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Digital Technology has become an integral part of our lives today. Here IoT comes across as a technology which transforms the way we perceive our surroundings. IoT is considered to be a network of interconnected physical objects/things around us that communicate with each other over the Internet. These days, the need for efficient controlling of appliances to minimize power wastage is important as fossils and non-renewable sources of energy are plummeting. So, a smart home system has been developed to monitor and control home appliances remotely from anywhere. This has been executed on a virtual simulator namely Proteus where the hardware circuitry has been designed. Blynk app has been used to send the user’s command to the circuit through the local cloud server connected with Arduino and Bluetooth module. The basic home appliances like fan, light and room heater which cause unnecessary wastage of power due to turning on of lights during day time or high-speed fans in winter season can be avoided in this way. At the same time the ability to control our everyday appliances over the internet using IoT makes our lives easier, comfortable and tech savvy. Such a system can be used in a wide range of applications such as home automation, smart agriculture, smart industry.

Quisqualis indica L., Syn. Combretum indicum (L.) DeFilipps., known as Rangoon creeper or Chinese Honeysuckle, is an abundant source of phenols and flavonoids thathave crucial role in free radical scavenging. Therefore, here we investigated whether extract of Q. indica flower has any role against esophagitis through scavenging of free radical oxygen species. In this study, we elucidated the effect of ethanolic flower extract of Q. indica on experimental esophagitis in albino Wister rats. The fasted animals divided into six groups and received carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) (0.25%, 3 mL/kg, Sham control) or toxic control or pantoprazole (30 mg/kg) or flower extract of different doses (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg) were subjected to pylorus and fore stomach ligation. All the animals were sacrificed after 8 h and evaluated for various parameters such as total acidity, free acidity, gastric pH, volume of gastric juices and esophagitis index. Esophageal tissues were subjected to estimation of various oxidative stress parameters like malonaldehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and protein carbonyl (PC). In a separate experiment, in vitro antioxidant assays such as DPPH and H2O2 assays, total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also conducted. The results revealed that treatments with pantoprazole and flower extracts significantly inhibited the gastric secretion, total acidity and esophagitis index. Various oxidative stress parameters also restored to normal level in the treated groups. This action could be due to the presence of higher phenolic and flavonoid contents. All these findings collectively suggest that the flower extract of Q. indica possibly possess anti-esophagitis potential.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the antiproliferative action of isolated M1 (6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid) from Mucuna pruriens seeds using human hepatic carcinoma cell line (Huh-7 cells). Initially, docking studies was performed to find out the binding affinities of M1 to caspase-3 and 8 enzymes. Later, cytotoxic action of M1 was measured by cell growth inhibition (MTT), followed by caspase-3 and 8 enzymes assay colorimetrically. Our results collectively suggested that M1 had strong binding affinity to caspase-8 in molecular modelling. M1 possessed antiproliferative activity on Huh-7 cells (EC50 = 13.97 μM) and also inhibited the action of caspase-8 enzyme, signified process of apoptosis. M1 was active against Huh-7 cells that may be useful for future hepatic cancer treatment.

The purpose of this work was to evaluate different methods of cross-linking for developing diltiazem–resin complex loaded carboxymethyl xanthan gum (CMXG) hydrogel beads to achieve highest possible drug entrapment and extended release for effective cardio-protection. The hydrogel beads were prepared by ionic cross-linking and dual cross-linking using simultaneous (SIM) and sequential (SEQ) methods. Among the three methods, SEQ method produced smaller sized beads having higher drug entrapment efficacy and prolonged release characteristics as evidenced from mean dissolution time and diffusion coefficient of drug. Keeping the concentration of ionic cross-linker constant, increase in the amount of covalent cross-linker and cross-linking time decreased the drug release. Higher release of the drug in acid solution was attributed to the higher solubility of the basic drug and higher swelling of the matrices in acid solution. Comparison of FTIR spectra, drug content and dissolution profiles indicated that the drug was stable in the beads when kept under stress condition up to 3 months. In conclusion, the sequential method was found superior for producing CMXG hydrogel beads as a prolonged release delivery device in cardiovascular diseases.

