Search

COVID-19 is a pandemic which has entered its sixth month and is evolving in children. Besides respiratory problems, it is also known now for non-respiratory problems in children. We systematically searched the relevant articles up till June 2020. Just like in SARS-COV, MERS-COV, children are developing fewer symptoms in SARS-COV2 as compared to adults. Evidence suggests that the chances of children getting infected is same as adults but are less likely to develop severe symptoms. However, studies in various regions have shown children showing gastrointestinal symptoms, chilblain-like disease which some doctors are referring to as covid toes. MIS-C, whose pathophysiology is similar to Kawasaki syndrome. In this review, we focus on the symptoms arising in chil dren and the treatment given to clear some of those symptoms.

The aim of the present research work is to develop carbo-protein polymeric complex based sustain release microspheres of losartan potassium and investigate the ability of this dosage form to improve the flowability, compressibility and tableting properties of losartan potassium. The influence of silk sericin, alginate and its blend on various physicochemical parameters and in vitro drug release pattern were studied to optimize the concentration of polymeric blend required for 12 h. sustain release. Optimized batch was subjected to different flowability, compressibility and tableting properties studies to observe the effects of carbo-protein microspheres on flow properties. Results indicated that the concentration of sericin was found to be the main influential factor for prolonged drug release. Different micromeritic studies revealed that the poor flowability and compressibility properties of pure losartan potassium were significantly improved by this algino-sericin microspheric dosage form. Research findings also revealed that plasticity, die filling behavior and tableting properties of the pure drug were significantly improved by this microsphere formulation. So these prospective results concluded that carbo-protein polymeric microspheres helps to sustain the drug release for prolong hours as well as improve the flowability, compressibility and tableting properties of losartan potassium.

Calendula officinalis has been traditionally used in India for treating wounds, ulcers, herpes, scars, skin damage, frostbite and blood purification. Present study was aimed to evaluate antacid capacity in-vitro and antiulcer activity of extract from Calendula officinalis L. (family: Asteraceae) in experimental rats. Evaluation of ethanol extract (100 and 200 mg/kg, orally) from Calendula officinalis (ECO) as antisecretory and in-vivo antacid capacity were carried out by pyloric ligation induced ulcer model. The gastroprotective effect was carried out by absolute ethanol induced ulcer and indomethacin induced ulcer model. Integrity of gastric mucosa was evaluated by the estimation of glutathione (GSH) and gastric mucus level. The in-vitro antacid capacity was evaluated by titration method. ECO produced significant inhibition of ulcer index in all models of ulcers and comparable to standard. The in- vitro antacid capacity was found as 20.58 ± 0.08 mEq/g of ECO. The total protein and pepsin level were found as 92.45 ± 1.89 μg/ml and 34.67 ± 1.25 μmole/ml, respectively in pylorus ligation model at 200 mg/kg of ECO. GSH level were significant elevated by 200 mg/kg of ECO (P

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of roots of Daucus carota and aerial parts of Fumaria indica on gastric tissue glutathione level in experimental rats with indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration. Ethanol extract from roots of D. carota and aerial parts of F. indica was administered at the doses 100 and 200 mg/kg/day, p.o. Ulcer index, gastric GSH level and gastric wall mucus level were estimated. The functioning of liver was also assayed. The effects of roots of D. carota and aerial parts of F. indica were significant and comparable to reference treated group of rats. The gastric GSH levels were replenished by both D. carota and F. indica in 200 mg/kg each. From this study, it was concluded that ethanol extracts each from roots of D. carota and aerial parts of F. indica posses significant ulcer protection by replenishing Gastric GSH and increasing gastric mucus level.

The objective behind this study is to ameliorate the flowability, compressibility and tableting properties of aceclofenac by developing a prolonged release microparticulate system using an algino-carbopol polymeric blend. Prepared microspheres were subjected to various physico-chemical studies along with in vitro drug release studies to optimize the concentration of the polymeric blend required to sustain the drug release for 12 h. Optimize formulation was further subjected to different flowability and compressibility studies to observe the impact of microspheres on improvements of flow properties. All the microsphere formulations exhibited good entrapment efficiency and showed prolonged drug release. SEM study revealed that the microspheres were almost spherical in shape with rough outer surface containing small pores. The findings of micromeritic studies suggested that the flowability and compressibility properties of the pure drug were significantly improved by the microsphere formulation. Heckel analysis also suggested that the microspheres exhibited better plasticity and die filling behavior as compared to pure drug. The tablets containing optimized microspheric formulation showed better handling properties than pure drug and no significant difference in drug release when compared with the marketed product. So the present study concluded that encapsulation of aceclofenac into microparticulate system not only enhanced its flowability, compressibility and tableting properties but also simultaneously helped to improve the patient compliance by sustaining the drug release for a prolonged period of time to manage pain and its symptoms.

