Extraction of Lepidium sativum Seed Mucilage: Optimization of Extraction Process with Maximum Yield by using Full Factorial Design

Objective: The present investigation helps to isolate the seed mucilage of Lepidium sativum by using an economic extraction process with utmost yield. Diligence effort was given to get the maximum yield of the mucilage with good flow properties without affecting the intrinsic properties of the extracted mucilage. The yield of the seed mucilage of Lepidium sativum was optimized by using a quality by design approach. The full factorial design was used using three variables (pH of extract, water to seed ratio, and drying temperature) at two levels (high and low). Overall, ten formulation trials were generated through statistical software Minitab placing 2 center points, 1 replicate, and 1 block. All trials were executed to evaluate the percentage yield. Results: The extraction process was evaluated with different solvents (such as ethanol and acetone) and different techniques to monitor the yield of the process. The maximum yield was achieved by soaking Lepidium sativum seeds in water (1:30 ratio), maintaining an alkaline pH, blending by hand blender, and using acetone as a solvent. A factorial design was used to observe the responses like the yield of the isolated mucilage for different levels of all the independent variables. A polynomial equation was developed and model plots (contour plot and Pareto chart) were generated to study the impact of the critical variables on the response yield. ANOVA analysis of the model suggested that the independent variables had significantly affected (p < 0.05) in predicting the response (% yield) and the coefficient terms with a p-value less than 0.05 had a significant effect on the prediction efficacy of the model. Finally, the optimized parameter was established based on statistical evaluation obtained from the polynomial equation as well as the recommendation obtained from the response optimizer. The study indicates that the obtained linear regression equation has a linear relation with a regression coefficient of 0.9869 % for response % yield. Conclusion: A cost-effective extraction and isolation process was established to extract the seed mucilage of Lepidium sativum with maximum yield. The isolated mucilage was evaluated for flow properties and demonstrated that it is having good flow properties and can be used as an excipient or adjuvant in different pharmaceuticals and food industries. The applicability of factorial design was well demonstrated to optimize the yield by optimizing the critical factors.

Development of modified-release tablets of zolpidem tartrate by biphasic quick/slow delivery system

Zolpidem tartrate is a non-benzodiazepine analogue of imidazopyridine of sedative and hypnotic category. It has a short half-life with usual dosage regimen being 5 mg, two times a day, or 10 mg, once daily. The duration of action is considered too short in certain circumstances. Thus, it is desirable to lengthen the duration of action. The formulation design was implemented by preparing extended-release tablets of zolpidem tartrate using the biphasic delivery system technology, where sodium starch glycolate acts as a superdisintegrant in immediate-release part and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose as a release retarding agent in extended-release core. Tablets were prepared by direct compression. Both the core and the coat contained the drug. The pre-compression blends were evaluated for angle of repose, bulk density, and compressibility index. The tablets were evaluated for thickness, hardness, weight variation test, friability, and in vitro release studies. No interaction was observed between zolpidem tartrate and excipients from the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry analysis. The results of all the formulations prepared were compared with reference product Stilnoct®. Optimized formulations showed release patterns that match the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) guidelines for zolpidem tartrate extended-release tablets. The mechanism of drug release was studied using different mathematical models, and the optimized formulation has shown Fickian diffusion. Accelerated stability studies were performed on the optimized formulation.

Tiny technology proves big: a challenge at engineering, medicine and pharmaceutical sciences interface

Nanoscale materials with a broad spectrum of applications are providing a new foundation for technological integration and innovation. In this article, we review various polymers being used, their polymeric properties, nanoparticle (NP) fabrication, and mechanisms and kinetics of drug release. Specific information is given on each polymer regarding transportation, fate, and delivery issues. Nanoparticles have been developed to deliver conventional drug molecules, peptides and proteins, vaccines, and genes or nucleotides. Nanoparticles have wide application in fields such as cancer therapeutics and targeted drug delivery, including transbarrier brain delivery, dermal and transdermal delivery, intraocular delivery, parenteral delivery, and imaging and diagnostics. In this review, we focus on the potentials of nanotechnology in medicine, and we discuss different nanoparticulate drug delivery systems, including polymeric NPs, metal and metal oxide NPs, ceramics, quantum dots, carbon nanotubes, polymeric micelles, and dendrimers along with their applications in therapeutics, imaging, and diagnostics. In addition, we identify several interesting developments that will affect the future of nanotechnology and nanomedicine.

Development and validation of a stability-indicating RP-HPLC method for estimation of atazanavir sulfate in bulk

A stability-indicating reverse phase–high performance liquid chromatography (RP–HPLC) method was developed and validated for the determination of atazanavir sulfate in tablet dosage forms using C₁₈ column Phenomenix (250 mm×4.6 mm, 5 μm) with a mobile phase consisting of 900 mL of HPLC grade methanol and 100 mL of water of HPLC grade. The pH was adjusted to 3.55 with acetic acid. The mobile phase was sonicated for 10 min and filtered through a 0.45 μm membrane filter at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. The detection was carried out at 249 nm and retention time of atazanavir sulfate was found to be 8.323 min. Linearity was observed from 10 to 90 μg/mL (coefficient of determination R² was 0.999) with equation, y=23.427x+37.732. Atazanavir sulfate was subjected to stress conditions including acidic, alkaline, oxidation, photolysis and thermal degradation, and the results showed that it was more sensitive towards acidic degradation. The method was validated as per ICH guidelines.

