Formulation and Evaluation of Polyherbal Cream and Lotion for the Treatment of Psoriasis-Induced Secondary Infections

Background:

Psoriasis is one of the most common skin diseases in humans and affects a major population worldwide. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of selected polyherbal formulations against psoriasis-induced secondary infections.

Aim:

Psoriasis is one of the most common skin diseases in humans and affects a major population worldwide. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of selected polyherbal formulations against psoriasis-induced secondary infections.

Methods:

Samples were collected from the scalp, behind the ears, chest and back of the patients. The microscopic examination of fungal and bacterial growth was carried out with lactophenol cotton blue stain and gram stain, respectively. Volatile constituents of essential oils were identified by GC-MS analysis, in order to investigate the relation between chemical composition and biological activity. Nutrient agar media was used for antibacterial activity whereas Sabourauds dextrose agar media was used for antifungal activity.

Results:

A total of 24 isolates were obtained from 2 patients of scalp psoriasis. Anti-oxidant activity of the samples was determined using DPPH radical scavenging method. In the present study, EOs showed a good antifungal action against Malassezia pachydermatis and other microbial strains. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of eugenol, linalool, citral, neral, limonene, terpenes, eucalyptol and thymol in the essential oils. The formulated retention lotion 1 (L4), 2 (L5), 3 (L6) and Cream 1 (C1) showed DPPH radical scavenging activity by 23.52%, 24.48%, 28% and 5.08%, respectively.

Conclusion:

The present study concluded that most of the formulated lotions and creams showed good antimicrobial activity and may be applied topically against scalp psoriasis.

Estimation of Nutritional and Mineral Contents of Eleusine coracana and Echinochloa frumentacea – Two Edible Wild Crops of India

Background:

Barnyard millet is rich in protein, iron, calcium, phosphorus, fibre and vitamin content whereas finger millet is used in regular food and considered to be more nutritious than rice.

Objective:

The aim of this research was to develop new food supplements with potential pharmacological activity from readily accessed natural products.

Methods:

In the present study, we investigated the nutritional and mineral profile of the extracts of Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn. and Echinochloa frumentacea Link seeds. The extraction process involved fractionation with various solvents whereas the estimation of nutrients and minerals was done using AOAC method and ICPMS techniques.

Results:

The levels of crude protein, carbohydrates, crude fibre and ash content in E. coracana seeds were found to 7.30%, 68.10%, 3.60% and 8.50%, respectively whereas 2.87%, 80.93%, 5.80% and 5.30%, respectively were measured in the seeds of E. frumentacea.

Conclusion:

The seeds of E. coracana and E. frumentacea were found as highly medicinal and nutritional due to the presence of vitamins, minerals and other needful nutrients.

Combined Treatment with CCI779 and SB203580 Induces Cellular Senescence in Renal Cell Carcinoma Cell Line via p53 Pathway

BACKGROUND

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most common neoplasms that occurs in the kidney and is marked by a unique biology, with a long history of poor response to conventional cancer treatments. In recent years, there have been significant advancements implemented to understanding the biology of RCC, which has led to the introduction of novel targeted therapies in the management of patients with metastatic disease.

OBJECTIVE

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580), alone and in combination with mTOR inhibitor (CCI779) on apoptosis and cell proliferation.

METHOD

Subtoxic concentrations of inhibitors were selected by MTT assay using A-498, ACHN and primary culture of RCC.

RESULTS

All the three types of RCC cells had almost similar response towards these inhibitors. The results revealed that 25µM of SB203580 and 20µM of CCI779 at 48 hrs decreased cell viability by 20% and 30%, respectively, whereas the combination of both inhibitors showed a maximum of 40% reduction in cell viability.

CONCLUSION

The study concludes that the combination of SB203580 and CCI779 inhibitors may induce cellular senescence in A-498 cells with higher potency than that of individual inhibitors.

Recent trends in oral transmucosal drug delivery systems: an emphasis on the soft palatal route

INTRODUCTION

The oral mucosa is an appropriate route for drug delivery systems, as it evades first-pass metabolism, enhances drug bioavailability and provides the means for rapid drug transport to the systematic circulation. This delivery system offers a more comfortable and convenient delivery route compared with the intravenous route. Although numerous drugs have been evaluated for oral mucosal delivery, few of them are available commercially. This is due to limitations such as the high costs associated with developing such drug delivery systems.

AREAS COVERED

The present review covers recent developments and applications of oral transmucosal drug delivery systems. More specifically, the review focuses on the suitability of the oral soft palatal site as a new route for drug delivery systems.

EXPERT OPINION

The novelistic oral soft palatal platform is a promising mucoadhesive site for delivering active pharmaceuticals, both systemically and locally, and it can also serve as a smart route for the targeting of drugs to the brain.