In this study, the anti-inflammatory effect of marine carotenoid fucoxanthinol (FXOH), a deacetylated metabolite of fucoxanthin (FX) was assessed with nitric oxide (NO) reducing capacity on NO production in LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The compounds reduced the induction of nitrite level as an index of NO in the inflammatory cell at low concentration ranges of 6.25-25 M, and then the inflammatory gene expression, such as iNOS and COX-2, was suppressed in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the nitrogen-radical-scavenging capacity of the compounds was evaluated in a NO generating system using a Griess assay and the ESR method. These compounds had a potential nitrogen-radical-scavenging capacity; thus the compounds caused the reduction of the nitrite level in cells through suppression of NO production and nitrogen-radical-scavenging activity. Collectively in the results of the assay, the activity of FXOH was higher than that of the FX suggesting that FXOH will have a high bioavailability in the intestinal tract.

Keywords : Fucoxanthinol, Anti-inflammatory effect, Nitric oxide, ESR

Author : Junsei Taira and Masatsugu Uehara

Title : Anti-inflammatory effect of fucoxanthinol as bioavailable marine carotenoid on LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages through iNOS suppression and nitrogen radical-scavenging

Volume/Issue : 2015;3(9)

Page No : 1747-1754

A novel, sensitive and rapid assay method using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) has been developed and validated as per ICH guideline for simultaneous determination of two binary mixtures; vildagliptin with metformin hydrochloride and ciprofloxacin hydrochloride with dexamethasone sodium phosphate. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Phenomenex C18 column (100 mm, 2.1 mm i.d., 1.8 μm) using an isocratic method with mobile phase of potassium di-hydrogen phosphate (pH 4): acetonitrile in the ratio 70:30 (v/v) for vildagliptin/metformin mixture or 80:20 (v/v) for ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone mixture. The flow rate was 1 mL/min, temperature of the column was maintained at ambient and detection was made at 220 or 254 nm for the two mixtures, simultaneously. Linearity studies indicated that the drugs obeys Beer’s law over the range of 0.5-5 μg/mL for vildagliptin, 5-50 μg/mL for metformin hydrochloride while ranges from 2-20 μg/mL for both ciprofloxacin hydrochloride and dexamethasone sodium phosphate. The proposed method is precise, accurate, linear, robust and fast. The short retention time allows the analysis of a large number of samples in a short period of time and, therefore, should be cost-effective for routine analysis in the pharmaceutical industry.

Keywords : UPLC, Simultaneous estimation, Vildagliptin, Metformin hydrochloride, Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, Dexamethasone sodium phosphate

Author : Manal Mohamed Fouad

Title : RP-UPLC method development and validation for simultaneous estimation of vildagliptin with metformin hydrochloride and ciprofloxacin hydrochloride with dexamethasone sodium phosphate

Volume/Issue : 2015;3(9)

Page No : 1755-1762

The anti-anxiety properties of the phaseollidin, isoflavonoid isolated from Erythrina droogmansiana, were studied in the white mice. Various experimental models (Elevated Plus-Maze, Open-Field, Hole-Board, Hyperthermia Induced Stress), were used to highlight these properties. The results showed that the phaseollidin involved a significant increase of the time spent in the open arms of the raised labyrinth in cross, with 97.8 ± 21.64 seconds for a dose of 50 mg/kg and 115.4 ± 34.03 seconds for the dose 25 mg/kg. These results thus testify to the fall of the aversion of the rodents for enlightened spaces. In the tests of the hole-board and open-field, used to evaluate the exploration and locomotion activities of mice, the results showed a significant increase of the locomotion (crossing) with 42.2 ± 10.30 for the dose 25 mg/kg and 60 ± 9.05 for the dose 100 mg/kg of the phaseollidin. The doses 25 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg of the phaseollidin also showed a significant increase of “rearing”. These results show that the phaseollidin has anti-anxiety properties.

