Advanced Concepts in Pharmaceutical Research Vol. 9

Berberis aristata: An Endangered High Value Medicinal Shrub of Western Himalayas in Peril

A. R. Malik — 2024-05-04

Berberis aristata DC. commonly known as “Daru haldhi and Chitra” is a spinous shrub native to the northern Himalayan region. The plant is widely distributed from the Himalayas to Srilanka, Bhutan and Jammu and Kashmir. It is mainly propagated through seeds, self-sown in nature. Propagation through cuttings has also been reported. Berberis aristata has been used in Ayurvedic medicines for a long time. The plant is used traditionally in inflammation, wound healing, skin disease, jaundice and infection of the eyes. The berries are edible and rich in vitamin C. A highly valuable Ayurvedic preparation ‘Rasaut’ is prepared from the root of the plant and is used in curing human ailments like ophthalmic, ulcers as a laxative, tonic and blood purifier. High demand for local usage as well as for pharmaceuticals creates serious pressure on the plant which already categorized the plant as an “endangered” species per (IUCN) criteria. Phytochemical studies show that the plant B. aristata contains mainly yellow colored Berberine, oxyberberine, berbamine, aromoline and palmatine. The plant has effective pharmacological action and shows a promising future for further researchers.

Determination of Vanadium (V) Using Metanil Yellow Dye as an Analytical Reagent: Spectrophotometric Analysis

Aparna Somendra Bhardwaj — 2024-05-04

Vanadium finds applications in various industries, accurate determination of vanadium levels ensures quality control and monitoring vanadium levels in drinking water and air helps in public health. The development of spectrophotometric determination using Metanil yellow dye contributes to the advancement of analytical chemistry. The method quantifies trace levels of vanadium in various samples and serves diverse societal needs, including environmental protection, industrial quality control, public health, scientific advancement, regulatory compliance, and resource management. A simple, rapid, selective and sensitive method for the spectrophotometric determination of microgram amount of Vanadium (V) utilizing the reaction of Metanil yellow dye in 40% Ethyl Alcohol medium. Metanil yellow reacts with Vanadium (V) instantaneously at room temperature in a slightly acidic medium. The complex exhibits an absorption maximum at 512 nm of UV- visible spectrophotometer with a molar absorptivity of 2.21 × 105 litre mol-1 cm-1. The sensitivity is 4.52 n gm of Vanadium ml-1 and the optimum range for the effective spectrophotometric determination is 0.05-0.41µg ml-1. A five-fold molar excess of the dye is necessary for the full development of the colour intensity. The influence of some common ions is reported.

Developing a Stability Indicating Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatographic Method for Simultaneous Quantitation of Degradation Products of Telmisartan and Hydrochlorothiazide in Combination Dosage Form

Narasimha Reddy G. P. — 2024-05-04

Telmisartan (TLM) is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) that has an extensive period of working and has the lengthy half-life of any ARB. Telmisartan works by blocking a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten. This work is intended to thrive a stability-indicating Ultra performance liquid chromatographic method for the estimation of Telmisatam (TLM) and Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and degradation products pharmaceutical dosage forms. Separation was carried out on Zorbax Eclipse XDB C-18(50 x mm, 1.7 µm) column using a gradient method. Mobile phase A is 10mM KH₂PO₄ having 1% (v/v) of trimethylamine and mobile phase B is acetonitrile used in this work. 0.5 mL/ minute is the flow rate and at 271 nm noticed wavelength is monitored. Method development trails were carried out on six different columns. For specificity, limit of quantification, limit of detection, linearity, accuracy, method precision, robustness and stability this method is validated. The correlation coefficient of the impurities is more than 0.99. The stability indicating method confirmed that there was no interference of all impurities of TLM and HCTZ. TLM and HCTZ tablet samples stored and long-term storage conditions. The effect of storage conditions results proved that the method has stability indicating capability. Hence, the developed LC method was stability indicating and well applied for drug product stability study as well as for quality monitoring.

