ABSTRACT
Aims: To formulate and characterize GLB-PEG-LEC NCs (lecithin complexed Glibenclamide nanocrystals) and to analyze the effect of PEG 20000 and lecithin on drug properties, particle size reduction and stability of GLB NCs. Study Design: Precipitated (GLB-PEG) and complexed nanocrystals (GLB-PEG-LEC) of glibenclamide were characterized for particle size, size distribution, zeta potential and stability assessment using photon correlation spectroscopy. The crystallinity was analyzed by X-ray powder diffraction spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The chemical stability was assessed by means of infrared spectroscopy and surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy. Place and Duration of Study: Asian Institute of Medicine Science and Technology, Malaysia, between May 2102 and June 2013. Methodology: GLB-PEG NCs were prepared by precipitation technique using PEG 20000 and complexed by soybean lecithin. The effect of lecithin in particle size reduction, change in crystallinity, stability and surface properties of NCs were analyzed and compared with pure glibenclamide (GLB) and precipitated NCs. The formulations were optimized and its stability was assessed during a 3 month period. Results: Pure GLB exhibited an average particle size of 1551 nm. The average particle size of precipitated NCs was between 236 - 7000 nm, while that of complexed NCs was between 155 - 842 nm. The particle size of NC was found to decrease, whereas its zeta potential was found to increase after complexation. DSC studies showed no change in crystalline structure. PXRD studies proved that crystallinity was maintained in NCs. SEM analysis showed presence of spherical shape particles with a lipid coat on the surface after complexation. Stability studies revealed no change in particle size during 3 month period. FTIR studies showed the compatability of excipients with the drug. Conclusion: These results show that lecithin complexed GLB NCs could be utilized as promising carriers in development of various formulations due to its high stability and decreased particle size.
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to evaluate and analyze the prevalence of self-medication practice among healthcare professionals in a private university, Malaysia. Prospective, quantitative, cross-sectional design which attempts to measure the self-medication practices among the teaching healthcare personnel through questionnaire survey form, self-developed and pre-validated consisting of open and closed-ended questions. Among respondents, 77.6% were practicing self medication. The reasons were, familiar with treatment options (23.5%) and mild illness (20%) and the highest practicing respondents were 30-39 years (76.3%). The reason among those who did not practice self-medication was risk of adverse reactions (31.6%). Self-medication practice was more prevalent among medical professionals (86.5%) followed by pharmacy and dentistry (70%). Headache (15.7%), cough and cold (15%) among illness and analgesics (13.1%) and antipyretic (12.7%) among drugs induced most respondents to practice self-medication. This study reveals very high prevalence of self-medication practice among healthcare professionals in the local private university. Exposure to drugs, knowledge of their illness and treatment choice remains main contribu-tors. The healthcare professionals must be encouraged to enter the patient role.
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to evaluate and analyze the prevalence of self-medication practice among healthcare professionals in a private university, Malaysia. Prospective, quantitative, cross-sectional design which attempts to measure the self-medication practices among the teaching healthcare personnel through questionnaire survey form, self-developed and pre-validated consisting of open and closed-ended questions. Among respondents, 77.6% were practicing self medication. The reasons were, familiar with treatment options (23.5%) and mild illness (20%) and the highest practicing respondents were 30-39 years (76.3%). The reason among those who did not practice self-medication was risk of adverse reactions (31.6%). Self-medication practice was more prevalent among medical professionals (86.5%) followed by pharmacy and dentistry (70%). Headache (15.7%), cough and cold (15%) among illness and analgesics (13.1%) and antipyretic (12.7%) among drugs induced most respondents to practice self-medication. This study reveals very high prevalence of self-medication practice among healthcare professionals in the local private university. Exposure to drugs, knowledge of their illness and treatment choice remains main contribu-tors. The healthcare professionals must be encouraged to enter the patient role.
ABSTRACT
Aim of the study was to investigate the methanol and aqueous extracts of heartwood of C. sappan for its hepatoprotective activity against CCl4 induced toxicity in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes and animals. Freshly isolated rat hepatocytes were exposed to CCl4 (1%) along with/without various concentrations of methanolic and aqueous extract of C. sappan (1000-800 µg/ml) and the levels of selected liver enzymes were estimated. Antihepatotoxic effect of methanolic extract was observed in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes at concentrations 1000-800 µg/ml and was found to be similar to that of standard drug silymarin. Wistar strain albino rat model was used for the investigation of in vivo hepatoprotective properties of aqueous and methanolic extract of C. sappan (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight). Liver damage was induced by ip administration of CCl4 (30%) suspended in olive oil (1 ml/kg body weight). Both the tested extracts showed potent hepatoprotective activity at 200 mg/kg body weight test dose which was comparable with that of the standard silymarin used in similar test dose. The methanolic and aqueous extract was able to restore the biochemical levels to normal which were altered due to CCl4 intoxication in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes and also in animals.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Medicinal plants have been traditionally used for different kinds of ailments including infectious diseases. There is an increasing need for substances with antiviral activity since the treatment of viral infections with the available antiviral drugs often leads to the problem of viral resistance. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes a variety of life threatening diseases. Since the chemotherapeutic agents available for HSV infections are either low in quality or limited in efficiency, there is a need to search for new and more effective antiviral agents for HSV infections. Therefore in the present study 18 plants with ethnomedical background from different families were screened for antiviral activity against HSV-1. METHODS: Different parts of the plants collected from in and around Ootacamund, Tamil Nadu were extracted with different solvents to obtain crude extracts. These extracts were screened for their cytotoxicity against Vero cell line by assay microculture tetrazolium (MTT) trypan blue dye exclusion, proteins estimation and 3H labeling. Antiviral properties of the plant extracts were determined by cytopathic effect inhibition assay and virus yield reduction assay. RESULTS: Three plant extracts Hypericum mysorense, Hypericum hookerianum and Usnea complanta exhibited significant antiviral activity at a concentration non toxic to the cell line used. The extracts of Melia dubia, Cryptostegia grandiflora and essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis showed partial activity at higher concentrations. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Some of the medicinal plants have shown antiviral activity. Further research is needed to elucidate the active constituents of these plants which may be useful in the development of new and effective antiviral agents.