Keywords : phaseollidin, Erythrina droogmansiana, Anxiety

Author : Talla Emmanuel, Hadidjatou Dairou, Njapdounke Jacqueline, Nkantchoua Gisèle, Yaya Gbaweng Abel Joël, Ngah Esther, Ngo Bum Elisabeth, Mbafor Tanyi Joseph

Title : Study of the Anti-Anxiety Properties of the Phaseollidin, An Isoflavonoid Isolated from Erythrina droogmansiana (Leguminosae)

Volume/Issue : 2015;3(9)

Page No : 1763-1775

Present study was aimed to record the traditionally used medicinal plants, part that are used and frequency of their use by people to treat gastrointestinal diseases in Erbil - Kurdistan region/Iraq. The data on medicinal plants was documented using structured questionnaires and personal interviews. The present study revealed utilization of 39 plants belonging to 24 plant families were determined to be used traditionally in Erbil city for treating gastrointestinal disease. Among all the plant parts fruit and leaves were the most preferred plant parts used by the people. Umbellliferae and Labiatae were the most dominant family reported to be used represented by 4 plant species. Also the gastrointestinal disease for which the traditional plants are mostly used are flatulence, constipation, indigestion while only one plant used to reduce gastric acidity.

Keywords : Ethnobotany, traditional plants, gastrointestinal disease, Erbil

Author : Aveen Nozad Adham

Title : Ethnobotanical evaluation of plants used in the traditional treatment of gastrointestinal disease in Erbil-Kurdistan region/Iraq

Volume/Issue : 2015;3(9)

Page No : 1776-1781

The aim of this study is to determine asthma treatment related problems, in cooperation with family medicine physicians. This study was conducted on a patient sample from Public Health Centre “Solin”. The study included patients with a diagnosis of J45, who have agreed to participate while picking up their anti-asthmatic drug prescription in the pharmacy on a regular basis. Excluded were those patients who had just been diagnosed with asthma and patients who were less than 18 years old. The first part of the data required according to form for the analysis of therapy was taken from the patients’ health records of a cooperative family medicine physician, while other necessary data was filled by the pharmacist in conversation with the patient. All participants were asked to examine and sign the informed consent about the purpose of the research conducted in accordance with ethical principles and the Declaration of Helsinki. Asthma Control Test (ACT) value identified 54% of the patients with uncontrolled asthma (ACT < 20). Adherence to GINA guidelines was identified in 32% of the patients. 40% of the patients experienced side effects from antiasthmatic drugs. 20% of the patients are declared as non-adherent to their asthma therapy at the present time and 66% of them were non-adherent at some time in the past. 42% of the patients demonstrated incorrect use of inhalers. Results of this study indicate the presence of significant asthma treatment-related problems in primary health care. These therapy-related problems in asthma and their number indicate the need for active integration of pharmacists into the process of monitoring and supervision of patients with asthma. It is imperative to educate the patients about the need for adherence, correct inhaler technique and how to avoid adverse drug reactions.

Keywords : asthma therapy related problems, ACT score, GINA guidelines, side effects, adherence, inhalers

Author : M. Cokaric, S. Popovic-Grle, V. Bacic-Vrca

Title : Asthma therapy related problems in adult Mediterranean Croatian patients

Volume/Issue : 2015;3(9)

Page No : 1782-1787

This paper describes an UV spectrophotometric validation method for the simultaneous determination of Diazepam. The study aimed to provide practical approaches for determining linearity, range, accuracy, precision, specificity, system suitability and limit of detection, lower limit of quantitation and robustness of this analytical method. All determinations were made in a wavelength of 231 nm in a solvent system of methanol: distilled water (1:1). The method was validated as per ICH guidelines and FDA guidance for industry. Here, obtained linear correlation coefficient was 0.999 and the mean recoveries were ≥98%. Hence, the method was found to be simple, rapid, economic, linear, accurate, precise, robust and reproducible and can be used for routine analysis of Diazepam in bulk and tablet dosage form.

Keywords : Accuracy, Anxiety, Assay, ICH guidelines, Linearity, UV Spectrophotometer.

