Formulation and Evaluation of Niosomes of Benzyl Penicillin.

Benzylpencillin niosomes were formulated using thin film hydration technique. The resultant niosomes were evaluated using surface morphology, particle size and its distribution, encapsulation efficiency, In vitro drug release, in vivo bioavailability and In vitro antimicrobial activity parameters. Both short (3 h) and long term (24 h) stability studies were carried out on the formulations. The lipid-surfactant ratio and the presence of cosurfactant were identified as the key variables that affect performance of the formulations. The niosomes particle sizes were between 1.67μm to 2.22 μm. The encapsulation efficiency was found to be highest in batch A with value of 82.42 %. Batches B and C exhibited slow release, oral stability and good bioavailability in vivo. For In vitro and in vivo studies, batch B containing span 80,Tween 65 and cholesterol was particularly stable and released its drug content in a controlled manner. The Cmax for the batches were higher than that of pure drug which has value of 55.04 mg/ml in vivo. The IZD of the batches were high against the test micro organisms and all the batches exhibited antimicrobial activities greater than the unformulated drug against S. typhi, P. vulgaris and Ps. Aereuginosa.

Anti-ulcer activity of Bombax buonopozense P. Beauv. aqueous leaf extract (Fam: Bombacaceae).

The objective of this study was to investigate the anti-ulcer activity of leaves of Bombax buonopozense P. Beauv. (Bombacaceae) in rats. Fresh dried leaves of B.buonopozense were extracted by cold maceration which yielded a mucilaginuous aqueous extract. Anti-ulcer effects of the aqueous extract at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg were evaluated in rats using ethanol-induced ulcer model. Phytochemical analysis and lethality tests (LD50) were carried out using standard procedures. Results showed that the aqueous extract exhibited significant (P<0.05) and dose- dependent anti-ulcer activity in the model used. Percentage ulcer inhibitions of extract at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg for ethanol-induced ulcers were 39.76, 62.07 and 75.73% respectively. Ulcer protection in the model used by the extract is dose-dependent and the ulcer inhibitory effects of the extract are comparable to ranitidine. Oral LD50 value is 2828.42 mg/kg in mice. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, resins, balsams, carbohydrates, oligosaccharides, terpenes, reducing sugars and sterols. Therefore, results of our study suggest that the aqueous extract of B. buonopozense possesses anti-ulcer activity as claimed by its folkloric use.