In vitro transdermal delivery of propranolol hydrochloride through rat skin from various niosomal formulations

The purpose of the present study was to prepare and to evaluate a novel niosome as transdermal drug delivery system for propranolol hydrochloride and to compare the in vitro efficiency of niosome by either thin film hydration or hand shaking method. Niosomes were prepared by Thin Film Hydration [TFH] or Hand Shaking [HS] method. Propranolol niosomes were prepared using different surfactants [span20, 80] ratios and a constant cholesterol concentration. In vitro characterization of niosomes included microscopical observation, size distribution, laser light scattering evaluation, stability of propranolol niosomes and permeability of formulations in phosphate buffer [pH=7] through rat abdominal skin. The percentage of entrapment efficiency [%EE] increased with increase in surfactant concentration in all formulations. Among them, F3 formulation [containing span 80: cholesterol ratio of 3:1] showed the highest entrapment efficiency [86.74 +/- 2.01%], Jss [6.33microg/cm2.h] and permeability coefficient [7.02×10?3cm/h]. By increasing the percentage of entrapment efficiency [resulting in increase in surfactant concentration], the drug released time is not prolonged. Among all the formulations, F4 needed more time for maximum drug release. Among these formulations, F4 was also found to have the maximum vesicle size as compared to other formulations. It was observed that niosomal suspension prepared from span 80 was more stable than span 20. This study demonstrates that niosomal formulations may offer a promise transdermal delivery of propranolol which improves drug efficiency and can be used for controlled delivery of propranolol

Lamisil versus clotrimazole in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis

Vaginal candidiasis is a common disease in women during their lifetime and occurs in diabetes patients, during pregnancy and oral contraceptives users. Although several antifungals are routinely used for treatment; however, vaginal candidiasis is a challenge for patients and gynecologists. The aim of the present study was to evaluate terbinafme [Lamisil] on Candida vaginitis versus clotrimazole. In the present study women suspected to have vulvovaginal candidiasis were sampled and disease confirmed using direct smear and culture examination from vaginal discharge. Then, patients were randomly divided into two groups, the first group [32 cases] was treated with clotrimazole and the next [25 cases] with Lamisil. All patients were followed-up to three weeks of treatment and therapeutic effects of both antifungal were compared. Our results shows that 12 [37.5%] patients were completely treated with clotrimazole during two weeks and, 6[18.8%] patients did not respond to drugs and were refereed for fluconazole therapy. Fourteen [43.8%] patients showed moderate response and clotrimazole therapy was extended for one more week. When Lamisil was administrated, 19 [76.0%] patients were completely treated with Lamisil in two weeks, and 1 [4.0%] of the patients did not respond to the drug and was refereed for fluconazole therapy. Five [20.0%] of our patients showed moderate response and Lamisil therapy was extended for one more week. Our results show that vaginal cream, 1% Lamisil, could be suggested as a first-line treatment in vulvovaginal candidiasis

Chemical composition and antifungal activity of cuminum cyminum l essential oil from alborz mountain against aspergillus species

Aflatoxin Bj [AFBj] is a highly toxic and hepatocarcinogenic metabolite produced by Aspergillus species. Some natural products are known to kill fungi and destroy toxins and toxin-producing agents. The purpose of this study is to provide experimental data on the antifungal activity of cumin oils and their components that could be considered suitable for application in foods and drugs. The essential oil [EO] of Cuminum cyminum L. collected from Alborz Mountain, Iran, was obtained by hydro-distillation. The oil was analyzed by gas chromatography [GC] and chromatography/mass spectrophotometry [GC/MS]. The antifungal activity of the oil was studied with regard to the inhibition of the growth of Aspergillus flavus PICC-AF39 .Aspergillusflavus PlCC-AF24,Aspergillusparasiticus NRRL-2999 and Aspergillus niger. The minimal inhibitory [MIC] and minimal fungicidal [MFC] concentrations of the oil were determined. a-Pinene [29.2%], limonene [21.7%], 1,8-cineole [18.1%], linalool [10.5%], linalyl acetate [4.8%], and a-terpineole [3.17%]were the major components of the essential oil from C. cyminum L, and the oil showed a strong inhibitory effect on fungal growth. Essential oils could be safely used as preservatives in pharmaceuticals as well as health and food products to protect them against toxigenic fungal infections