Interpenetrating network (IPN) microbeads of sodium carboxymethyl locust bean gum (SCMLBG) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (SCMC) containing diclofenac sodium (DS), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, were prepared by single water-in-water (w/w) emulsion gelation process using AlCl3 as cross-linking agent in a complete aqueous environment. Pharmacokinetic study of these IPN microbeads was then carried out by a simple and feasible high-performance liquid chromatographic method with UV detection which was developed and validated for the quantification of diclofenac sodium in rabbit plasma. The chromatographic separation was carried out in a Hypersil BDS, C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm; 5 m). The mobile phase was a mixture of acetonitrile and methanol (70:30, v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. The UV detection was set at 276 nm. The extraction recovery of diclofenac sodium in plasma of three quality control (QC) samples was ranged from 81.52% to 95.29%. The calibration curve was linear in the concentration range of 20-1000 ng/ml with the correlation coefficient (r(2)) above 0.9951. The method was specific and sensitive with the limit of quantification of 20 ng/ml. In stability tests, diclofenac sodium in rabbit plasma was stable during storage and assay procedure.

Ethnopharmacological relevance:Lygodium flexuosum (Linn) Sw. is a climbing fern, and it is the sole genus in the family Lygodiaceae. It commonly grows epiphytically on moss covered tree trunks and branches as lithophytes on shady boulders along with moss. It has been reported as a traditional folkloric medicine for a variety of ailments particularly useful for carbuncles, inflammation, ulcer, various respiratory diseases, general disorders, muscle sprains and acts as panacea for wounds. However, there are no scientific reports on wound healing activity of the plant L. flexuosum (Linn) Sw.Aim of the study:To explore the protective effect of L. flexuosum against excision, incision and dead space wounds models in experimental rats.Methods:Wistar albino rats of either sex weighing between 180 and 220 g were topically treated with extract formulated in ointment using simple ointment BP as base. Ointments, 4% and 5% (w/w), were applied once daily in excision wound model. L. flexuosum ethanolic extract was given orally at a dose of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg in incision and dead space wound healing models. Rats of standard groups were treated with 0.2% nitrofurazone ointment topically. The percentage wound contraction, epithelization time in excision wound model; breaking strength in incision wound model and wet and dry granulation weight, hydroxyproline content were measured.Results:Topical application of L. flexuosum in excision wound model increased the percentage of wound contraction, and the epithelization time was decreased. In the incision wound model, the breaking strength of wounds increased and in dead space model the weight of dry and wet granuloma of wounds and hydroxyproline was increased. Conclusively, the data of present study indicated that the leaf extract of L. flexuosum accelerated wound healing in rats and thus supports its traditional use.

Interpenetrating network (IPN) microbeads of sodium carboxymethyl locust bean gum (SCMLBG) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (SCMC) containing diclofenac sodium (DS), a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug were prepared by single water-in-water (w/w) emulsion gelation process using AlCl3 as cross-linking agent in a complete aqueous environment. The influence of different variables like total polymer concentration, gelation time and crosslinker content on in vitro physico-chemical characteristics and drug release rate in different media was investigated. Drug loaded microbeads were evaluated through Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph of the beads suggested the formation of spherical particles. FTIR analysis indicated the stable nature of the drug in the blend microbeads. DSC and XRD analysis revealed amorphous state of drug after encapsulation. The drug release profile in acidic medium was considerably less in comparison to alkaline media. Formulations showed non-Fickian type transport mechanism. These tri-valent ion crosslinked beads not only improve drug encapsulation efficiency but also enhance drug release in phosphate buffer.

The aim of this present research work was to prepare and evaluate alginate microspheres of aceclofenac by ionic gelation method for targeting the drug release in intestinal region and decrease distinct tissue protection in the stomach. This method offers to prepare microspheres which are important in controlling the release rate and the absorption of aceclofenac from the intestinal region. Variation in polymer concentration was studied systemically for their influence on the encapsulation efficacy, particle size and in vitro drug release. The enteric nature of the microspheres showed very less amount of drug released in acidic medium. The mucoadhesion property was strongly dependent on the pH of the medium and the polymer concentration in the formulations. In vitro drug release study proposed a mixed drug release mechanism, partially involving the sphere matrix disintegration and drug diffusion of the microspheres. Holm-Sidak multiple comparison analysis suggested a significant difference in measured t50% values among all the microsphere formulations. In vivo studies revealed that the anti-inflammatory effect induced by the aceclofenac loaded alginate microspheres was significantly high and prolonged than that induced by the pure aceclofenac. So, this aceclofenac loaded alginate microspheres exhibited promising properties to improve the patient compliance by controlling and prolonging the systemic absorption of aceclofenac along with a distinct tissue protection in the stomach.

