Eco-physiological behavior of tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) in dry environment of West Africa (case study of Senegal).

Water deficit is considered by several authors to be the most limiting factor for agricultural production in the subtropics (Kizito et al., 2006; Porcel and Ruiz-Lozano, 2004; Bader et al., 2006; Logan et al., 2010; Rodriguez-Gamir et al., 2011; Conedera et al., 2011). On woody plants, only a few isolated studies (on Acacia, and combretaceae) exist in the tropical zone south of the Sahara. Noteworthy are the works done on Sahelian forest species, Acacia tortilis (Diouf, 1996), Combretum glutinosum, Guiera senegalensis; Piliostigma reticulatum; Balanites aegyptica, Boscia senegalensis, A. senegal and Ziziphus mauritiana (Fournier, 1995; Kizito et al., 2006; Lufafa et al., 2008). Characterization of plant water functioning is a tool for selecting plants and/or varieties for their tolerance to water deficit (Lufafa et al., 2008; Zhu Qiuan et al., 2011; Logan et al., 2010). It is most often done at young age for ease of use (nursery and early field establishment of seedlings). However, even as adults, woody plants remain dependent on climatic factors such as rainfall (Kisito et al., 2007; Lufafa et al., 2008). It is therefore important to understand the in situ water functioning of adult plants to better explain the depressive effects of such complex water stress at a young age. However, the behavior of plants in situ is influenced by the climatic conditions and the uniformity (age) of the subjects (tamarind plants) to be followed. The present work was carried out on adult T. indica plants in situ in Senegal (Niokhoul in the Sahelian zone and Mbassis in the Sudano-Sahelian zone) and aimed mainly to: (1) understand and describe the physiological water management strategies of tamarind under arid conditions; and (2) understand the impact of this water management strategy on phenology and productivity. The study was conducted in Senegal, characterized by a dry and arid climate. It adopted a field approach (Seghieri, 2010; Conedera et al., 2010) based on adult stands and climatic data collected at the study sites. Ultimately, the adaptation mechanism of tamarind to water deficit would be that of avoidance, described by various authors (Khalfaoui, 1985; Lacape, 1996; Nwalozie and Annerose, 1996; Rouhi et al., 2007; Roussel, 2008; Maes et al., 2009). Indeed, the plant first proceeds to a decrease in water potential (case of the Mbassis stand) and in case of continuous water deficit, it integrates the reduction of the leaf surface by the progressive fall of the leaves and flowers which can go up to the total defoliation (case of the stand of the Sahelian zone in Niokhoul).

Antibacterial Activity of Composite Mixture of Senna siamea Leaves and Tamarind Pulp Extracts on Multidrug Resistant Salmonella typhi

Background: For many years, antimicrobial chemotherapeutic approach have been challenged by drugs resistant bacteria such as Salmonella associated with gastrointestinal infections. To overcome these effects, several attempts by herbalists and traditional healers were in progress, using some plants parts to treat Typhoid fever in Nigeria. Aim: The aim of this work was to determine the antibacterial activity of Senna siamea leaves and Tamarindus indica fruit pulp against multidrug resistant Salmonella typhi. Methods: A total of 168 samples of stool and blood from patients with suspected cases of typhoid fever were collected and only three (3) Salmonella typhi isolates were recovered (from the 168 samples) by conventional microbiological techniques. The isolates were screened for multidrug resistant properties according to Kirby -Bauer disc diffusion method. Water and ethanol were used to extract phytochemical components from powdered leaves of Senna siamea and Tamarindus indica fruit pulp via percolation method. The extracts were tested for the antibacterial activity against the clinical isolates of Salmonella typhi. Results: All the isolates (100%) were resistant to Ampicillin, Amoxicillin, while two (66.7%) to Erythromycin and Tetracycline and sensitive (100%) to Streptomycin, Gentamycin, Nalidixic acid Ciprofloxacin, Cotrimoxazole, Augmentin and Chloramphenicol, The phytochemical screening o of both plants extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, carbohydrates and cardiac glycosides. The result shows that aqueous and ethanolic extracts of combined Tamarind and Senna siamea were more active (2.50µg/ml) against Salmonella typhi when compared to individual extracts. Conclusion: This study shows that aqueous and ethanol extracts of both plants exhibited activity on S. Typhi, hence, possess antimicrobial potentials that it can be used in treatment of typhoid.

Tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP) uses in ophthalmic drug delivery

At present, ophthalmic drug delivery remains a major challenge, given the eye's protective structure and susceptibility to irritation, resulting in poor patient adherence. In order to overcome these constraints, new formulations are continually being developed. The inclusion of Galactoxyloglucan (Tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP) in such formulations, a natural substance extracted from the seeds of Tamarindus indica, has shown great potential due to its physicochemical properties, high biocompatibility and safety profile. Such properties, have led to its use in formulations for the treatment of dry eye disease, glaucoma, and bacterial keratitis, as well as in dilating eye drops used in eye examinations. In this article, we highlight the most recent TSPbased ophthalmologic formulations, which indicate that this polymer is a strong candidate to reduce adverse effects, improve patient tolerability and drug bioavailability.

Characterization, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Potentials of Tamarindus indica L. Fruit Pulp Extract Loaded O/W Nanoemulsions

Abstract The main purposes of the current study were to formulate o/w nanoemulsions as a carrier for Tamarindus indica (tamarind) fruit pulp extract and to study the antioxidant and antibacterial potentials of nanoemulsions containing tamarind extract, focusing on cosmetic/hygiene applications. The o/w nanoemulsions using a mixture of Tween 80 and Span 80 as an emulsifier (5%w/w) were prepared by a high pressure homogenization process. Two concentrations of sweet tamarind extract, 3.3 and 6.6%w/w, based on the bioactivity study, were incorporated into the blank nanoemulsions to produce loaded nanoemulsions, F1-3.3TE (3.3%) and F1- 6.6TE (6.6%). As compared with the unloaded nanoemulsion, both tamarind extract loaded nanoemulsions showed reduced pH and significantly increased viscosity. Overall, the loaded nanoemulsions had droplet sizes of approximately 130 nm, zeta potential around -38 mV and polydispersity index (PDI) values less than 0.2. The nanoemulsion F1-3.3TE had better stability (e.g. significantly greater % tartaric acid content and lesser PDI value) than the nanoemulsion F1-6.6TE did. The antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay revealed that the nanoemulsions F1-3.3TE and F1-6.6TE had scavenging activities of 81.66 ± 0.77% and 63.80 ± 0.79%, respectively. However, antioxidant activity of these two formulations decreased under stress conditions (heating-cooling cycles). Such incidence did not occur for their antibacterial properties investigated by agar well diffusion technique. The two formulations exhibited inhibition zones of approximately 24.0-27.7 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, responsible for malodor of underarms. The results suggest the potential of using sweet tamarind pulp extract loaded nanoemulsions as hygiene products.

Molecular Insights into the Genetic Diversity of Garcinia cambogia Germplasm Accessions

ABSTRACTIn this work, the genetic relationship among twelveGarcinia cambogia (Gaertn.) Desr. accessions were evaluated using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA markers. The samples were part of the germplasm collected and maintained at NBPGR Regional station, Thrissur, India. Out of thirty RAPD primers used for screening, seven primers produced a total of 128 polymorphic markers in twelve accessions. The Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) ranged from 0.28 (OPA18) to 0.37 (OPA9) and Marker Index (MI) ranged between 3.61 (OPA12) and 5.93 (OPA3) among the primers used. Jaccard's coefficient of genetic similarity ranged between 0.07 and 0.64. The dendrogram constructed based on the similarity matrix generated from the molecular and morphological data showed the genetic relationship among the sampled accessions. Mantel matrix test showed a positive correlation (r = 0.49) between the cluster analysis of RAPD data and morphological data. The clustering pattern in the molecular dendrogram and Principle Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) showed that the genotypes were diverse, which was in congruence with the similarity index values and morphological dendrogram. High frequency of similarity values in the range of 0.11 to 0.17 suggested the existence of high genetic diversity among the accessions. The high level of genetic diversity among the studied accessions ofG.cambogia was also supported by the large variation in the morphological characters observed in the flowers, leaves, fruits and seeds of these sampled accessions. This is the first report for the molecular based genetic diversity studies for these accessions.