Author : Setu Chakraborty, Suriya Sharmin, Dr. Md. Hossain Sohrab, Subrata Sarker Chandan

Title : Analytical method validation for the simultaneous determination of diazepam in bulk and tablet dosage form

Volume/Issue : 2015;3(9)

Page No : 1788-1795

Febrile convulsions which is a common cause of seizure in young children, generally has an excellent prognosis. It is very well known that Zinc does have neurological functions being a necessary component of many metaloenzymes which play a significant role in central nervous system. The aim of this case-control study is to find out if there is a significant relation between serum Zinc level and febrile convulsions in Kurdish children. In the period from June 2012 and June 2013 and in Heevi Pediatric Teaching Hospital in Duhok, North of Iraq, sixty children with febrile seizure and 70 patients with fever without convulsions who aged between 6 months and 6 years underwent serum Zinc estimation. Data were analysed using SPSS 19 to compare serum zinc level between the both groups. One way ANOVA test was used to measure the association of serum Zinc with age, sex and the source of the febrile illness. The mean serum Zinc level of the children with febrile seizures was 54.03 mcg/dl which was significantly lower than the serum zinc level of the control group (p<0.001). There was no significant relation between the serum zinc level and each of the age, sex and source of febrile illness. Serum zinc level is significantly lower in Kurdish children with febrile convulsions.

Keywords : Zinc, seizures, febrile

Author : Nadir Abdulla Jargees and Akrem M. Atrushi

Title : The Role of Zinc deficiency in predisposition to Febrile Convulsions in Duhok Kurdistan-Iraq

Volume/Issue : 2015;3(9)

Page No : 1796-1800

In present study an attempt was made to formulate and to evaluate the sustain release Carvedilol matrix tablets by using METHOCEL K100LV CR, METHOCEL K100M CR and Xanthum Gum polymer. The tablets were prepared by direct compression method. The granules were evaluated by angle of repose, bulk density, tapped density and compressibility index, surface PH. The formulated tablets were evaluated by weight variation, thickness, diameter, hardness, friability and drug content. Drug content in formulation was determined by UV method. The granules showed satisfactory flow properties. The in-vitro release study of matrix tablets were carried out in 0.1N HCL using USP paddle method with sinker which was conducted for 8 hours and examined. Statistically significant differences were found among the drug release profile from different classes of polymeric matrix. Higher polymer content (30%) in the matrix decreased the rate of drug release due to the increase tortuosity and decrease porosity. At lower polymeric level (5%), the rate of drug release was elevated. METHOCEL K100M CR was found to cause the strong retardation of drug. On the other hand, highest release was found from Xanthum Gum while METHOCEL K100LV CR gave an intermediate release profile of Carvedilol. The release mechanism was explored and examined by Zero order; First order, Higuchi, korsmeyer-Peppas and Hixson-Crowell equation. The release of the drug from all the formulations was found to follow Higuchi model, as the plots showed high linearity. Also high viscosity METHOCEL grades mostly followed anomalous or non-ficking transport process. Therefore, the results generated in this study showed that the formulated sustained release matrix tablets deliver the drug through a combination of both diffusion and erosion controlled mechanism.

Keywords : Carvedilol, METHOCEL K100LV CR, METHOCEL K100M CR, Xanthum Gum, Sustain release

Author : Shariful Haque, Md. Mizanur Rahman Moghal, A.H.M. Masbahur Rahman, Abu Shara Shamsur Rouf

Title : Comparative study of release profile of sustain release carvedilol matrix tablets using Methocel K100LV CR, Methocel K100M CR and xanthum gum polymer

Volume/Issue : 2015;3(9)

Page No : 1801-1811

The dry extract of Rhodiola heterodonta rhizome was studied for pharmacological active compounds and tested for acute/chronic toxicity, analgesic and antihypoxic activity. Using HPLC-MS it is shown, that the dry extract kept main active compounds of plant source. No chronic toxicity at dose 20 to 200 mg/kg and no histopathological change of key internal organs tissue at these doses were observed. LD50 at per os administration observed as 3550 mg/kg.