In this chapter, we have tried to include various physicochemical methods of extraction that comprise microwave-assisted extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, liquid phase microextraction, solid phase extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, cloud-point extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, membrane-based microextraction, and cooling-assisted microextraction. These are the commonly used techniques nowadays in terms of isolation and separation of ingredients from both chemical and biological mixtures. The description is based on principle, method, and comparison of various techniques. Their commercial applications both in analytical and industrial point of view are also included in this chapter. We also include few special biological extraction techniques at the end of this chapter. Finally, the conclusion is drawn based on the application of different techniques, target molecules, and sample types. This chapter will serve as a valuable tool and key milestone to researchers in a future application.

Object: Cancer has become leading cause of death in India as well as world. Synthetic anticancer agents have costly and highly toxic to human body. Therefore, it is necessary to discover new therapeutic agents from natural origin for this disease. Materials and Methods: Mucuna pruriens Linn. (MP) (family Fabaceae), is widely used in folk medicine and there is no any such report on antiproliferative effects of this plant. The first objective of this study is to investigate the anticancer properties using hepatoma cells of MP seeds. The first objective of this study is to investigate the anticancer properties of MP seeds by using/on hepatoma cells. Secondly, it is necessary to explore its hepatotoxicity potential in normal cells as well. Therefore, the other objective of this study is to investigate the toxicity using normal hepatic cells. To achieve this goal, hot extraction of MP seeds were performed using petroleum ether 60-80°C (PE), ethyl acetate (EA) and Methanol (ME) as a solvent. All the three extracts were subjected to screen for anti-proliferative action using human hepatoma cell line (Huh-7 cells) at different concentrations from 0.5 to 100 µg/ml, followed by apoptotic activity using caspase-3 enzymes. On the other hand, hepatoprotective activity was performed using human primary hepatic cells (THLE-2 cells). Results: Our result collectively suggested that both EA and ME extract possessed anti-proliferative action on Huh-7 cells and less cytotoxic action on normal cells. Conclusion: Among these two extracts, it is demonstrated for the first time that ME extracts of MP seeds have cytotoxic effect on hepatoma cells but not on normal hepatic cells.

The effect of Ca(2+) ion concentration on swelling, erosion, and drug release mechanism of Ca(2+) ion cross-linked carboxymethyl xanthan gum (Ca-CMXG) matrices was investigated. By adding CaCl2 solution, carboxymethyl xanthan gum (CMXG) was converted into Ca-CMXG matrix, which was evaluated for swelling, erosion and drug release in different dissolution media. The amount of Ca(2+) ion alters the viscosity of gel layer formed around the matrices resulting in decreased water penetration into swollen layer. The changes in amount of Ca(2+) ion considerably influenced the swelling and erosion of the matrix leading to different drug release profiles. The simultaneous swelling and erosion of matrices that were controlled by the degree of cross-linking prejudiced the drug release mechanism. The release data fitted well into the Korsmeyer-Peppas equation and the combined effect of diffusion and erosion described the overall drug transport mechanism.

The objective of this work was to study the release behavior of prednisolone from calcium-cross-linked carboxymethyl xanthan gum (CMXG) tablets in dissolution medium having different pH values prevailing in the gastrointestinal lumen. Xanthan gum (XG) was derivatized to CMXG which was then cross-linked in situ with Ca(+2) ion during wet massing step of tablet preparation. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry studies did not show any drug-polymer interaction although the drug underwent solid-state transformation during compression as evident from X-ray diffraction analysis. In vitro release study demonstrated that increase in the amount of Ca(+2) ion decreased the drug release, and beyond a certain amount, the drug release increased. While increase in both drug load and tablet crushing strength decreased the drug release, increase in exposure time in acid solution of pH 1.2 increased the overall release of the drug. The mechanism of drug release was non-Fickian/anomalous. The results indicated that variation in the amount of Ca(+2) ion can modulate the drug release from CMXG matrix tablets as needed.