Nasal Mucoadhesive In-Situ Gel of Granisetron Hydrochloride using Natural Polymers.

The prolonged residence of drug formulation in the nasal cavity is of utmost importance for intranasal delivery of drug. Present investigation was aimed to develop a mucoadhesive in situ gel of Granisetron hydrochloride (GH) with reduced nasal mucocilliary clearance in order to improve the bioavailability of the antiemetic drug, granisetron hydrochloride. The in situ gelation upon contact with nasal mucosa was conferred via the use of the thermogelling Pluronic flake 127 (PF 127). Moringa gum (MG), carboxymethyl tamarind gum (CMTG) and sodium alginate (SA) was used to modulate mucoadhesion whereas drug release of optimized formulation was modified by 0.3% polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000). Results revealed that as the concentration of mucoadhesive polymer increased the mucoadhesive strength increased and gelation temperature decreased significantly. Preformulation studies showed that addition of GH in 18% PF 127 gels modulated gelation temperature significantly while mucoadhesive polymers alters mucoadhesion. Formulation F6, F11 and F15 showed more than 80% of drug diffusion at 240 min. Gelation temperature and mucoadhesive strength of all three formulations were found in the range of 30-31 C and 963.66±9.60 to 991.33±10.26 dyne/cm2 respectively. Formulation F11 showed optimum results and further histopathological evaluation reveled formulation is safe for use. Addition of PEG 6000 increased drug diffusion in formulation F11 with flux 0.034 mg.cm2/min. This study concluded the potential use of CMTG as mucoadhesive in situ nasal gel in terms of ease of administration, accuracy of dosing, prolonged nasal residence and improved nasal bioavailability.

Trypsin inhibitor from tamarindus indica L. seeds reduces weight gain and food consumption and increases plasmatic cholecystokinin levels

OBJECTIVES: Seeds are excellent sources of proteinase inhibitors, some of which may have satietogenic and slimming actions. We evaluated the effect of a trypsin inhibitor from Tamarindus indica L. seeds on weight gain, food consumption and cholecystokinin levels in Wistar rats. METHODS: A trypsin inhibitor from Tamarindus was isolated using ammonium sulfate (30-60%) following precipitation with acetone and was further isolated with Trypsin-Sepharose affinity chromatography. Analyses were conducted to assess the in vivo digestibility, food intake, body weight evolution and cholecystokinin levels in Wistar rats. Histological analyses of organs and biochemical analyses of sera were performed. RESULTS: The trypsin inhibitor from Tamarindus reduced food consumption, thereby reducing weight gain. The in vivo true digestibility was not significantly different between the control and Tamarindus trypsin inhibitor-treated groups. The trypsin inhibitor from Tamarindus did not cause alterations in biochemical parameters or liver, stomach, intestine or pancreas histology. Rats treated with the trypsin inhibitor showed significantly elevated cholecystokinin levels compared with animals receiving casein or water. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the isolated trypsin inhibitor from Tamarindus reduces weight gain by reducing food consumption, an effect that may be mediated by increased cholecystokinin. Thus, the potential use of this trypsin inhibitor in obesity prevention and/or treatment should be evaluated. .