Terminalia arjuna Roxb. (Combretaceae), commonly known as 'Arjuna', is a large tree occurring throughout the Indian peninsula. This study was undertaken to evaluate the methanol extract of T. arjuna leaf (META) for antitumour activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in Swiss albino mice. Twenty-four hours after intraperitonial inoculation of tumour (EAC) cells in mice, META was administered at 100 and 200 mg kg(-1) body weights for 9 consecutive days. On day 10, half of the mice were sacrificed and the rest kept alive for an assessment of the increase in life span. The antitumour effect of META was assessed by evaluating tumour volume, tumour weight, viable and non-viable tumour cell counts, median survival time and increase in life span of EAC-bearing hosts. Haematological profiles were estimated. META showed a significant (p

Initially interpenetrating network (IPN) hydrogel was prepared by dispersing xanthan gum (XG) into poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) backbone in an aqueous medium. Polyacrylic acid (PAA)/Poly (vinyl alcohol)-Xanthan gum IPN superabsorbent composite were fabricated well by dispersing the prepared IPN hydrogel in acrylic acid and polymerized in a complete aqueous environment through chemical cross-linking method. These superabsorbent polymeric composites were analytically evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra (FTIR), Thermal analysis (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Simultaneously water absorbency, swelling kinetics and water retention abilities of this prepared superabsorbent polymeric composites were also investigated systematically.

The present study was undertaken to develop a validated, rapid, simple, and low-cost ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometric method for estimating Etoricoxib (ETX) in pharmaceutical formulations. The analysis was performed on Î max 233 nm using 0.1 M HCl as blank/diluent. The proposed method was validated on International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines including parameters as linearity, accuracy, precision, reproducibility, and specificity. The proposed method was also used to access the content of the ETX in two commercial brands of Indian market. Beer′s law was obeyed in concentration range of 0.1-0.5 μg/ml, and the regression equation was Y = 0.418x + 0.018. The mean accuracy values for 0.1 μg/ml and 0.2 μg/ml concentration of ETX were found to be 99.76 ± 0.52% and 99.12 ± 0.84, respectively, and relative standard deviation (RSD) of interday and intraday was less than 2%. The developed method was suitable and specific to the analysis of ETX even in the presence of common excipients. The method was applied on two different marketed brands and ETX contents were 98.5 ± 0.56 and 99.33 ± 0.44, respectively, of labeled claim. The proposed method was validated as per ICH guidelines and statistically good results were obtained. This method can be employed for routine analysis of ETX in bulk and commercial formulations.

Sooktyn (SKN), mineralo-herbal drug which is being used largely by the patients for its extremely good therapeutic value to treat the gastric ulcers. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the toxicity studies and antiulcer activity of SKN. Acute and sub-chronic toxicities were studied in male and female Wistar rats. A single acute SKN of 2 000 mg/kg was administered by oral gavage for acute toxicity. Sub-chronic doses were 400 and 800 mg/kg/day. The major toxicological end points examined included animal body weight and food intake, selected tissue weights, and detailed gross necropsy. In addition, we examined blood elements: hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count and MCH, MCHC and platelets as well as biochemical parameters: urea, sugar, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, total proteins, and creatinine. Also, anti-ulcer activity was carried out by employing indomethacin, ethanol, pylorus ligation, and hypothermic-stress-induced ulcer models. LD(50) may be greater than 2 000 mg/kg (orally) for SKN and there were no signs of toxicity on 28 days sub-chronic oral administration of 400 and 800 mg/kg of SKN in rats on the basis of blood elements and biochemical parameters. The ulcer indices decrease in all ulcer models with 66.62%, 61.24%, 80.18%, and 74.76% in indomethacin, ethanol, pylorus ligation, and hypothermic-stress-induced ulcer models, respectively. The results suggest that SKN has no signs of toxicity at 2 000 mg/kg body weight of rats orally; sub-chronically. The drug is safe and has antiulcer activity.