Mixed alkali effect in Mn2+ doped 20ZnO+xLi2O+(30-x)K2O+50B2O3(5≤x≤25) glasses

Divalent Mn2+ ions containing 20ZnO+xLi2O+(30-x)K2O+50B2O3(5≤x≤25) mol% glasses are prepared by using melt quench technique and are characterized by several spectroscopic techniques. Various physical parameters are evaluated from the measured values of density and refractive index for the observation of mixed alkali effect. Structural changes of Mn2+ doped ZLKB glasses are investigated by Powder XRD, UV-VIS absorption, Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and FT-IR spectroscopic studies. The XRD pattern indicates the amorphous nature of prepared glasses. FT-IR measurements of all glasses revealed that the network structure of glass system are mainly based on BO3 and BO4 units placed in different structural groups in which the BO3 units being dominant. The EPR spectra of Mn2+ ions doped glasses exhibited a characteristic hyperfine sextet around g=2.0. The spectroscopic analyses of the obtained results confirmed near octahedral site symmetry for the Mn2+ impurity ions. Crystal field and Racah parameters are evaluated from optical absorption spectra. The optical band gap and Urbach energies are determined which exhibited the mixed alkali effect.

RP - HPLC method for the estimation of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride in Tablet Dosage Form

A rapid and sensitive reverse phase RP-HPLC method is proposed for the estimation of tamsulosin hydrochloride in tablets. Tamsulosin hydrochloride was chromatographed on a reverse phase C18 column with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and water in the ratio of 50:50 v/v. The mobile phase was pumped at a flow rate of 1.5 ml/min. The eluents were monitored at 214 nm. The retention time of the drug was 1.7 min. With this method, linearity was observed between area under curve and concentration of tamsulosin hydrochloride in the injected solution, in the range of 5 to 100 μg/ml. The method was found to be applicable for analysis of the drug in tablets. The results were validated statistically.

Antiinflammatory, Diuretic and Antimicrobial Activities of Rungia pectinata Linn. and Rungia repens Nees

The hydroalcoholic extracts prepared from leaves of Rungia pectinata and Rungia repens were investigated for antiinflammatory and diuretic activity in wistar rats. The results obtained were compared with that of standard drug aspirin and frusemide for their antiinflammatory and diuretic activity respectively. The acute toxicity study was also carried out using adult swiss albino mice of either sex which indicates the safety of the extracts even at a dose of 4000 mg/kg. R. pectinata showed better anti-inflammatory activity than R. repens. In the present study, it was demonstrated that hydroalcoholic extracts of both R. repens and R. pectinata produce diuretic effect by increasing the excretion of Na⁺, K⁺ and Cl⁻. Results showed that R. repens is most effective in increasing urinary electrolyte concentration of Na⁺ and K⁺ ions. The antimicrobial potency of the aerial parts of Rungia pectinata and Rungia repens have been studied using the petroleum ether, benzene, chloroform, acetone and ethanol extract against a wide number of bacteria and fungi by disc diffusion method. The ethanol extract at a concentration of 30 to 60 μg/disc showed significant activity against the bacteria and fungus investigated. All the extracts of R. pectinata and R. repens have got moderate action but chloroform and acetone extracts of R. repens and ethanol extract of R. pectinata have got significant activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes.

Antibacterial Activity of Ethanol Extract of Andrographis paniculata

In the present study the ethanol extract of the aerial part of Andrographis paniculata was prepared and evaluated for antimicrobial activity against eleven bacterial strains by determining minimum inhibitory concentration and zone of inhibition. Minimum inhibitory concentration values were compared with control and zone of inhibition values were compared with standard ciprofloxacin in concentration 100 and 200 μg/ml. The results revealed that, the ethanol extract is potent in inhibiting bacterial growth of both Gram-negative and Gram positive bacteria.

Studies on Wound Healing Activity of Heliotropium indicum Linn. Leaves on Rats

The petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol, and aqueous extracts of Heliotropium indicum Linn. (Family: Boraginaceae) were separately evaluated for their wound healing activity in rats using excision (normal and infected), incision, and dead space wound models. The effects of test samples on the rate of wound healing were assessed by the rate of wound closure, period of epithelialisation, wound breaking strength, weights of the granulation tissue, determination of hydroxyproline, super oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and histopathology of the granulation tissues. Nitrofurazone (0.2% w/w) in simple ointment I. P. was used as reference standard for the activity comparison. The results revealed significant promotion of wound healing with both methanol and aqueous extracts with more promising activity with the methanol extract compared to other extracts under study. In the wound infection model (with S. aureus and P. aeruginosa), the methanol extract showed significant healing activity similar to the reference standard nitrofurazone. Significant increase in the granulation tissue weight, increased hydroxyproline content, and increased activity of SOD and catalase level with the animals treated with methanol extract in dead space wound model further augmented the wound healing potential of H. indicum. The present work substantiates its validity of the folklore use.