Formulación de cápsulas duras de Tamarindus indica L / Formulation of hard capsules from Tamarindus indica L

OBJETIVO: formular cápsulas duras a partir de extracto blando de Tamarindus indica L. MÉTODOS: se seleccionaron las cantidades de los excipientes lactosa monohidratada, almidón de maíz y dióxido de silicio coloidal (Aerosil®), utilizando un diseño factorial 23. Se seleccionó para envasar en cápsulas, el granulado con mejor fluidez y menor humedad residual. Se evaluó la calidad de las cápsulas duras. RESULTADOS: la formulación escogida fue lactosa monohidratada 35,0 g, Aerosil® 3,0 g y almidón de maíz 7,5 g, pues mostró buena fluidez y una humedad residual de 4,17 por ciento. Las cápsulas duras formuladas, presentaron buena calidad tecnológica. CONCLUSIONES: se obtuvieron cápsulas duras que pueden ser preparadas, a pequeña escala, a nivel dispensarial(AU)

OBJECTIVE: to formulate hard capsules from Tamarindus indica L. soft extract. METHODS: the amounst of the exicipients called lactose monohydrate, corn starch and colloidal silicon dioxide (Aerosil®) were selected, using a 23 full factorial design. The selection of the best formulation was based on the best rheological properties and the least residual humidity. The quality of the filled hard capsules was evaluated. RESULTS: the formulation containing lactose monohydrate 35.0 g, Aerosil® 3.0 g and corn starch 7.5 g was selected. This formulation showed good fluidity and 4.17 percent residual humidity. Hard capsules showed good technological quality. CONCLUSIONS: hard capsules that can be prepared at small-scale production dispensaries(AU)

Tamarindus indica and its health related effects

Tamarindus [Tamarindus indica L. (T. indica)], belongs to the family Leguminosae (Fabaceae), commonly known as Tamarind tree, is one of the fruit tree species that is used as traditional medicine. The aim of this article is to review the current literatue on health related effect of T. indica. Literature review about this plant was conducted between 2003 and 2014 through Pubmed and Google. The keywords Tamarind, T. indica were used for search. Only the health related articles selected. Tamarind tree is found especially in the Indian subcontinent, Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria and most of the tropical countries. It is preferred to be used for abdominal pain, diarrhea and dysentery, some bacterial infections and parasitic infestations, wound healing, constipation and inflammation. It is a rich source of most of the essential amino acids and phytochemicals, and hence the plant is reported to possess antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antivenomic, antioxidant, antimalarial, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, antiasthmatic, laxative and anti-hyperlipidemic activity. T. indica has ameliorative effects on many diseases. It can also be preferred as a nutritious support for malnourished patients as it is cheap and easy to access. Those effects should be clarified with further research.

Tamarindus indica and its health related effects

Tamarindus [Tamarindus indica L. (T. indica)], belongs to the family Leguminosae (Fabaceae), commonly known as Tamarind tree, is one of the fruit tree species that is used as traditional medicine. The aim of this article is to review the current literatue on health related effect of T. indica. Literature review about this plant was conducted between 2003 and 2014 through Pubmed and Google. The keywords Tamarind, T. indica were used for search. Only the health related articles selected. Tamarind tree is found especially in the Indian subcontinent, Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria and most of the tropical countries. It is preferred to be used for abdominal pain, diarrhea and dysentery, some bacterial infections and parasitic infestations, wound healing, constipation and inflammation. It is a rich source of most of the essential amino acids and phytochemicals, and hence the plant is reported to possess antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antivenomic, antioxidant, antimalarial, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, antiasthmatic, laxative and anti-hyperlipidemic activity. T. indica has ameliorative effects on many diseases. It can also be preferred as a nutritious support for malnourished patients as it is cheap and easy to access. Those effects should be clarified with further research.