From the centuries, herbal medicines are used to treat various diseases and now they had become an item of global importance, with both medicinal and economic implications. The demand of herbal medicine is being increasing day by day due to their safety and efficacy. Now herbals had taken over the allopathic system due to their less side effect and efficient working mechanism. Herbals are playing and pivotal role in increasing the economy of the country and had taken the nation on to the new path to achieve the goal of development. Lygodium flexuosum (Linn) Sw. is a fern found nearly throughout India up to an elevation of 1500 meter. It belongs to the family Lygodiaceae and widely used in treating various ailments like jaundice, dysmenorrhea, wound healing and eczema. It is the rich source of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and cumarin. The main constitute of the plant is lygodinolide which is mainly used in wound healing. In the present review an attempt had been made to explore different aspects of L. flexuosum.

Fumaria indica is used for its anthelmintic, antidyspeptic, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, laxative, stomachic, tonic properties and claimed to possess various properties for the ailments of blood, skin, gastrointestinal systems and central nervous system. The present study was undertaken to evaluate antisecretory, gastroprotective and in-vitro antacid capacity of ethanol extract from F. indica in rats. Evaluation of F. indica extract as antisecretory was carried out by pyloric ligation induced ulcer model. The gastroprotective effect was carried out by absolute ethanol induced ulcer model. Integrity of gastric mucosa was evaluated by estimation of GSH and gastric mucus level. The in-vitro antacid capacity was evaluated by titration method. Ethanol extract of F. indica at 200 mg kg(-1), orally showed inhibition of secretion in pyloric ligation model. GSH level (1.67 μg mg(-1) protein), gastricwall mucus (240.76 μg g(-1) wet glandular tissue) and percentage protection (77.59%) of ulcer were significantly (P0.05) increased in absolute ethanol induced ulcer model. The in-vitro antacid capacity of ethanol extract of F. indica was compared with the standard. Conclusively, it appears that F. indica possess antisecretory (inhibition of acid secretion), gastroprotective (potentiation of defensive factors) and in-vitro antacid activity.

A novel poly(acrylic acid)/modified bentonite superabsorbent polymer (SAP) was synthesized through chemical crosslinking by a polymerization technique in a complete aqueous environment. This SAP was fabricated effectively by dispersing modified bentonite in a monomeric solution, using N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide as crosslinker and ammonium persulfate as initiator. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral analysis showed that the XG chains had intercalated into bentonite sheets. The influence of crosslinking density and XG content were investigated. Results showed modified bentonite not only effectively increases water absorbency, but also improves water retention ability. This can be further used as a carrier matrix for the development of a drug delivery system.

Background: Kuth (Saussurea lappa), Nisotha (Operculina turpethum), Akarakara (Anacyclus pyrethrin) and Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanicum) are some common plants used in Ayurvedic system of medicines and herbal drugs. Objective: The objective of the present study is to evaluate the quality of the samples of same plant marketed into different area, on the standardization parameters given in Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia. Methods: Three different marketed samples of these roots were subjected to pharmacognostic, physicochemical and phytochemical analysis and results were compared to the standards given in Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia. Results: Variations were found in physicochemical and phytochemical parameters of two samples in each case of Saussurea lappa, Operculina turpethum, Anacyclus pyrethrin and of one sample in case of Plumbago zeylanicum. Pharmacognostical parameters were found same as given in Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia for all the samples. Conclusions: The outcome of the study suggested that there is a lot of difference in the quality of the same drug marketed in different parts of country which may also cause variation in products prepared from them. These findings may be very useful for the identification of the species which may be useful to pharmaceutical industries for the quality control of the commercial samples.

Terminalia arjuna Roxb. (Combretaceae), commonly known as Arjuna, is a large tree grown throughout the Indian peninsula and used traditionally for several medicinal purposes.To evaluate antihyperglycemic and antioxidant role of methanol extract of T. arjuna leaf (META) in Wistar rats.Hyperglycemia was induced in rats by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 65 mg/kg body weight). Three days after STZ induction, the hyperglycemic rats were treated with META orally at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight daily for 15 days. Glibenclamide (0.5 mg/kg, orally) was used as reference drug. The fasting blood glucose levels were measured on every fifth day during the 15-day treatment. Serum biochemical parameters such as serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cholesterol, and total protein were estimated. Antioxidant properties were assessed by estimating hepatic lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT).META at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg orally significantly (P 0.001) and dose-dependently reduced and normalized blood glucose levels as compared with that of STZ control group. Serum biochemical parameters were significantly (P 0.001) restored toward normal levels in META-treated rats as compared with STZ control. META treatment also significantly (P 0.001) decreased lipid peroxidation and recovered GSH level and CAT activity toward normal as compared with STZ control.The present study infers that T. arjuna leaf demonstrated remarkable antihyperglycemic activity in STZ-induced diabetic rats. The potential antihyperglycemic action is plausibly due to its underlying antioxidant role.