Keywords : dry extract of Rhodiola heterodonta, acute and chronic toxicity, analgesic and adaptogenic activity

Author : Akhmad N. Yunuskhodjaev, Shakhista F. Iskandarova, Anvar G. Kurmukov

Title : Phytochemical characterization and preclinical studies of Rhodiola heterodonta dry extract

Volume/Issue : 2015;3(9)

Page No : 1812-1816

As of date, 104 Elements have been identified and 36 elements have been found to be essential for plant and animal growth and development. Human body requires about 10 Macro elements for structural growth and 6 trace metals are found to be essential for metabolism, all of which are interlinked to various types of Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Although trace elements constitute a minute part of human body, they are very essential for various enzyme activities. All enzymes will get activated only if metals are incorporated. Among various elements present in human body, Ca, Mg, P, Zn, Cu, Cr, Co, Mn, Se, and Fe play a significant role in controlling DM. Zinc is the trace element extensively studied in DM and reproduction. This review article is based on the various research findings done during the last 10 years and will certainly help research scholars to do further research in this field and to arrive at a set of laboratory investigations for elements linked to DM.

Keywords : Elements, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, DM and T2DM

Author : Arun Kumar D, Revathy K, Dhananjayan R, Rajeswari S and Swaminathan S

Title : The Significance and Importance of Elements in Diabetes Mellitus

Volume/Issue : 2015;3(9)

Page No : 1817-1822

The most prominent advantages of extended release formulations of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are their ability to maintain optimal and therapeutically effective drug levels for prolonged duration with reduction in dosing frequency and side effects associated with NSAIDs. The objective of the present study to develop matrix tablets for extended release of a model NSAID drug, Etodolac. Etodolac control release tablets were prepared by wet granulation method using xanthan gum in different ratios as release rate controlling polymers. The granules were evaluated for flow properties by evaluating Carr’s index, Hausner’s ratio and angle of repose. The tablets were evaluated for drug polymer compatibility study by FTIR, weight variation test, hardness, friability, disintegration test, drug release, release kinetics and stability studies. The FTIR study revealed that no such interactions being taking place in between drug and polymers. The flow property of granules of all tablet batches was found to be good. Tablet formulations exhibited satisfactory drug release. All the tablet formulations had good tablet physiochemical properties. It could be concluded that Etodolac matrix tablet containing xanthan gum (11.0 %) provided most controlled release of water soluble Etodolac over extended period of time

Keywords : Extended release, NSAIDS, Etodolac, matrix tablet, wet granulation.

Author : Arun Kumar Arumugarajan, G. Geetha, Bhabani Shankar Nayak

Title : Formulation design and in vitro characterization of etodolac extended release tablets prepared by wet granulation method

Volume/Issue : 2015;3(9)

Page No : 1823-1829

Skin acts as a major target as well as a principal barrier for mucous/topical/transdermal drug delivery. Transdermal drug delivery engender major interest among large pharmaceutical firms as it provides the bypass to first-pass metabolism, avoid exposure to the chemical and biological conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, reduce adverse events and moreover improve patient compliance. Major objective of the transdermal drug delivery system is to cross the stratum cornea. One simple and convenient approach to achieve the permeation through the skin is to encapsulate the drug in ethanol based liposomes (ethosomes). Ethosomal carriers are systems containing soft vesicles, composed of hydroalcoholic or hydro/glycolic phospholipids in which the concentration of alcohols is relatively high. Ethosomes have higher penetration rate through the skin as compared to liposomes. The higher concentration of ethanol conveys fluidity of lipids which leads to increase in permeability of the skin/mucous membrane and ultimately helps to improve the drug permeation. Ethosomes have become an area of research interest, due to its potential enhanced skin permeation, improved drug delivery, increased drug entrapment efficiency etc. The purpose of this review is to focus on various aspects of ethosomes including their mechanism of penetration, preparation, composition, characterization, application and marketed product of ethosomes. Ethosomes can act as a carrier for large and diverse group of drugs with different physicochemical properties and found a number of applications in pharmaceutical, biotechnological and cosmetic fields.