Role of polyphenols in the antimicrobial activity of ethanol Tamarindus indica L leaves fluid extract / Papel de los polifenoles en la actividad antimicrobiana del extracto fluido de las hojas de Tamarindus indica L

The aim of this work was to explore in an active, fractioned, and chemically characterized Tamarindus indica L. (TIL) leaves extract, the influence of flavonoids and polyphenol compounds on the antimicrobial activity. A spectrophotometric quantification of the total phenols and flavonoids content was determinate to the TIL leaves extract, as well as, to the four fractions in which was fractioned (n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol). The extracts and their fractions were microbiologically tested against six ATCC bacteria and Candida albicans, being determined their minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC). Additionally, the extracts were evaluated in their influence on human complement system (classical and alternative pathways). Fractions with high content of flavonoids and polyphenols (ethyl acetate and n-butanol) are active against Bacillus subtilis and inhibit the human complement system (direct pathway, IC50 31.05 and 33.65 ug/mL respectively), but are not active over Staphylococcus aureus. However, this bacterium was susceptible to fractions with low or null concentration of flavonoid or polyphenol compounds. No fractions neither the fluid extract were active against Salmonella typhimurium and Candida albicans. Experimental data suggest that phenols and flavonoids are not the only components involved in the antimicrobial activity of TIL leaves as has been previously suggested by other authors. Complement activity tests did not support a putative role on the antimicrobial activity.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue explorar en un extracto activo de hojas de Tamarindus indica L. (TIL), fraccionado y caracterizado químicamente, la influencia de los polifenoles y flavonoides en su actividad antimicrobiana. Se cuantificaron por espectroscopia UV-visible los contenidos de fenoles totales y flavonoides en el extracto de TIL así como de las cuatro fracciones obtenidas (n-hexano, cloroformo, acetato de etilo y n-butanol). Se evaluó la actividad microbiológica del extracto y sus fracciones contra seis bacterias ATCC y Candida albicans, determinándose sus concentraciones mínimas inhibitorias y bactericidas (MIC y MBC). Adicionalmente, se evaluó la influencia de los extractos en el sistema de complemento humano (vía clásica y alternativa). Las fracciones con altas concentraciones de polifenoles y flavonoides (acetato de etilo y n-butanol) fueron activas contra el Bacillus subtilis e inhibieron el sistema de complemento humano (vía directa, IC50 31.05 y 33.65 g/mL, respectivamente), pero no fueron activas contra Staphylococcus aureus. Sin embargo, esta bacteria fue susceptible a fracciones con baja o nula concentración de polifenoles y flavonoides. El extracto fluido y todas sus fracciones resultaron inactivos frente a Salmonella typhimurium y Candida albicans. Los datos experimentales sugieren que los fenoles y flavonoides no son los únicos compuestos involucrados en la actividad antimicrobiana de hojas de TIL, como había sugerido por otros autores. La actividad medida sobre el sistema de complemento, no aporta relevancia a la actividad antimicrobiana de las hojas de TIL.

A sustained release of tablet granules associated with ZnS nanocrystals using Tamarind seed polysaccharide.

Tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP) isolated from tamarind kernel powder was investigated for sustained release manners of salicylic acid drug. Tablet granules of salicylic acid were prepared, with two different grades of TSP and Cross linked TSP and embedded with chemically synthesized ZnS nanocrystals. Five different formulations made and the drug excipient mixtures were subjected to pre-formulation studies such as physicochemical studies, in vitro dissolution test, disintegration test, angle of repose and drug content. The physicochemical properties of tablets were found within the limits. Formulation F1 and F5 containing TSP and Cross linked were found to release the drug in sustained manner up to 24 hour and were stable under accelerated conditions of temperature for 6 months since there were no significant changes in drug content and physical parameters. This formulation was more comfortable to the user due to less erosion, faster and optimum pH of surrounding medium.