Barks, roots, fruits, buds, leaves and other parts of plant are considered as source of essential aromatic oils to cure several ailments. The antioxidant property has been shown to be important in recovery from several diseases. The essential oil extracted from eucalyptus leaves was tested for phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activities. The Eucalyptus oil extracted from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus family Myrtaceae was screened for the presence of phytochemicals and their effect on 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl radical (DPPH) and Nitric oxide free radical. Phytochemical screening of the plants showed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins and reducing sugars. Eucalyptus globulus is not having any cardiac glycosides and anthraquinones. The free radical scavenging activity of the different concentrations of the leaf oil (10, 20, 40, 60 and 80% (v/v) in DMSO) of E. globulus increased in a concentration dependent fashion. In DPPH method, the oil in 80% (v/v) concentration exhibited 79.55 ± 0.82%. In nitric oxide radical scavenging assay method, it was found that 80% (v/v) concentration exhibited 81.54 ± 0.94% inhibition. It was concluded that leaf oil is potent inhibition of free radicals.

Microsponges are polymeric delivery systems composed of porous microspheres. They are tiny sponge-like spherical particles with a large porous surface. Moreover, they may enhance stability, reduce side effects and modify drug release favorably. Microsponge technology has many favorable characteristics, which make it a versatile drug delivery vehicle. Microsponge Systems are based on microscopic, polymer-based microspheres that can suspend or entrap a wide variety of substances, and can then be incorporated into a formulated product such as a gel, cream, liquid or powder. The outer surface is typically porous, allowing a sustained flow of substances out of the sphere. Microsponges are porous, polymeric microspheres that are used mostly for topical use and have recently been used for oral administration. Microsponges are designed to deliver a pharmaceutical active ingredient efficiently at the minimum dose and also to enhance stability, reduce side effects, and modify drug release.

SUMMARY In present study evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of the compound obtainedfrom the petroleum ether (40 - 60°C) extract of the fruits from Dregea volubilis in Swiss albino miceand in Wister albino rats respectively. Dried and crushed fruits of Dregea volubilis were extractedby petroleum ether (40 - 60°C), the proper solvent system was developed by TLC and subjected tocolumn chromatography for obtaining the pure compound/s. IR, MASS, NMR (PMR, C13 NMRand DEPT) spectroscopic analysis were done to elucidate the structure of the compound/s. Thepetroleum ether (40 - 60°C) extract of the fruits of Dregea volubilis led to isolation of a pentacyclictriterpenoid designated as taraxerone and characterized as D- friedoolean- 14- en, 3 one.Taraxerone had been screened for analgesic activity in Swiss albino mice and anti-inflammatoryactivity in Wister albino rats at the dose of 5 mg/kg body weight orally and exhibit significantanalgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Key words: Dregea volubilis Benth; Pentacyclic triterpenoid; Taraxerone; Spectroscopy (IR, MASS,C13NMR, PMR, DEPT); Analgesic activity; Anti-inflammatory

Underpinning-based simultaneous extraction was successfully used to extract more than 90% of thick and contiguous sections of a coal seam at Chirimiri mine, lying below a hill cap with a rapid change in depth of cover and is placed above the surrounding ground level. The last few panels of the mine encountered strata control problems during the depillaring. Underground instrumentation and observations showed that the last phase depillaring of the property near the free surface of the hill slope experienced shearing of overlying strata along two incompetent layers. Field investigations revealed that large amount of lateral movement due to the hilly nature of the overlying strata is the main source of the problem. A simple two-dimensional study on a simulated model also demonstrated the occurrence of the problem during working below an unconfined rock mass of hilly nature. Different evidences were collected from the site to identify the main horizons and the direction of lateral movement and, accordingly, two different strata management plans, one for each section, were successfully executed to overcome the encountered strata control problems. Field investigations in the rest of the panels of the site showed favourable impact of the adopted strata management plan.