Leflunomide (LEF) is used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis via inhibition of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase and tyrosine kinase enzymes. It is metabolised by cytochrome 2C9 enzyme to active form A771726 (melononitrilamide) which is responsible for both its pharmacological and toxicological responses. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave black box warning in 2010 due to acute liver failure in humans. While the exact mechanism of its toxicity remains unknown, it has been postulated that the formation of toxic reactive metabolites and elevation of serum transaminase level may be responsible for its toxicity. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether oxidative stress has any role in inducing hepatotoxicity of this drug. LEF was administered orally in 10 mg/kg body weight to albino wistar rats. Then, liver and blood were collected at 4, 8, 12 and 16 h intervals. Liver glutathione (GSH), oxidized lipid (malonaldehyde MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and plasma alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) levels were measured to determine the level of toxicity. GSH, CAT and SOD levels were found to be decreased with respect to control at all time points, whereas MDA level was significantly increased which signified liver cell injury after drug administration. The plasma ALT and AST levels were also increased at the same time, denoting liver tissue damage. Our result collectively indicated that oxidative stress might be responsible for LEF inducing hepatotoxicity. Key words: Leflunomide, A771726 metabolite, hepatotoxicity, oxidative stress.

Aim: 6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (M1) was synthesized and evaluated for in-vivo antiproliferative action in diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinogenic rats. Materials & methods: The antiproliferative effect of M1 was assessed by various biochemical parameters, histopathology of liver and HPLC analysis. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance-based serum metabolic study was implemented on rat sera to explore the effects of M1 on hepatocellular carcinoma-induced metabolic alterations. Results: M1 showed protective action on liver and restored the arrangement of liver tissues in normal proportion. HPLC analysis displayed a good plasma drug concentration after its oral administration. Score plots of partial least squares discriminate analysis models exhibited that M1 therapy ameliorated hepatocellular carcinoma-induced metabolic alterations which signified its antiproliferative potential. Conclusion: M1 manifested notable antiproliferative profile, and warrants further investigation for future anticancer therapy., Lay abstract: Our previous study unveiled that an isoquinoline alkaloid (M1) isolated from Mucuna pruriens seeds had potent antiproliferative action on human hepatoma cells in vitro. In the present investigation we synthesized M1 and studied its in vivo antiproliferative effects in liver carcinogenic rats. To observe the effects of M1, various studies were conducted which include biochemical parameters of plasma and serum, histopathology of liver and HPLC analysis of plasma. In addition, 1H-NMR-based serum metabolic profiling was carried out to identify the effects of M1 on hepatocellular carcinoma-induced metabolic alterations. Our findings showed that compound M1 exemplifies remarkable efficacy against hepatocellular carcinoma.

This study was performed to assess and correlate in vitro drug release with in vivo absorption of prednisolone (PDL) from a colon-targeted tablet prepared by compression coating of core tablet. In vivo drug absorption study was conducted using a high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method, which was developed and validated for the estimation of PDL in rabbit plasma. The calibration curve showed linearity in the concentration range of 0.05 to 50 μg/mL with the correlation coefficient (r) of 0.999. The method was specific and sensitive with the limit of detection (LOD) and lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of 31.89±1.10 ng/mL and 96.63±3.32 ng/mL, respectively. The extraction recovery (ER) of PDL from three different levels of quality control (QC) samples ranged from 98.18% to 103.54%. In vitro drug release study revealed that less than 10% drug was released in 6.34 h and almost complete (98.64%) drug release was achieved in the following 6 h. In vivo drug absorption study demonstrated lower values of Cmax, AUCtotal, and protracted Tmax from compression-coated tablet. The results confirmed the maximum release of drug in the colon while minimizing release in the upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT). An excellent in vitro and in vivo correlation (IVIVC) was also achieved after considering the lag time.

Homopolymeric and interpenetrating network (IPN) hydrogel beads of ibuprofen (IBP), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, were prepared using carboxymethyl xanthan and sodium alginate as polymers and AlCl3 as a cross-linking agent. Formation of IPN structure was examined using FTIR analysis. The effect of composition of the hydrogel beads and the amount drug load on the release of IBP was studied in acidic and phosphate buffer (PB) solution of pH 6.8. In accordance with the swelling behavior of the beads, drug release from the IPN beads in acidic solution was found to be confined within those from homopolymeric beads. On the other hand, drug release from IPN beads in PB solution was found to be less than those from the homopolymeric beads although the swelling of the beads followed the same trend as in an acidic solution. An increase in the drug load further decreased the drug release from all the beads in both the dissolution media. FTIR, XRD, and DSC analyses demonstrated the absence of any interaction between the drug and the polymers. The results indicated that IPN hydrogel beads provided more sustained release of IBP than homopolymeric beads. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 30:1–11, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.20199