Toxicidad aguda oral e irritabilidad de la mucosa oral con una formulación de tabletas de Tamarindus indica L / Acute oral toxicity and irritability of the oral mucosa with a tablet formulation of Tamarindus indica L

In this study, the possible preclinical toxic effects of the Tamarindus indica L tablets were evaluated by the acute oral toxicity (AOT) and oral mucosa irritation (OMI), adapting guideline OECD 423 and ISO 10993-10, respectively. The AOT was evaluated, using the Class Toxocity Method in Sprague Dawley females rats and the OMI was assessed in sirian hamsters, according to the acute exposure method. Any sign of toxicity were not observed in the study. No animal death was occurring and the body weight increase in the two experimental groups was not statistically different. Slight irritation of the oral mucosa of the animals was observed, but this fact didn't impede them to feed appropriately and they body weight increase normally during the assay. Tamarind tablets were framed as non toxic substance and they produce a “light irritability” of the oral mucosa.

En este trabajo se evaluó a nivel preclínico, los posibles efectos tóxicos de las tabletas de Tamarindus indica L. Se ensayó la toxicidad aguda oral, por el método de las clases de toxicidad, en ratas hembras de la línea Sprague Dawley y la irritabilidad de la mucosa oral en Hamster sirio, según las normas OECD 423 y ISO 10993-10, respectivamente. Durante el estudio de toxicidad aguda, no se observaron signos de toxicidad, ni muerte. El peso corporal en ambos grupos experimentales aumentó y no fue diferente estadísticamente. En el estudio de irritabilidad, se observó una ligera irritación en la mucosa de los biomodelos. Esto no les impidió alimentarse adecuadamente y se observó un incremento del peso corporal de ambos grupos experimentales. Se determinó que las tabletas producen una irritabilidad “leve” de la mucosa oral y no clasifican como tóxicas según las normas internacionales de referencia.

Protective effect of Spirulina and tamarind fruit pulp diet supplement in fish (Gambusia affinis Baird & Girard) exposed to sublethal concentration of fluoride, aluminum and aluminum fluoride.

Protective role of diet supplements (Spirulina, tamarind fruit pulp and their combination) on a freshwater fish G. affinis exposed at sublethal concentration of fluoride (F-) (10 ppm), Al+3 (3 ppm) and aluminum fluoride (AlF3) (35.4 ppm) in the microcosms (15 L sized) for 30-60 days in winter (90 days in summer) has been reported. Toxic effects of chemicals were manifested as higher fish mortality (4-50%) and acid (≈-30%) and alkaline phosphatase (25-50%) contents, but reduction in RBC counts (5-55%) and protein content (≈-29%) compared with controls. Alterations in values of these parameters were found maximum in aluminum exposed fish suggesting it as the most toxic among the tested chemicals. Diet supplements reduced toxicity of tested chemicals, especially when Spirulina and tamarind were given together.

Estabilidad en estante de tabletas de las hojas de Tamarindus indica L / Storage condition stability of Tamarindus indica L leaf tablets

Objetivo: evaluar la estabilidad física, química y microbiológica, en estante, de tabletas de hojas de Tamarindus indica L. Métodos: se evaluaron las propiedades físico-mecánicas, la concentración de polifenoles, los perfiles de disolución y la calidad microbiológica durante dos años, manteniendo las tabletas envasadas en frascos de cloruro de polivinilo de alta densidad, con tapa inviolable y almacenadas en lugar seco y fresco. Se realizaron determinaciones de cada una de las propiedades cada tres meses. Resultados: Durante el estudio, las tabletas mantuvieron el color marrón claro que las caracteriza, el mismo olor fresco a fruta madura y la misma apariencia física. Las propiedades físicas se mantuvieron intactas durante dos años: dureza mayor que 5 kg/f (Monsanto), friabilidad menor que 1 por ciento, masa y la altura dentro de la variabilidad permitida. El tiempo de desintegración fue menor que 10 min. La cantidad de polifenoles liberada en 30 min estuvo por encima del 87 por ciento durante el estudio. Conclusiones: se demostró que las tabletas de tamarindo 120 mg, mantienen las propiedades físico-mecánicas, la concentración de polifenoles y la calidad microbiológica y biofarmacéutica durante dos años. Para asegurar la estabilidad química de las tabletas con mayor precisión, en este momento se desarrollan estudios por cromatografía de capa delgada