Purpose To evaluate if the gene expression profile of corneal epithelium from the cone area in Keratoconus (KC) differs from the peripheral non-ectatic areas. Hypothesis The ectasia in Keratoconic cornea is localized to the cone while the peripheral areas are apparently normal. Hence we hypothesized that within the cone of a KC patient cornea, the structural weakness may be a function of localized gene expression differences. Methods Study group contained 54 KC patients undergoing epithelium off corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) and 9 non-ectatic subjects undergoing photo refractive keratectomy (PRK) as controls. The cone vs periphery distinction is based on keratometry and location of the cone based on elevation map. Using a 4.5 mm trephine centered on the cone, epithelium was scraped separately for cone and rest as periphery. In non-ectatic controls, the central 4.5 mm area was taken as cone. Gene expression profiling was performed for each pair of cone and periphery samples by quantitative PCR. Results Lysyl oxidase levels were significantly reduced in the cone of KC patients (p = 0.002). Structure related genes COL1 (p = 0.01) and COL4 (p = 0.008) were also reduced significantly in KC patient cones. The cytokines IL6, TGFβ and TNFα did show an increased trend; regulatory cytokine IL10 did not show significant trend. Matrix remodeler MMP9 showed an increasing trend at the cone while its inhibitor TIMP1 showed a reducing trend that was not significant(p = .09). Conclusions Ectasia in KC may be driven by local molecular factors at the cone that possibly spreads to other parts of cornea as disease progresses.

Objective To investigate the antidiabetic activity of hydro-alcoholic extract of Adina cordifolia (Roxb.) leaves (HAEACL) in alloxan induced diabetic rats at 250 and 500 mg/kg doses. Methods Glibenclamide (10 mg/kg, s.c.) was used as the standard which produced a significant reduction in blood glucose levels. The blood glucose levels of experimental animals were determined at 0, 2, 4 and 6 h after treatment with the plant extract by using glu-oxidase peroxidise reactive strips and glucometer. Results Treatment with HAEACL at 500 mg/kg dose decreased the blood glucose level significantly. However, the lower doses (250 mg/kg) of HAEACL produced a little decrease in blood glucose level. It showed that there was a dose dependent decrease in blood glucose level in the alloxan induced diabetic rats as compared to the control group. Conclusions The present study shows that HAEACL possessed significant antidiabetic activity.

The purpose of this chapter is to demonstrate how action research project is useful to empower resource poor communities taking a case of bagdi community of Bangladesh. A kitchen gardening project was implemented in three villages of bagdi community covering 83 households from 2009 to 2010. The project sensitized households about the importance of growing vegetables and fruit species in unused homestead through interactions, demonstrations and trainings. Findings show that kitchen gardening has contributed in increasing area, production and consumption of vegetables and fruits at household level. Households have also been able to increase cash income to some extent. More importantly, this project has been able to empower bagdi community for generating innovations about vegetable farming, which might have significant positive impact on livelihoods of farmers in the long run.

Objective: The objective of this present investigation was to develop micro matrix sustained release dosage form of losartan potassium using combination of hydrophilic swellable polymers (sodium alginate and guar gum) to obtain a desired sustained drug release. Methods: Ionic gelation technique was used to fabricate all the formulation due to its simple, cost effective and non consumption of organic solvents nature. The effect of polymeric ratio and its blend on dependent parameters (i.e. various physicochemical parameters and in vitro drug release) were studied to optimize the concentration of polymeric blend required for 12 h. sustain release. In vitro wash off test and stability study was performed to investigate the mucoadhesion nature and shelf life of the optimized formulation. Results: Concentration of guar gum was found to be the main influential factor for 12 h sustained drug release. The mucoadhesion property was strongly dependent on the pH of the medium and the polymeric concentration in the formulations. In vitro drug release study proposed a combined drug release mechanism, partially involving the spheres erosion and drug diffusion from the micro matrix system. SEM study and stability analysis revealed that optimized microspheres were almost spherical in shape with a shelf life of about 2.56 years. These prospective results also revealed that sodium alginate alone could not efficiently control the drug release, while combination with guar gum could retard the release of losartan potassium for desire period. Conclusion: So it is concluded that combination of hydrophilic swellable polymers is an essential polymeric blend to deliver losartan potassium for prolong period and improve patient compliance.

The present study deals with standardization of an in-house standard preparation and three marketed samples of Brahmi vati, which is a traditional medicine known to be effective in mental disorders, convulsions, weak memory, high fever and hysteria. Preparation and standardization have been done by following modern scientific quality control proceduresfor raw material and the finished products. The scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis showed the reduction of metals and minerals (particle size range 2-5 ìm) which indicates the proper preparation of bhasmas, the important ingredient of Brahmi vati. Findings of EDX analysis of all samples of Brahmi vati suggested the absence of Gold, an importantconstituent of Brahmi vati in two marketed samples. All the samples of Brahmi vati were subjected to quantitative estimation of Bacoside A (marker compound) by HPTLC technique. Extraction of the samples was done in methanol and the chromatograms were developed in Butanol: Glacial acetic acid: water (4.5:0.5:5 v/v) and detected at 225nm. The regression analysis of calibration plots of Bacoside A exhibited linear relationship in the concentration range of 50-300 ng, while the %recovery was found to be 96.06% w/w, thus proving the accuracy and precision of the analysis. The Bacoside A content in the in-house preparation was found to be higher than that of the commercial samples. The proposed HPTLC method was found to be rapid, simple and accurate for quantitative estimation of Bacoside A in different formulations. The results of this study could be used as a model data in the standardization of Brahmi vati.Keywords: Brahmi vati( BV); Standardization; EDX; HPTLC; Bacoside-A