Keywords : Ethosomes, Transdermal drug delivery, Stratum corneum, Vesicles, Hydroalcoholic phospholipid

Author : Santosh Shelke, Sadhana Shahi, Suwarna Kale, Vandana Patil, Dipali Deshpande

Title : Ethosomes: A Novel Deformable Carrier

Volume/Issue : 2015;3(9)

Page No : 1830-1839

The biological activities of Phenylacetylurea (PAU), a bidendate, neutral ligand get enhanced when complexed with transition metal ions. The current study deals with the microwave assisted preparation, physico-chemical, spectral and biological characterization of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes with PAU and benzoate ion (ben) ligands. The molecular formulae of the complexes were arrived at from the estimation of metals and their electrical conductivity and effective magnetic moment (µeff) values. The electronic spectral data indicate the probable geometry of the complexes. The antibacterial and antifungal screening of the above three complexes against the bacteria, viz., Lactobacillus sp., Micrococcus luteus, Raoultella planticola, Shigella flexneri and Vibrio cholerae and fungi, viz., Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus sojae and Candida albicans were carried out. The results indicate that the complexes exhibit enhanced biological activities when compared to pure ligands. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the three complexes are higher than PAU, but lower than the reference compounds, viz. streptomycin and ketokonazole respectively. The diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity (antioxidantal activity) of the above three complexes are higher than PAU and benzoate ion ligands, but lower than the standard compound, vitamin-C.

Keywords : Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes, Phenylacetylurea, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antioxidantal

Author : Arunachalam. A , Ramachandramoorthy T, Padmavathy S, and Narendran R

Title : Eco-friendly preparation and bio-potential evaluation of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes with phenylacetylurea and benzoate ion ligands

Volume/Issue : 2015;3(9)

Page No : 1840-1847

The incidence of dengue has grown dramatically around the world. Due to unavailability of vaccine its prevention and control solely depends on the epidemiological surveillance which could help in implementation of effective control measures. Hence, it is important to characterize the circulating serotypes in the community. The present study was conducted to evaluate the epidemiology of dengue fever cases in Navi Mumbai area and to detect the circulating serotype in this region. A total of 1053 blood samples were tested for Dengue NS 1 Antigen and Dengue specific IgM and IgG Antibodies by rapid immune-chromatography. A total of 11 representative serum samples were sent to National Institute of Virology, Pune for serotyping. 277 blood samples showed positive result for either IgM, IgG Antibody or NS 1 antigen. They were predominantly observed in the males and in the age group of 18 to 45 years. The maximum number of positive cases was reported in post monsoon months. They were found to be DV 2 and DV 3 serotypes. The serotyping data from these samples reflects the epidemiology of circulating serotype in Navi Mumbai area which may help to develop effective control and management strategies against this impending dengue menace.

Keywords : Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, Dengue shock Syndrome, NS 1 Antigen, Dengue serotypes

Author : Dr. Sharvari A. Samant

Title : Epidemiology and seropositivity of dengue fever cases in a tertiary care hospital in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra

Volume/Issue : 2015;3(9)

Page No : 1848-1851

Pullulanase has great significance due to its wide range of potential applications in pharmaceutical and food industries. Pullulanase is used for the saccharification of starch in various industries and it is also a good amylolytic agent. The enzyme hydrolyzes the alpha-1, 6-glucosidic linkages of pullulan, amylopectin, glycogen, etc. The enzyme is used for manufacture of glucose, maltose, etc. In present study Pullulanase enzyme collected from Aspergillus Niger [ATTC16404] strain of onion peels. Optimum parameters were studied for the maximum enzyme activity at different physical conditions such as temperature 50°C, Time 120hrs, pH 6 and in different culture mdias. After the detail analysis the enzyme activity was found to be stable at different optimum parameters. It was found to be 130.66 IU at 540nm in U.V.spectroscopy

Keywords : Aspergillus Niger, Onion peels, Temperature, PH, Incubation period, Nutrient Medias.