Formulation of sustained-release dosage form of verapamil hydrochloride by solid dispersion technique using Eudragit RLPO or Kollidon SR

The release of verapamil hydrochloride from tablets with Eudragit RLPO or Kollidon SR with different drug-to-polymer ratios were investigated with a view to develop twice-daily sustained-release dosage form by solid dispersion (SD) technique. The SDs containing Eudragit RLPO or Kollidon SR at drug-polymer ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 with verapamil hydrochloride were developed using solvent evaporation technique. The physical mixtures of drug and both polymers were prepared by using simple mixing technique at the same ratio as solid dispersion. The physicochemical properties of solid dispersion were evaluated by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The study of DSC, XRD, and FTIR could not show significant interaction between verapamil HCl and Kollidon SR or Eudragit RLPO. The solid dispersions or physical mixtures were compressed to tablets. The tablets were prepared with solid dispersions containing Eudragit RLPO or Kollidon SR, with all the official requirements of tablet dosage forms fulfilled. Tablets prepared were evaluated for the release of verapamil hydrochloride over a period of 12 h in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer using US Pharmacopoeia type II dissolution apparatus. The in vitro drug release study revealed that the tablet containing Eudragit has extended the release rate for 12 h whereas the tablet containing Kollidon SR at the same concentration has extended the release rate up to 8 h. The in vitro release profile and the mathematical models indicate that release of verapamil hydrochloride can be effectively controlled from a tablet containing solid dispersions of Eudragit RLPO. The reduction of size fraction of the SD system from 200-250 to 75-125 microm had a great effect on the drug release.

Enhancement of dissolution rate of gliclazide using solid dispersions with polyethylene glycol 6000

The aim of the present study was to enhance the dissolution rate of gliclazide using its solid dispersions (SDs) with polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000. The phase solubility behavior of gliclazide in presence of various concentrations of PEG 6000 in 0.1 N HCl was obtained at 37 degrees C. The solubility of gliclazide increased with increasing amount of PEG 6000 in water. Gibbs free energy (deltaG(o)(tr)) values were all negative, indicating the spontaneous nature of gliclazide solubilization and they decreased with increase in the PEG 6000 concentration, demonstrating that the reaction conditions became more favorable as the concentration of PEG 6000 increased. The SDs of gliclazide with PEG 6000 were prepared at 1:1, 1:2 and 1:5 (gliclazide/PEG 6000) ratio by melting-solvent method and solvent evaporation method. Evaluation of the properties of the SDs was performed by using dissolution, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. The SDs of gliclazide with PEG 6000 exhibited enhanced dissolution rate of gliclazide, and the rate increased with increasing concentration of PEG 6000 in SDs. Mean dissolution time (MDT)of gliclazide decreased significantly after preparation of SDs and physical mixture with PEG 6000. The FTIR spectroscopic studies showed the stability of gliclazide and absence of well-defined gliclazide-PEG 6000 interaction. The DSC and XRD studies indicated the microcrystalline or amorphous state of gliclazide in SDs of gliclazide with PEG 6000.

Comparative study of propranolol hydrochloride release from matrix tablets with KollidonSR or hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose

The release of propranolol hydrochloride from matrix tablets with hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC K15M) or KollidonSR at different concentrations was investigated with a view to developing twice daily sustained release dosage form. A hydrophilic matrix-based tablet using different concentrations of HPMC K15M or KollidonSR was developed using direct compression technique to contain 80 mg of propranolol hydrochloride. The resulting matrix tablets prepared with HPMC K15M or KollidonSR fulfilled all the official requirements of tablet dosage forms. Formulations were evaluated for the release of propranolol hydrochloride over a period of 12 h in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer using USP type II dissolution apparatus. Propranolol hydrochloride and pure KollidonSR or HPMC K15M compatibility interactions was investigated by using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). FTIR spectroscopic and DSC studies revealed that there was no well defined chemical interaction between propranolol hydrochloride with KollidonSR or HPMC K15M. Tablets were exposed to 40 degrees C/75% of RH in open disc for stability. The in vitro drug release study revealed that HPMC K15 at a concentration of 40% of the dosage form weight was able to control the release of propranolol hydrochloride for 12 h, exhibit non-Fickian diffusion with first-order release kinetics where as at 40% KollidonSR same dosage forms show zero-order release kinetics. In conclusion, the in vitro release profile and the mathematical models indicate that release of propranolol hydrochloride can be effectively controlled from a single tablet using HPMC K15M or KollidonSR matrix system.