In this paper coal, source has been used in place of graphite for synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with new Zr/Ni bimetallic catalyst. Using coal as starting material to produce the high-value-added SWCNTs is an economically competent route. SWCNTs have been synthesized by the electric arc discharge method using the so-called heterogeneous annealed coal anode filled with Zr and Ni catalyst. SWCNTs have been synthesized using annealed coal rod. The SWCNTs bundles synthesized generally have diameters of 4–10 nm. Most of those produced with Zr/Ni as the catalyst has a diameter ranging from 2.0 to 1.0 nm. The as-synthesized SWCNTs have been characterized employing XRD, HRTEM, EDX, Raman spectroscopy, and FTIR. It has been found that the change of the ratio of Zr and Ni concentration (wt%) in the catalyst affects the yield of SWCNTs. However, the purity of SWCNTs is very sensitive to the concentration of Zr. An optimal range of Zr/Ni compositions for synthesis of SWCNTs with relatively high purity and yield is obtained at specific concentration of 3:1.

A superabsorbent composite was synthesized via polymerization in a complete aqueous environment. A polymeric composites was fabricated effectively by varying the concentration of natural gum and crosslinker. Reinforcing of the polymer chains with bentonite sheets was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that bentonite was exfoliated and dispersed in the polymeric matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermal analysis (TGA/DSC/DTA) were used to study the morphology and thermal stability of the composites, respectively. The effects of natural gum and crosslinker were investigated. Results showed that introducing organic-inorganic composites improved the swelling capability and water retention ability of the superabsorbent.

This study evaluated the in vitro antioxidant potential of petroleum ether (60-80°C), chloroform, and methanol extract of the fruits of Dregea volubilis Benth (Asclepiadaceae). The different antioxidant assays, including total antioxidant activity, reducing power, free radical, super oxide anion radical, nitric oxide scavenging, lipid peroxidation, and total phenolic content were studied. The extracts exhibited potent total antioxidant activity that increased with increasing amount of extract concentration, which was compared with standard drug vitamin C at different concentrations as extracts. The different concentrations of all the extracts and vitamin C showed inhibition on lipid peroxidation. In addition, all the extracts had effective reducing power, free radical scavenging, super oxide anion scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging, lipid peroxidation, and total phenolic content depending on concentration. These various antioxidant activities were compared with standard antioxidant such as vitamin C at different concentration as different extracts.

Provision of passive means to reactor core decay heat removal enhances the nuclear power plant (NPP) safety and availability. In the earlier Indian pressurised heavy water reactors (IPHWRs), like the 220 MWe and the 540 MWe, crash cooldown from the steam generators (SGs) is resorted to mitigate consequences of station blackout (SBO). In the 700 MWe PHWR currently being designed an additional passive decay heat removal (PDHR) system is also incorporated to condense the steam generated in the boilers during a SBO. The sustainability of natural circulation in the various heat transport systems (i.e., primary heat transport (PHT), SGs, and PDHRs) under station blackout depends on the corresponding system's coolant inventories and the coolant circuit configurations (i.e., parallel paths and interconnections). On the primary side, the interconnection between the two primary loops plays an important role to sustain the natural circulation heat removal. On the secondary side, the steam lines interconnections and the initial inventory in the SGs prior to cooldown, that is, hooking up of the PDHRs are very important. This paper attempts to open up discussions on the concept and the core issues associated with passive systems which can provide continued heat sink during such accident scenarios. The discussions would include the criteria for design, and performance of such concepts already implemented and proposes schemes to be implemented in the proposed 700 MWe IPHWR. The designer feedbacks generated, and critical examination of performance analysis results for the added passive system to the existing generation II & III reactors will help ascertaining that these safety systems/inventories in fact perform in sustaining decay heat removal and augmenting safety.

The methanol extract of the dried leaves of Abies webbiana was evaluated for antimicrobial activity. The methanol extract showed a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity.