Author : Ch. Supriya, N. Ravikiran, R. Sravani Jyothi Sai, Ch. Rajesh, B. Sailaja

Title : Isolation, characterisation and optimization parameters of pullulanase [Pullulan6- glucanohydrolase-code no: 120160-1] on solid substrate fermentation

Volume/Issue : 2015;3(9)

Page No : 1852-1856

A series of diesters (2a-f) were synthesized from 1,1´-(4,6-dihydroxy-1,3-phenylene)diethanone (1) and evaluated for their antimicrobial actions. Resorcinol was used as a starting material for the preparation of 1,1´-(4,6-dihydroxy-1,3-phenylene)diethanone (1), which was then reacted with substituted aryl acids to furnish the title compounds (2a-f). The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed on the basis of 1H-NMR, Mass and elemental analysis results. The antimicrobial activity (minimum inhibitory concentration; MIC) of the title compounds was determined against some selected bacterial and fungal strains. One compound, 2c, emerged as lead compound with good antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli and C. albicans.

Keywords : Diacetyl resorcinol, ester, antibacterial, antifungal.

Author : Asif Husain, Aftab Ahmad, Shah Alam Khan, Mohd Mujeeb, Zeenat Iqbal

Title : Studies on 1,1´-(4,6-dihydroxy-1,3-phenylene)diethanone based Diesters

Volume/Issue : 2015;3(9)

Page No : 1857-1861

Arsha (Haemorrhoids) is one of the commonest ailment occurring in Guda Pradesha (Ano-rectal region). Symptoms of Ardra Arsha closely resembles to the clinical features of Internal Haemorrhoids. In this bleeding per anum is the principal symptom to which patient shows his utmost concern and always worried if it continues. The prime cause of ano-rectal disorders is constipation. A constipated bowl is the devils workshop. Constipation increases the back pressure into the haemorrhoidal veins to produce Haemorrhoids. Various treatment modalities available for Haemorrhoids include operative as well as conservative method. A simple and safe para-surgical method I.R.C. (Infrared Coagulation) is selected for present trial. I.R.C. was performed through a special designed slit proctoscope. Patients excluded were with coagulopathy disorders, fissure in ano and anal ulcers. Total 10 patients with ages ranging from 20-65 yrs., irrespective of sex, religion, socio-economic status etc. were selected for the trial. At the end of study it was found that results were highly significant after I.R.C. Treatment. It is an outpatient Department (OPD), non-surgical, ambulatory, painless and bloodless procedure, without any hospital stay. Early recovery and minimal recurrence of haemorrhoids were noted without any morbidity or mortality.

Keywords : Arsha, Haemorrhoids, Infrared coagulation, I.R.C

Author : Dr. Vineet Kumar Jain, Dr. P. Hemantha Kumar and Dr. Bharat Kumar Suthar

Title : Clinical evaluation of Infrared coagulation in the management of Ardra Arsha w.s.r. to Internal Haemorrhoids – A pilot study

Volume/Issue : 2015;3(9)

Page No : 1862-1865

Described herein is an improved synthesis of 1-(4-nitrophenyl)-3-morpholine-4-yl-5,6-dihydropyridin-2(1H)-one (1), a key intermediate for the synthesis of Apixaban. The present work provides robust and commercially viable manufacturing process for the synthesis of pure 1 with an overall yield of 48% over four steps and purity of around ≥ 98% by overcoming the limitations of the literature reported processes.

Keywords : Apixaban, Eliquis, Dihydropyridine, Key Intermediate and Deep Vein Thrombosis

Author : Pavankumar V. Solanki, Pramod A. Dhokrat, Sekhar Babu Uppelli and Vijayavitthal T. Mathad

Title : A Facile Synthesis of 1-(4-nitrophenyl)-3-morpholine-4-yl-5,6-dihydropyridin-2(1H)-one, A key Intermediate of Apixaban-An anticoagulant Drug

Volume/Issue : 2015;3(9)

Page No : 1866-1871

The methanolic extract of whole plant of Andrographis echioides (L.) Nees, Ocimum tenuiflorum L., Barleria prionitis L., Coldenia procumbens L. and chloroform extract of Coldenia procumbens L. were studied for the anticancer activity of the Human Ovarian Cancer Cell Line Ovkar -3 and Human Renal Cancer Cell Line 786-O in different concentrations (10,20,40 80 µg/ml) along with standard drug Adriamycin (Doxorubicin)(ADA)( Positive control compound).The results showed that all the extracts were non-cytotoxic at the dose levels studied and all of them showed activities of GI50 only at concentration > 80 µg/ml.

