Study of dissolution profiles and desintegration of capsules containing the dried hydroethanolic extract of Calophyllum brasiliense

Vaginal Ovule Loaded with Bismuth Lipophilic Nanoparticles and Cetylpyridinium Chloride Inhibits Human Cervical Carcinoma and Candida albicans Growth

Bismuth lipophilic nanoparticles (BisBAL NPs) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) are antineoplastic and antimicrobial in vitro. As a next pre-clinical step, a clinically viable dosage form for vaginal application was developed. Compendial pharmacopeial tests (mass uniformity, disintegration, and compressive mechanics) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy were conducted on in-house developed glycerinated gelatin (60:15 v/w) vaginal ovules containing BisBAL NP-CPC. The antimycotic activity of BisBAL NP-CPC vaginal ovules was analyzed using disk diffusion and cell viability XTT assays. The antitumor properties of BisBAL NP-CPC vaginal ovules were assessed by cell viability MTT tests. BisBAL NP-CPC and drug-free vaginal ovules deposited into ex vivo porcine vaginas disaggregated without signs of adverse cytotoxicity within the timespan of clinical efficacy. BisBAL NP-CPC vaginal ovules demonstrated antifungal efficacy comparable to miconazole: C. albicans growth inhibition haloes in diffusion tests were 23 ± 0.968 mm (n = 3) for BisBAL NP-CPC and 20.35 ± 0.899 mm (n = 3) for miconazole. Likewise, BisBAL NP-CPC vaginal ovules reduced HeLa cell growth by 81%, outperforming the clinical reference of 500 μM 5-fluouracil, which induced a 70% growth inhibition. BisBAL NP-CPC incorporated into glycerinated gelatin vaginal ovules constitute an innovative drug delivery system for topical antimycotic and anti-cervical carcinoma treatments.

Storage of Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess. seeds

Calophyllum brasiliense is a species native to Brazil and has potential for use in the timber industry, in the reforestation of degraded areas, besides having medicinal properties. Its propagation is mainly by seeds which, depending on their recalcitrant characteristics, leads to difficulty in conservation, due to changes in its physiological potential during storage. Aiming to contribute to the expansion of its cultivation, rational use and conservation, the objective of this study was to investigate the behavior of C. brasiliense seeds during storage. Different packings (paper, aluminum and polyethylene) and environmental conditions (room temperature and cold chamber) were quarterly tested over 12 months, by evaluating germination viability and vigor. Based on the results, it was concluded that packaging in polyethylene and freezer storage provided the best conditions for the conservation of seeds, keeping them viable for a period of nine months.