During the determination of LD50 values of extracts of Abies webbiana, it was observed that the methanol extract (MEAW) produces sedation of animals. This led to investigation of the effect of MEAW on sleeping time in mice. When various doses of the methanol extract (100, 150, and 200 mg/kg body weight) were administered alone, no hypnotic activity was observed. However, these exhibited significant synergistic effects (P0.001) at those dose levels in mice when administered prior to the administration of standard sedatives (pentobarbitone sodium: 50 mg/kg and diazepam: 6 mg/kg, respectively). In addition anti-inflammatory effects of methanol, chloroform, and petroleum ether extracts of Abies webbiana leaves in rats were performed to assess scientific validity of the medicinal claim of Indian folk medicine. The effects of leaf extracts (methanol, chloroform, and petroleum ether) against inflammation were studied by carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats. The methanol extract (400 mg/kg p.o.) of leaves of Abies webbiana showed the best significant anti-inflammatory activity as compared to that of diclofenac sodium (150 mg/kg p.o.). The LD50 values of methanol, chloroform, and petroleum ether extracts were found to be 986, 1387, and3200 mg/kg, respectively. Thus, the therapeutic index of methanol extract may be favorable to open a new vista on combination therapy of hypnotics and may also against inflammation.

The aim of the present research work was to fabricate aceclofenac loaded pectinate microspheres by ionic gelation method and evaluate the effect of different cross-linking agents and polymer concentration on particle size, encapsulation efficacy and drug release behavior. It was also investigated that whether this pectinate dosage form was able to target the drug release in intestinal region and prevent the different side effect associated with the drug in stomach or not. It was observed that particle size, encapsulation efficacy and in vitro drug release were largely depended on polymer concentration and cross-linking agents. It was also observed that pectinate microspheres showed excellent pH depended mucoadhesive properties and they were able to restrict the drug release in stomach. In vitro drug release study showed that alminium-pectinate microspheres have more sustaining property as compared to barium-pectinate microspheres. Holm-Sidak multiple comparison analysis suggested a significant difference in measured t50% values among all the formulations with same cross-linking agent. In vivo studies revealed that the anti inflammatory and analgesic effects induced by pectinate microspheres were significantly high and prolonged as compared to pure drug. So, pectinate microspheres can be an excellent carrier for targeting the delivery of aceclofenac as well as help in improving the patient compliance by prolonging the systemic absorption.

Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp. (Sanskrit: Adhaki, Hindi: Arhar, English: Pigeon pea, Bengali: Tur) (family: Fabaceae) is the most important grain legume crop of rain-fed agriculture in semi-arid tropics. It is both a food crop and a cover/forage crop with high levels of proteins and important amino acids like methionine, lysine and tryptophan. During the last few decades extensive studies have been carried out regarding the chemistry of C. cajan and considerable progress has been achieved regarding its biological activities and medicinal applications. This review article gives an overview on the biological activities of the compounds isolated, pharmacological actions and clinical studies of C. cajan extracts apart from its general details.

A new alkaloid namely 1-(4'-methoxyphenyl)-aziridine was isolated from the leaf of Abies webbiana Lindl. (Pinaceae), grown in Sikkim Himalayan region of India. Its chemical structure was elucidated on the basis of elemental and spectral analyses. This is the first experimental report of the isolation of any alkaloid from A. webbiana.

ObjectivesIn Indo China, carrots have been reported to regulate the functions of the stomach and intestines. The objective of the present investigation was to unravel the therapeutic potential of 50% ethanol extract from Daucus carota roots (EDC) on antisecretory, gastroprotective, and in vitro antacid capacity using experimental rats.MethodsAssessment of EDC antisecretory and in vivo antacid capacities was carried out using a pyloric ligation induced ulcer model. The gastroprotective effect was assessed with an absolute ethanol induced ulcer model. The integrity of gastric mucosa was evaluated using the estimation of glutathione and gastric mucus level and with histopathological examination of gastric mucosal cells. The in-vitro antacid capacity was evaluated using a titration method. The effect of the extract on the liver was assessed by measuring serum biochemical parameters.ResultsThe EDC significantly (p

The present study evaluates the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the methanolic extract from Jatropha curcas (Euphorbiaceae) leaves to provide experimental evidence for its traditional use. Investigations on the analgesic effects and anti-inflammatory activities of J. curcas were carried out by utilizing the different animal models. It has been shown that the methanolic extract from Jatropha curcas leaves significantly increased pain threshold and reduced writhing response as well as inhibited the increase in vascular permeability. Also, it significantly decreased the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema. The results show that the methanolic extract from Jatropha curcas leaves have both central and peripheral analgesic activities and as anti-inflammatory effects, supporting the traditional application of this herb in treating various diseases associated with inflammation and pain.