Keywords : Cytotoxic study, Andrographis echioides, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Barleria prionitis, Coldenia procumbens and Adriamycin (ADA).

Author : R. Ganesan, Mathuram Venkatanarasimhan, P. Elankani, R. Shakila and Ponniahsamy

Title : Cytotoxic Studies on Selected Siddha Plants

Volume/Issue : 2015;3(9)

Page No : 1872-1876

Isatin, an indole derivative, is a versatile compound and has a diversity of applications. In a present investigation, a series of new isatin derivatives (3a-i) were prepared by condensing substituted isatins with benzoyl hydrazides. We designed to investigate new isatin derivatives with the inhibitory effect on bacteria and fungi. The chemical structures of the synthesized compounds were affirmed on the basis of modern analytical technique. The title compounds were evaluated for antimicrobial activity by cup plate method against some selected gram (+) gram (-) bacterial strains, and fungal strains. Preliminary screening was carried out for all the compounds and potent compounds were further evaluated for MIC. Anti-tubercular activity was also determined against Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain H37Rv. The results are promising and show that the compounds are biologically active.

Keywords : Oxindole, hydrazide, antibacterial, antifungal, TB.

Author : Amit Saxena, Saurabh Sharma, Asif Husain

Title : Antimicrobial and anti-tubercular activity of some new indole derivatives

Volume/Issue : 2015;3(9)

Page No : 1877-1882

In the present investigation, a series of novel 4-aminoantipyrine dithiocarbamates have been synthesized. The synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1HNMR, Mass spectral analysis followed by antimicrobial screening. Furthermore, molecular docking studies is an important tool in computational drug design technique, which is employed to understand the mode of binding and binding affinities, it indicates a very good hydrophobic interactions with target receptors.

Keywords : 4-Aminoantipyrine, Dithiocarbamate, Molecular Docking, Antimicrobial activities

Author : S. Sharada, A.N.V. Sunitha, M. Rupa, O. Navneetha, S. Leemol, T. Saritha Jyostna

Title : Synthesis, molecular docking and biological activity of 4-aminoantipyrine dithiocarbamate derivatives

Volume/Issue : 2015;3(9)

Page No : 1883-1887

The medicinal plant Vernonia pauciflora (willd.) Less (Asteraceae) is known for its medicinal potential. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the sample of the herb showed positive test for Alkaloid, Carbohydrate, Triterpenes, Cardiac glycoside, Saponins, Tannins and Flavonoids. The antimicrobial activity of the plant extracts namely Methanol, Ethyl acetate and Hexane extracts were tested on gram positive bacteria (Methicillin Rest.Staph. aureus ,Staphylococus aureus, Stphylococcus pyogene, Staphylococcus pneumoniae), gram negative bacteria (Vancomycin Rest. Enterococci, Shigella dysenteriae, Salmonella typhii, Escherichia coli, Neisseria gonorrhoeae ,) using disc diffusion method while fungi (Candida albicans and Candida krusel,) tested using sabroiddextroxe broth were found to be effective on all the pathogen when compared with activity of the standard antimicrobial except Strep. pyogene,Vancomycin Rest. Staph. enterococci ,Shigella dysenteriae and Candidas.tropicalis that did not show activity. The plant exhibited significant antimicrobial potency. This study concluded that Vernonia pauciflora (Willd.) Less used as a traditional medicinal plant has antimicrobial activity against pathogenic microorganisms. To the best of our knowledge there is not any report on phytochemical and antimicrobial results on this plant.

Keywords : Vernomia pauciflora (Willd. ) Less, Phytochemical analysis, antimicrobial activity.