Objective: to evaluate the physical stability, chemical and microbiological stability of the Tamarindus indica L tablets on shelf. Methods: the physical and mechanical properties, the polyphenol concentrations, the dissolution profiles and the microbiological quality were evaluated for two years. Tablets were packed in high density PVP flasks and were stored in a dry and fresh place. Each of the properties was determined every three months. Results: throughout the study, the tablets kept their characteristic light brown color, the same odour resembling ripe fruit and the same physical appearance. The physical properties remained unchanged during two years: hardness was higher than 5 kg/f (Monsanto), friability lower than 1 percent, mass and height were within the allowable variability. Disintegration time was less than 10min. The released percentage of polyphenols in 30 min was over 87 percent in the course of study. Conclusions: it was demonstrated that 120mg Tamarind tablets can keep their physical-mechanical properties, the polyphenol concentrations and the microbiological and biopharmaceutical quality for 2 years. Thin layer chromatographic studies are currently conducted to assure more precisely the chemical stability of the tablets

Standardization of the quality control parameters of the Tamarindus indica L. soft extract

Introduction: Tamarindus indica L or Tamarind as commonly known is a medicinal plant witha broad spectrum of application in medicine. Tamarind is the most useful plant for liver disorders treatment in Cuba and The Caribbean. People use it as decoction and have to take up to four liters a day of this preparation, because the use of alcohol in the Tamarind fluid extracts prevent its use in patient with lever desorders. Objective: the aim of this study was the preliminary establisment of quality control parameters of the Tamarindus indica L soft extract as a novel alcohol-free active ingredient for solids pharmaceutical formulation. Methods: organoleptics properties, total solids, relative density, pH, and total ashes were stablished. The polyphenols content was evaluated as a chemical marker using Folin-Ciocalteau spectrophotometric method. The WHO methodology was followed for the establishment of limits for each one of the parameters...

Introducción: el Tamarindus indica L o tamarindo, como se le conoce comúnmente, es una planta medicinal con un amplio espectro de aplicación en la medicina. Es la más utilizada en Cuba y en el Caribe para los trastornos hepáticos. La población la utiliza en forma de decocción y consume alrededor de 4 L/d de esta preparación, porque el contenido de alcohol del extracto fluido de tamarindo impide su utilización en pacientes con estas enfermedades. Objetivo: establecer de forma preliminar los parámetros de control de calidad en el extracto blando de las hojas de Tamarindus indica L como un nuevo ingrediente activo libre de etanol, para la preparación de formas farmacéuticas sólidas. Métodos: se evaluaron las propiedades organolépticas, sólidos totales, densidad relativa, pH y cenizas totales. Se evaluó el contenido de polifenoles como marcador para el control de calidad de este extracto utilizando el método de Folin Ciocalteau. Se empleó la metodología propuesta por la Organización Mundial de la Salud para el establecimiento de los límites de control...

Pharmacognostical and physicochemical analysis of Tamarindus indica Linn stem.

Tamarindus indica Linn. fruits (Chincha) are extensively used in culinary preparations in Indian civilization. Its vast medicinal uses are documented in Ayurvedic classics and it can be used singly or as a component of various formulations. Besides fruit, the Kasta (wood) of T. indica L. is also important and used to prepare Kshara (alkaline extract) an Ayurvedic dosage form. Pharmacognostical and physicochemical details of Chincha Kasta are not available in authentic literature including API (Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India). The study is an attempt in this direction. T. indica L. stem with heartwood was selected and morphological, microscopic and physicochemical standardization characters along with TLC fi nger print, and fl uorescence analysis were documented. Transverse section of stem showed important characters such as phelloderm, stone cells layer, fi ber groups, calcium oxalate, crystal fi bers, and tylosis in heartwood region. Four characteristic spots were observed under UV long wave, in thin layer chromatography with the solvent combination of toluene: ethyl acetate (8:2). The study can help correct identifi cation and standardization of this plant material.

