ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the pharmacological potential of Argemone mexicana in treating constipation and emesis by using in vitro and in vivo models.Methods: The spasmogenic and spasmolytic effects were evaluated on isolated rabbit jejunum fragments loaded in a tissue organ bath. The response was recorded with an isotonic transducer attached with Power Lab Data Acquisition System. The laxative and antiemetic activities were assessed in BALB-c mice and poultry chicks challenged with carbamylcholine and copper sulphate stimulated emesis, respectively. Results: The total phenolic and total flavonoids contents of the extract were (267.75 ± 5.77) mg GAE/g and (73.86 ± 6.01) mg QE/g, respectively. Argemone mexicana extract exerted spasmogenic effect on isolated rabbit jejunum segments with an EC50 value of 0.016 mg/mL, which was blocked by atropine (0.3 μM). Argemone mexicana extract exerted spasmolytic effect in atropine treated jejunum fragments with an EC50 value of 2.185 mg/mL. Furthermore, Argemone mexicana extract relaxed potassium (80 mM)-induced contractions (EC50: 9.07 mg/mL), similar to a standard drug verapamil. The calcium channel blocker activity was confirmed by a rightward shift of concentration-response curve of calcium in the presence of Argemone mexicana extract (1-5 mg/mL) and verapamil (0.1-1 μM). In addition, the extract increased the distance travelled by a charcoal in the gastrointestinal tract and exhibited antiemetic effect on copper sulphate induced emesis in chicks. Conclusions: Argemone mexicana shows cholinergic agonist and calcium channel blocker activities, as well as antiemetic effect. It may be used as a potential agent for treating gastrointestinal disorders.
ABSTRACT
The present study was aimed at preparation of transdermal patches of tizanidine HCl, evaluation of the effect of polymers on in vitro release pattern of the drug, and the effect of permeation enhancers on the penetration of the drug through the rabbit skin. Various proportions of hydrophilic (HPMC) and hydrophobic (Eudragit L-100) polymers were used with PEG 400 as film-forming agent, and Span 20 or DMSO as permeation enhancer. The formulations were assessed for physicochemical characteristics and in vitro drug release studies using USP paddle over disc method in phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.4) at 32.0±1°C. On the basis of in vitro studies and physicochemical evaluations, S03-A and S04-A were selected at Eudragit : HPMC ratios of 8 : 2 and 7 : 3, respectively, for further ex vivo analysis. The effects of different concentrations of Span 20 and DMSO were evaluated on excised rabbit skin using Franz diffusion cell. Cumulative drug permeation, flux, permeability coefficient, target flux, and enhancement ratio were calculated and compared with the control formulations. Kinetic models and Tukey's multiple comparison test were applied to evaluate the drug release patterns. Formulation SB03-PE containing Eudragit L-100:HPMC (7:3) with Span 20 (15% w/w) produced the highest enhancement in drug permeation, and followed zero order kinetic model with super case-II drug release mechanism.
Subject(s)
Animals , Rabbits , Transdermal Patch/classification , Transdermal Patch/supply & distribution , In Vitro Techniques , Pharmaceutical Preparations/analysis , Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions , Drug Liberation/drug effectsABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Cleft lip and palate are congenital deformities that affect the primary and secondary palates during embryogenesis. The objectives of this study was to record the pattern of presentation of cleft lip and palate in Erbil, the types of surgical procedures, the outcome and complications, hence making recommendations to ensure improved care
Methods: This is a prospective study conducted in Erbil city, in the Department of Plastic Surgery at Rezgary Teaching Hospital and Rapareen Pediatric Hospital from March 2009 to May 2013. A total of 164 patients with cleft lip/palate were included in this study. Statistical package for the social sciences [version 18] was used for data entry and analysis
Results: The age ranged from birth to 24 years. The ratio of male to female was 1.4: 1. The combined cleft lip and palate was the commonest type [87 cases, 53%]. The commonest risk factor was poor family [105 cases, 64%], followed by consanguinity [97 cases, 59%]. The commonest procedure for cleft lip repair was Millard [67 cases] and that for cleft palate repair was Furlow palatoplasty [57 cases]. The commonest complication of cleft lip repair was wide scar [9 cases, 7.5%] mostly below one year of age. Ninety-one percent of the parents were satisfied with the children's appearance of the lip and 86% of parents were satisfied with palatoplasty result
Conclusion: The high degree of association of consanguinity with the cleft lip and palate emphasizes the importance of education about discouraging consanguineous marriage. Millard repair is still the commonest procedure for cleft lip repair