Characterization of an anti-dermatophyte cream from Zataria multiflora boiss

Throughout the world, there has been an increasing incidence of fungal infections, drug resistance and toxicity associated with long-term treatment with antifungal drugs has led to a search for new drugs to treat fungal infections. As the use of herbal medicine increases, many health care providers are attempting to increase their level of knowledge and access to reliable resources regarding the safety and efficacy of herbs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties and stability of creams containing different concentrations of Zataria multiflora extract as anti-dermatophyte preparations. First the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration [MIC] of methanolic aerial parts' extract of Zataria multiflora was assayed against various dermatophytes by in vitro tube dilution technique [MIC = 0.5%]. To select the best cream formulation, one general formula of cleansing cream was considered and then corrected. The best base formula was chosen according to its monotonousness, straightness and external attractiveness. Formulations containing 1, 2 and 3% of plant extracts were prepared. Finally, cream containing 10% bees wax, 58.8% liquid paraffin, 1.2% hard paraffin, 5% spermaceti, 1% borax, 1.4% tween 80, 0.15 methyl paraben, 0.15 lactic acid, 0.05% propyl paraben, 2% Zataria extract and water q.s. to 100 was chosen as the best formulation. The final product was a W/O cream with suitable appearance and desirable physicochemical stability

Formulation of herbal shampoo using total saponins of Acanthophyllum squarrosum

Shampoos are products which remove surface grease and dirt from the hair shaft and scalp. The cleansing or detergent action of a shampoo is a primary function. However, foaming characteristic of a shampoo has an important role in its acceptability. Often alkanolamides have been used for accessed stable foam; but because of producing nitrosamines, they are potentially carcinogenic compounds. So, the main goal of this research was elimination of these materials from shampoo formula. A. squarrosum is one of the 23 species of the genus Acanthophyllum endemic in Iran. Due to the presence of saponin in its root, chubak, has been used traditionally as a detergent. In this study, total saponin of Acanthophyllum squarrosum roots was extracted using several solvents. A clear liquid shampoo base was formulated using Texapon as surfactant, sodium chloride as thickener, glycerin as hair conditioner, methyl paraben as preservative and EDTA as sequestering agent. Then, a definite amount of Texapon was substituted by 1, 2.5 and 5 percent of total herbal saponin. The evaluation of foaming ability by Ross-Miles method and cleansing power by Thompson test showed the best result with the formula containing 20% Texapon and 5% total herbal saponin. So it was selected as the best formula and evaluated for other characteristics. In addition to possessing the properties of a liquid shampoo, the unique characteristics of the formula containing 5% total herbal saponin produced stable foam without using foam stabilizers. Evaluation of cleansing power by Thompson test, determined that final formula is a shampoo for normal hair with very good cleansing ability. Rheological studies showed that final formula had pseudoplastic behaviour, Organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics of final formula were in the acceptable range

enhancing effect of sodium glycocholate and sodium salicylate on rats gastro-intestinal permeability to insulin

There have been numerous efforts to formulate insulin into an oral dosage form. The major problems involved with the oral administration of insulin are acidic and enzymatic decomposition by the gastric medium, and poor absorption in the small intestine due to its macromolecular structure. This study attempted to test the enhancing ability of two absorption enhancers, sodium glycocholate [Na-GC] and sodium salicylate [Na-Sal], in different parts of rat's gastrointestinal tract. The amount of insulin in each formulation was 0.6 iu/kg body weight. The concentration of enhancers [Na-Sal or Na-GC] in each formulation was 10 micro g/ml. Formulations made of insulin and enhancers were prepared and injected directly to stomach, duodenum, jejunum and ileum of anesthetized rats through an abdominal incision. Blood samples were taken at 45 and 60 min intervals. The glucose concentration was determined by the o-toluidine method. Injections [IP] of insulin and normal saline were positive and negative controls, respectively. The blood glucose concentrations showed a significant decrease [p<0.05] due to the injection of insulin into duodenum, while the effect noted in jejunum was insignificant [p>0.05]. Also, there was no anti-hyperglycemic effect accompanied by formulations administered into the stomach and ileum. It could be concluded that insulin, if formulated in a protected form to prevent acidic and enzymatic decomposition, in combination with such enhancers may overcome hyperglycemia due to insulin deficiency