Preformulación de tabletas de Tamarindus indica L. / Preformulation of tablets from Tamarindus indica L.

Se realizó un estudio de preformulación de tabletas partiendo del extracto blando de las hojas de la especie Tamarindus indica L. Se estudiaron posibles interacciones en mezclas binarias del extracto blando con los excipientes en relación 1:3 que puedan afectar la cantidad de polifenoles en la mezcla a temperaturas 30, 45 y 60 ºC. Se diseñaron 3 formulaciones preliminares de tabletas y se estudió en todos los casos la calidad de los granulados y de las tabletas. En conclusión, no se producen interacciones que afecten el color, el olor ni la concentración de polifenoles en las mezclas binarias extracto blando de tamarindo-excipientes a 30 ºC, y a temperaturas mayores se reduce la cantidad de polifenoles en las mezclas. La formulación preliminar número tres produce tabletas de calidad tecnológica y resulta adecuada para los subsecuentes estudios de formulación y optimización de tabletas de tamarindo.

A pre-formulation study for tablet preparation using soft extract from Tamarindus indica L. leaves was conducted. Possible interactions in binary mixtures of Tamarindus indica L. soft extract and selected excipients in a 1:3 ratio, which may affect the amount of polyphenols in the mixture at 30°, 45° and 60 °C temperatures, were analyzed. Three preliminary tablet formulations were designed and then the quality of granules and tables were researched in all the cases. It was concluded that there were no interactions affecting the color, the smell and the polyphenol concentration in the evaluated binary mixtures at 30°. At higher temperatures, the amount of polyphenols decreased. Pre-formulation number 3 yielded the best technological quality in tablet production and thus can be used for future formulation and optimization studies of Tamarind tables.

Formulación de comprimidos de tamarindo por el método de granulación húmeda / Formulation of tamarind tablets using the wet granulation method

El objetivo de este trabajo fue la formulación de tabletas farmacéuticas para lo cual se empleó como principio activo el extracto blando de las hojas de la especie Tamarindus indica L. Se utilizó el método de elaboración de tabletas por granulación húmeda a escala de laboratorio. Se prepararon 3 formulaciones en las que se varió las cantidades de lactosa, Aerosil®, celulosa microcristalina y croscarmelosa sódica. Se obtuvieron 3 formulaciones con características adecuadas para el proceso de producción de tabletas, de las cuales la número 3 fue la que mostró mejor calidad tecnológica. Se encontró una relación directa entre la cantidad de desintegrante añadido y el tiempo de desintegración, por lo que deberá estudiarse el efecto de este excipiente para la optimización de esta formulación

The objective of this paper was to prepare tablets using Tamarindus indica L. leaf soft extract as active ingredient. The classic method for manufacturing tablets by means of wet granulation at lab scale was used. Three formulations were prepared in which the quantities of excipients lactose, Aerosil®, microcrystalline cellulose and croscarmellose sodium varied. Three formulations were obtained with adequate characteristics in the manufacturing process but the number 3 exhibited the best technological quality. For further optimization of this formulation, the effect of the excipient must be studied because there was direct relationship between the added amount of disintegrant and the disintegration time

Hyperglycemia in poor controlled diabetes from crude tamarind herbal pill：a case study

Hyperglycemia is an important finding in the diabetic patient with poor glycemic control. There are several possible causes of hyperglycemic. Here, the author presents an interesting case study on a female diabetic patient presenting with hyperglycemic due to intake of crude tamarind herbal pill. General practitioner should realize that the use of alternative medicine can be a cause of unexplained hyperglycemic episode in diabetic patient.