Evaluating Proximal Femur Morphometry by Radiography and Its Association with Bone Mineral Density: Insights from a Comprehensive Cross-Sectional Analysis

Lopamudra Nayak — 2024-05-04

Background: The morphometry of the proximal femur, including hip axis length (HAL), femoral neck axis length (FNAL), and femoral neck shaft angle (FNSA), plays a crucial role in assessing fracture risk. This study aims to elucidate the association between proximal femur morphometry and bone mineral density (BMD), considering various demographic and physiological factors.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed 168 patients using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans to measure HAL, FNAL, FNSA, and FN-BMD. We employed a LUNAR XR scanner for precise BMD measurement, ensuring the integrity and comparability of data.

Results: Our analysis revealed significant negative correlations between FN-BMD and HAL (r=-0.791), FNAL(r=-0.734), and FNSA(r=-0.713), underscoring the predictive value of proximal femur morphometry on BMD. These findings highlight the potential of morphometric parameters in enhancing fracture risk prediction models.

Conclusion: This study establishes a significant association between proximal femur morphometry and BMD, contributing valuable insights to the field of osteoporosis research and fracture risk assessment. Further research is recommended to explore the clinical applications of these findings in personalized medicine.

Hepatoprotective Activity of Whole Plant Extract Fractions of Marsilea minuta Linn

Praneetha Pallerla — 2024-05-04

The objective of the study is to separate and identify the most effective hepatoprotective fraction of methanolic extract of Marsilea minuta (MMME) by fractionating and evaluating its fractions for hepatoprotective activity in three mechanistically devised models viz., CCl_4, paracetamol and ethanol-induced liver damage in rats. Excess consumption of certain drugs like antibiotics, chemotherapeutic agents, acetaminophen, and exposure to some chemicals such as peroxidised oils, aflatoxin, CCl4, alcohol etc make the liver vulnerable to a variety of disorders viz., jaundice, hepatitis etc which are the two major hepatic disorders that account for the high death rate. An acute toxicity study was carried out on the fractions according to the Organization for Economic Corporation Development (OECD)-420 guidelines. Liver damage was induced in different groups of rats by administering 1:1v/v CCl₄in olive oil 1ml/kg.b.w.p.o, 3g/kg.b.w.p.o paracetamol and 5g/kg.b.w.p.o ethanol and the effect of fractions were tested for hepatoprotective potential by evaluating serum biochemical parameters, histology of liver of rats and the most effective bioactive fraction was screened for its effect on hepatic microsomal drug-metabolizing enzymes (MDMA) and prothrombin time (PT). It was also tested for its antioxidant properties by DPPH method, lipid peroxidation method and for detection of different classes of chemicals present in it. Pretreatment with fractions (toluene, 1-butanol, aqueous at 50, 100mg/kg.b.w) significantly reversed the changes in serum biochemical parameters and histology of the liver caused by the three hepatotoxins namely CCl_4, paracetamol and ethanol indicating their hepatoprotective activity. Research using MMME butanol fraction (BF-MMME) provided strong evidence for its hepatoprotective properties in PT, DPPH, and MDMA. While all of the MMME fractions showed notable hepatoprotective efficacy, the most potent hepatoprotective fraction was found to be BF-MMME (50 mg/kg). The findings of the study substantiated the ethnomedicinal value of the plant Marsilea minuta used in the treatment of hepatitis. However, a comprehensive investigation of the bioactive fraction BF-MMME is required to identify the active principle(s) to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity in different models with the mechanism of action for developing a safe and effective herbal hepatoprotective drug.