Interpenetrating network (IPN) beads of sodium carboxymethyl xanthan (SCMX) and sodium alginate (SAL) were pre-pared by ionotropic gelation process using AlCl3 as a cross-linking agent. The effect of different formulation vari-ables like total polymer concentration, gelation time, concentration of cross-linking agent, and drug load on the extent of release of ibuprofen (IBP), a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, was examined. The formation of IPN structure was examined using Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR) analysis and the compatibility of the drug in the bead was evaluated through FTIR, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analyses. While increase in the concentration of total polymer, gelation time, and drug load decreased the drug release in both acidic (pH-1.2) and phosphate buffer (PB) solution (pH-6.8), increase in the concentration of cross-linking agent tended to increase the drug release. However, from all the formulations, the drug release in acidic medium was considerably slow and a maximum 14% of the loaded drug was released in 2 h. Complete drug release was achieved in PB solution within 210 to 330 min depending upon the formulation variables. The release of the drug followed non-Fickian transport process in acidic medium and case-II transport mechanism in PB solution and these release behaviour correlated well with the kinetics of dynamic swelling of IPN beads. The study indicated that the IPN beads of SCMX and SAL could be a suitable dosage form to minimize the drug release in acidic solution and to control the drug release in PB solution depending upon the need.

This work was envisaged to develop compression-coated tablets using a blend of Ca+2 ion cross-linked carboxymethyl xanthan gum (CMXG) and sodium alginate (SAL) for delayed release of immediate pulse release tablets of prednisolone (PDL) in the colon without the need of colonic bacterial intervention for degradation of the polysaccharide coat. The core tablets containing PDL and other compatible excipients were prepared by direct compression method and subsequently compression coated with different ratios of CMXG and SAL. Long T lag, the time required to restrict the drug release below 10%, and short T rap, the time required for immediate release following the T lag, were considered as suitable release parameters for evaluation of colon targeting of PDL tablets. Among the various compression coats, a blend of CMXG and SAL in a ratio of 1.5:3.5 provided T lag of 5.12 ± 0.09 h and T rap of 6.50 ± 0.05 h. The increase in microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and crospovidone (CP) in the core tablets did not change T lag significantly although decreased the T rap marginally. Inclusion of an osmogen in the core tablets decreased the T lag to 4.05 ± 0.08 h and T rap to 3.56 ± 0.06 h. The increase in coat weight to 225 mg provided a reasonably long T lag (6.06 ± 0.09 h) and short T rap (4.36 ± 0.20 h). Drug release from most of the formulations followed the Hixson-Crowell equation and sigmoidal pattern as confirmed by the Weibull equation. In conclusion, tablets, compression coated with CMXG and SAL in a ratio of 1.5:3.5 and having 225-mg coat weight, were apparently found suitable for colon targeting.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the antiproliferative action of isolated M1 (6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid) from Mucuna pruriens seeds using human hepatic carcinoma cell line (Huh-7 cells). Initially, docking studies was performed to find out the binding affinities of M1 to caspase-3 and 8 enzymes. Later, cytotoxic action of M1 was measured by cell growth inhibition (MTT), followed by caspase-3 and 8 enzymes assay colorimetrically. Our results collectively suggested that M1 had strong binding affinity to caspase-8 in molecular modelling. M1 possessed antiproliferative activity on Huh-7 cells (EC50 = 13.97 μM) and also inhibited the action of caspase-8 enzyme, signified process of apoptosis. M1 was active against Huh-7 cells that may be useful for future hepatic cancer treatment.

