multiple drug-resistant malaria parasites, which require the development of new antimalarials. An acquaintance with antimalarial plants may be a springboard for new phytotherapies that could be affordable to treat malaria, especially among the less privileged native people living in endemic areas of the tropics, mostly at risk of this devastating disease.