Investigating the Antihyperglycaemic Effect of Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash Root Extract in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats

Sanjay Kumar Karan — 2024-05-04

Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash (family: Poaceae) is commonly known as 'Khas-Khas' in Bangladesh and India. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antihyperglycaemic activity of the ethanol extract of roots of Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash, in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Wistar albino rats weighing 250- 350 g of both sexes were selected for the present investigation Antihyperglycaemic Effect of Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash Root Extract. Alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg) was administered to Wister albino rats via the interperitoneal route. The diabetic rats were then placed into 6 groups, following the stabilization of hyperglycaemia. The first group was untreated; the second group received a reference standard, glibenclamide (10 mg/kg) and the next four groups received ethanol extract of V. zizanioides roots at the doses of 100, 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg, respectively each day. Treatment was provided via the oral route for 28 days and fasting sugar level was monitored over this period. Acute toxicity (oral and interperitoneal) studies as well as phytochemical screenings of the extracts were carried out. It was observed that ethanol extract of V. zizanioides (100, 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg p.w.o) significantly reduced the blood glucose level at the end of 28th days in alloxan-induced diabetes rats. The antihyperglycaemic effects were compared with those of glibenclamide (10 mg/kg p.w.o), the standard reference hypoglycaemic agent. The present study indicates that ethanol extract of V. zizanioides root posses better antihyperglycaemic activity compared to other extracts of it in both normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The study provides proof for the ethnomedical claims and reported biological activities of V. zizanioides with respect to its good therapeutic and antidiabetic potential. We concluded that the ethanolic extract of V. zizanioides has hypoglycaemic and antihyperglycaemic activity as it lowers blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. However, the molecule (s) responsible for such an effect requires further investigation.

Synergistic Amelioration of Arthritis in Preclinical Models through Azathioprine and Pioglitazone Combination Therapy

Veeresh Babu Pratap — 2024-05-04

The current investigation aimed to explore the antioxidant and anti-arthritic properties of a combination therapy involving azathioprine and pioglitazone, compared to their individual use, in rodent models. The antioxidant potential of the drugs and their combination were assessed through tests for scavenging activities against H₂O₂ and nitric oxide. Furthermore, their anti-arthritic effects were evaluated using both in vitro methods such as protein denaturation and membrane stabilization assays, and in vivo models including formaldehyde and complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis. Results indicated that the combined treatment exhibited superior scavenging of free radicals compared to the individual drugs, suggesting enhanced antioxidant activity. Moreover, the combination showed significant inhibition of protein denaturation and red blood cell proliferation in vitro. In animal models, it effectively reduced paw volume in both formaldehyde and CFA-induced arthritis, along with normalization of altered biochemical parameters, as confirmed by radiological and histopathological analyses. These findings highlight the synergistic interaction between azathioprine and pioglitazone, leading to enhanced antioxidant and anti-arthritic effects compared to their individual administration.

Design and Evaluation of Oro-Dispersible Tablets of Tramadol Hydrochloride

Raja Narender B. — 2024-05-04

Background: Oral Drug Delivery is the Most Preferred and Convenient route of Drug administration due to High Patient Compliance, Cost-effectiveness, Flexibility in the Design of Dosage form and Ease of Production. Many Patient Groups Such as Elderly children, Mentally Retarded have difficulty in swallowing. Conventional dosage forms like Tablets will be further hindered by Conditions such as the Unavailability of water, Allergic reactions and Episodes of Coughing. Hence, these problems can be Solved by Developing Rapidly Disintegrating and Dissolving Tablet dosage forms for Oral administration because they Dissolve in saliva and do not Require water for swallowing.

Aim: Tramadol Hydrochloride is a Centrally Acting Synthetic Opioid Analgesic. The aim of the present study was to Formulate Mouth Dissolving Tablets of Tramadol Hydrochloride.