Partially carboxymethylated guar gum (PCMGG) was crosslinked in situ by Ca(2+) ions during wet massing step of tablet preparation. The resulting tablets were evaluated for the effect of the extent of crosslinking on drug release and matrix swelling. Increase in the concentration of Ca(2+) ions increased the viscosity of gel layer and reduced the water penetration velocity into the matrix with subsequent decrease in swelling of the tablets and drug release. Beyond a certain concentration of Ca(2+) ions, the viscosity of the gel layer decreased and the drug release rate increased primarily due to erosion of the matrix. The mechanism of drug release appeared to be non-Fickian or anomalous transport. The release data also best fitted in zero order equation. The model drug, metronidazole, was compatible with the matrix materials as evident from instrumental analyses. Such formulation may provide flexibility in achieving the desired drug release rate from crosslinked matrix tablets.

Spilanthes acmellais an important medicinal plant, found in tropical and subtropical countries mainly India and South America. Popularly, it is known as toothache plant which reduces the pain associated with toothaches and can induce saliva secretion. Various extracts and active metabolites from various parts of this plant possess useful pharmacological activities. Literature survey proposed that it has multiple pharmacological actions, which include antifungal, antipyretic, local anaesthetic, bioinsecticide, anticonvulsant, antioxidant, aphrodisiac, analgesic, pancreatic lipase inhibitor, antimicrobial, antinociception, diuretic, vasorelaxant, anti-human immunodeficiency virus, toothache relieve and anti-inflammatory effects. This review is elaborately describing the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of this plant. This review would assist researchers to search scientific information in the future.

Objective: Duloxetine, a selective serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor used in major depressive disorders, urinary incontinence and diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. It is reported to be associated with several types of liver injuries, including hepatocellular, cholestatic and mixed hepatocellular-cholestatic patterns. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of duloxetine or its metabolites on oxidative stress-induced liver damages.Methods: In this study, animals were divided into five groups. In the first group, the only vehicle was given orally for 21 d. The second group has been considered as hepatotoxic control group where Erythromycin was given orally for 14 d and remaining three groups have been considered as test groups where duloxetine, fluvoxamine and duloxetine along with fluvoxamine were administered orally for 21 d. Liver GSH, oxidised lipid (malonaldehyde MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), protein carbonyl (PC) and plasma alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were measured to determine the level of hepatotoxicity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study of liver tissues was also performed to examine the liver injuries.Results: GSH and SOD levels were found to be decreased in duloxetine-treated groups with respect to the hepatotoxic control group, whereas increased level of MDA, CAT and PC signify the damages of liver cells. Increased level of plasma ALT, AST and ALP at the same time indicated liver tissue damage. Opposite effects were observed in the case of duloxetine and fluvoxamine-treated groups. SEM of liver tissues revealed that the tissue injury occurred in Duloxetin treated groups, whereas the restoration of normal tissue architecture took place due to the administration of duloxetine and fluvoxamine-treated groups.Conclusion: Our results collectively indicated that hydroxylated and epoxide metabolites of duloxetine might have hepatotoxic potential due to oxidative stress produced by the release of free radicals or reactive oxygen species.

Salacia oblonga (S. oblonga), a perennial herb, has been used for thousands of years in ayurvedic medicine and is closely associated with prevention, treatment, and cure of various human ailments such as obesity and diabetes. A vast and wide range of chemical compounds such as polyphenols, friedelane-type triterpenes, norfriedelane-type triterpenes, eudesmane-type sesquiterpenes including various glycosides had been isolated from this plant. This review is aimed to survey the literature covering the phytochemistry and pharmacology of S. oblonga and to review the scientific data including active components and their multi-targeted mechanisms of action against various metabolic syndromes. We also included clinical trials related to this plant in this review. The overview would assist researchers to gather scientific information related to S. oblonga in future.

Ficus racemosa is an important medicinal plant, found in India, Australia, and Southeast Asia. It is popularly known as 'gular.' It reduces blood glucose concentration due to the presence of β-sitosterol. Many active constituents that have been isolated from various parts of this plant possess useful pharmacological activities. The literature survey proposed that it has multiple pharmacological actions that include antidiabetic, antioxidant, antidiarrhoeal, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antifungal, antibacterial, hypolipidemic, antifilarial, and hepatoprotection. This review article elaborately describes the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of this plant. We also provide useful structures of the secondary metabolites along with their nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data. Some clinical trial data have also been provided in this review. This review would assist researchers to gather scientific information in future.