Author : Mohammed Sani Sallau, Hamisu Ibrahim, Ekalu Abiche, Adedayo Adebiyi

Title : Phytochemical and Microbial screening of the Aerial parts of Vernonia Pauciflora (willd.) Less

Volume/Issue : 2015;3(9)

Page No : 1888-1891

The Identification, characterization and quantification of polymorphic forms are becoming increasingly important within the pharmaceutical industry. A variety of different physical analytical techniques is usually necessary for this task. In this work solid-state techniques, Infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray powder diffractometry (XRPD) and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to analyze polymorphic purity of crystalline Finasteride, an type II 5α-reductase inhibitor. A series of different mixtures of Form I and II were prepared by geometric mixing and their FT-IR spectra, DSC endotherm and XRD patterns were obtained and analyzed, either alone or combined together. A working range of 0–10% (w/w) of crystal Form II in Form I was established with a detection level of 7.5%. The results demonstrate that XRPD may be successfully used to distinguish between the Finasteride polymorphs and to quantify the composition of binary mixtures of the two.

Keywords : Finasteride, Polymorphism, XRPD

Author : Deepali Gangrade, Amit Sharma, Swati Bakshi

Title : Determination of polymorphic forms of finasteride by XRPD, FT-IR, and DSC techniques

Volume/Issue : 2015;3(9)

Page No : 1892-1898

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) includes herbal medicine, traditional therapies, mind-body intervention etc. As the use of CAM by patients is increasing, ignorance about this by future medical practitioners can cause a communication gap between them and their patients. There is paucity of information regarding the usage and acceptance of CAM by the medical students. To determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of CAM in medical students. A cross sectional, questionnaire based study conducted in 158 medical students of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Among the respondents 74.68 % had used meditation/yoga followed by spirituality (55.69 %), homeopathy (51.26 %), ayurveda (37.97 %). Maximum students (94.29 %) had positive, while 3.79% had negative attitudes towards CAM. The responses for CHBQ (CAM-Health Belief Questionnaire) statements were towards the higher end of the response scale but lower scores were found in reverse scaled statements. The highest mean item score was for ‘Knowledge about CAM is important to me as a student/future practicing health professional.’ The lowest mean item score was for ‘Complementary therapies are a threat to public health’. Students are not ready to accept the therapies which are not tested scientifically. Female students were having significantly stronger positive attitudes toward CAM than their male counterparts. Majority of the respondents use CAM and would like to recommend it to their patients in future. They would prefer scientifically tested alternate medicines. Females were found to have significant stronger positive attitudes toward CAM than their male counterparts.

Keywords : conventional medicine, CAM, meditation, spirituality

Author : Dr. Kavita Jaiswal, Dr. Chaitali Bajait, Dr. Sonali Pimpalkhute, Dr. Smita Sontakke, Dr. Ganesh Dakhale, Dr .Yogesh Tathod

Title : Perception of complementary and alternative medicine amongst medical students: a questionnaire based study

Volume/Issue : 2015;3(9)

Page No : 1899-1904

Many epidemiological studies conducted in India on mental and behavioural disorders report varying prevalence rates, ranging from 9.54 to 370 per 1000 population. Researchers are developing drugs to treat many different neurological disorders including pain, neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, psychological disorders, addiction and many others. The present study was aimed at evaluating the neuropharmacological properties of a polyherbal extract which was prepared by combining equal proportions of the three plants, Catharanthus roseus, Calotropis gigantea and Jasminum malabaricum. These plants were selected based on the evidence that they were traditionally used for treatment of mental disorders. The extracts were evaluated for neuropharmacological properties using various CNS models such as apomorphine induced stereotype behaviour, Rota rod test, Head dip test and Y-Maze test. The results revealed that the polyherbal extract possess neuropharmacological properties which may be due to the presence of important phytoconstituents present in the three extracts.

Keywords : Polyherbal extract, Catharanthus roseus, Calotropis gigantean, Jasminum malabaricum, Neuropharmacological.

Author : Nandish C, Geetha K.M, Murugan V

Title : Evaluation of neuropharmacological properties of a polyherbal extract

Volume/Issue : 2015;3(9)

Page No : 1905-1911