Methods: The Tramadol Hydrochloride Mouth Dissolving Tablets were prepared by Direct Compression and Wet Granulation Methods. The Composition of the Present Study includes Tramadol Hydrochloride, Mannitol, Crospovidone, Copovidone, Ethyl Cellulose, Silicon dioxide and Magnesium stearate. The initial Four batches (TM1-TM4) were Formulated by the Direct Compression Method and (TM5- TM13) were Formulated by the Wet Granulation Method. With the Same Composition. Physico-chemical Parameters include Hardness, Friability [1] Weight Variation Disintegration Time and Dissolution Studies were Determined for all the Invitro Drug Release Studies and Stability Studies were Performed with the Same Composition as that of the Reference Product (Rybix, ODT).

Results: The Results indicate that the Hardness of the Tablet Prepared by Direct Compression and Wet Granulation Methods has increased with an increase in the concentration of Super Disintegrating Agents like Crospovidone, Copovidone and also Pharmaburst. In the case of Disintegration Time TM13 was considered to be the Best Formulation for 15 sec and TM01 is considered to be the Poor formulation for 104 sec because of its Hardness and More Porous structure. The Trial TM11 is considered as Optimized Formulation as part of Dissolution and Flow Properties.TM11-TM13 was Formulated and given to 5 human volunteers to study the Organoleptic Characters. The Stability Studies [2] Indicate that the Drug is stable for a period of 3 months.

Conclusion: By Considering all the Results and Stability Data, it was concluded that Trial TM13 is the most Stable and met the Predetermined Specifications Of Dissolution, Assay, Friability, Disintegration Time Dispersion Time and stability for a period of 3 months.

Comparison of Nanotech Assisted PCR Diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis with Conventional Methods

Deepak Sawant — 2024-05-04

Aims: This study was focused on the assessment and performance of traditional TB diagnosis methods and new innovative nanotech-assisted TB methods. The main aim of this study is to undertake the use of magnetic nanoparticles for TB detection.

Study Design: A total of 400 pulmonary sputum samples of suspected TB patients were selected for this study out of these 30% (120) were selected for comparative study. Cross-sectional studies were conducted on clinical and radiological suspected TB patients.

Place and Duration of Study: A total of one hundred and twenty clinically suspected TB patients were selected from D Y Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Institute Kolhapur, for a cross-sectional study in the month of August 2016 to January 2017. Samples were processed for diagnosis of TB by ZN stain, culture on L.J. medium and real-time PCR tests.

Methodology: Selection of patient.

Inclusion criteria include clinically diagnosed and radiologically documented new cases of pulmonary Mycobacterium tuberculosis of any gender and age group or untreated MTB cases and patients with anti-tuberculosis drug therapy in the past 6 months. Exclusion criteria include patients with anti-TB therapy or its constituent drugs in the past 3 months.

The control group was also studied from the patients who had diagnoses other than pulmonary tuberculosis.

Results: In our present study, 60.83% (73) of patients were male and 39.17 % (47) were female patients, showing a borderline male prevalence found in our study. Eighteen percent of patients were found to be in the age group (21-30 years) and are mostly affected by pulmonary tuberculosis. MNPs method 99.66% was found to be significant (P < 0.0001**).

Conclusion: In the present study the MNP-DNA extraction techniques with NALC followed by IS6110 target amplification were found superior for diagnosis of TB. The MNP-assisted extraction method showed better results.

The Principles and Practices of Green Chemistry

Shivkant Patel — 2024-05-04

Green chemistry, a rapidly evolving discipline, aims to design chemical processes and products that minimize environmental impact while maximizing efficiency and sustainability. This paper provides an overview of the principles and practices of green chemistry, emphasizing the importance of atom economy, renewable feedstocks, energy efficiency, and waste minimization. Key aspects of green chemistry, including benign synthesis routes, catalysis, and solvent selection, are discussed in the context of their environmental and economic benefits. The paper highlights recent advancements in green chemistry research, such as the development of novel catalysts, the utilization of biobased feedstocks, and the design of safer chemicals. Case studies illustrate the application of green chemistry principles in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, polymers, and agrochemicals, showcasing the potential for innovation and sustainability.

An Overview on Sintering Technique in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Chandan Mohanty — 2024-05-04

Sintering is the mechanism that strengthens the mechanical properties of consolidated pharmaceutical powders at high temperatures, forms solid bonds during tablet compression, and causes thermal curing in polymer-latex film coatings, according to pharmaceutical science. The concept of sintering was applied in the investigation of the effect of heating on the mechanical properties of pharmaceutical powders. The formation of solid bonds within a powder bed during tablet compression was studied in terms of sintering. The sintering process has been used for the fabrication of sustained–release matrix tablets and for the stabilization of the drug permeability of film coatings derived from various pharmaceutical lattices. Drug release characteristics from the sintered matrix tablets were inversely related to the sintering temperature and sintering duration. As the temperature of sintering and duration of sintering increased, the time required to attain maximum release from tablets also increased accordingly. The changes in the microstructures, hardness, friability, wettability, disintegration time and dissolution rate of tablets stored at elevated temperatures were also described as a result of sintering. Sintering conditions markedly affected the drug release properties depending upon the duration and temperature of sintering. The use of this sintering technique adds to the effectiveness of polymers for controlling drug release and provides a significant and expedient method for control release in oral dosage form.

Prevalence, Knowledge and Practice of Self-Medication among Albanian Students of Medical Sciences

Rezarta Shkreli — 2024-05-04

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence, knowledge and practice of self-medication among students in an Albanian Medical University. Self-medication is one of the most practiced worldwide issues and can cause both benefits and also side effects at a time when is not properly mentored by drug experts. The prevalence of self-medication is higher in developing countries and is on the rise globally. It is common in countries where it is easier to purchase prescription drugs without prescriptions and where the laws and regulations governing pharmacy practice are not followed under the pertinent guidelines. A cross-sectional survey on self-medication was conducted among students of medical sciences, with a standardized and structured questionnaire distributed to a total of 250 students attending the third-fifth year of pharmacy and dentistry as well as the first-third year of nursing. The prevalence of self-medication has resulted in 79.3%. Principal morbidities for seeking self-medication were headache 31.5%, flu/cold/cough 39.4% and fever 23.8%. Regarding the major reasons for seeking self-medication, previous experience with health problems 45.9%, mild illness 35.9%, knowledge about the drug and disease 18.2% and self-decision 15.5%. The most used medicines were NSAIDs (analgesics and antipyretics) 44.2%, antibiotics 34.8%, and antihistamines 13.3%. The strength of this survey which is the first study carried out in Albania, is that it provides baseline information on self-care and self-medication among Albanian medical students. According to this survey, the source of information for self-medication was previous experience 35.6%, previous prescription 34.7% and consulting with pharmacists 17.1%. The survey results indicate a high prevalence of self-medication among the students. There is an urgent need to enforce the law on over-the-counter drug sales and to educate the youth to ensure safe practices. Future studies might compare knowledge level, perception and practice of self-medication among medical students in different medical universities, with our results, to provide a more comprehensive overview of self-medication practice.

The Application of 3-D Printing in Nanomedicine

Nirmala Rani Tulimelli — 2024-05-04

The most cutting-edge method for producing pharmaceutical dosage forms in recent years has been 3D printing or additive manufacturing. This approach uses advanced technology, like a virtual model, to control the production apparatus and produce the desired dosage form of an actual object. Due to the demand from different sectors of the world for health services and the urgency of controlling the side effects associated with conventional dosage forms, the pharmaceutical industry tries to produce dosage forms in large quantities these days with 3D printing. With this technology, items are designed through layer-by-layer material manufacturing employing layer-based systems of processes, extrusion, ink-jet printing, and laser printing technologies by using various polymers and other suitable excipients. Additionally, the various delivery systems, such as customized drug doses and personalized medicine, as well as other healthcare sectors, demonstrate the potential benefits of 3D technology in delivering personalized therapy to the individual. This overview covers the various methods and how they are used in the production of 3D medicines, as well as the regulatory issues that this industry faces.