Proniosomes as drug carriers

Approaches to stabilize niosomal drug delivery system without affecting its properties of merits have resulted in the development of the promising drug carrier, proniosomes. Proniosomes is dry formulation using suitable carrier coated with non ionic surfactants and can be converted into niosomes immediately before use by hydration. These proniosome-derived niosomes are as good as or even better than conventional niosomes. The focus of this review is to bring out different aspects related to proniosomes preparation, characterization, entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, applications and merits

Antimicrobial activity of the extracts of Chromolaena odorata [L.] king and robinson

Extracts of the leaves of Chromolaena odorata [L.] King and Robinson were subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening for the presence of plant secondary metabolites and in vitro antibacterial and antiftmgal studies. The results of preliminary study revealed the presence of alkaloids, steroidal nucleus, flavonoids, saponins and tannins in the ethanol and chloroform extracts. The chloroform and alcohol extracts were investigated for in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities by using Agar Disc Diffusion Technique. Four strains of micro-organisms comprising two gram positive, one gram negative and one fungi were used in this study. The results of minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] study revealed the antimicrobial activity and antifungal activity of the extract against the tested strains of microorganisms in concentration ranges of 25, 50 and 75 microg/ml, respectively. The results of zone of inhibition study revealed the concentration dependent nature of the extracts with better effectiveness against gram positive bacteria than gram negative bacteria

Formulation and evaluation of cetirizine dihydrochloride orodispersible tablet

Cetirizine orodispersible tablets were prepared to achieve quick onset of action and for maximum bioavailability. Tablets were prepared using cetirizine along with camphor and mannitol in the proportion of 1:1:1, 1:1:3, and 1:1:6. The flow property of granules was found to be good for the formulation CZ2 [1:1:3]. The hardness and friability of all the formulations were found to be within the standard limit for orodispersible tablets. Disintegration time was found to be rapid in formulation CZ2 [1:1:3].The in vitro dissolution time was found to be 100% in 11 minutes for the formulation CZ2 [1:1:3]

Investigation on hepatoprotective activity of pandanus fascicularis root

The extracts of Pandanus fascicularis Lam. [Pf] root were screened for hepatoprotective action. Albino rats were administered with carbon tetrachloride [CC14] for inducing liver damage. The effect of the extracts was evaluated by measuring the liver enzyme like SOOT, SOPT and bilirubin in the blood serum. The enzyme levels were compared with normal, toxicant and standard groups. In the extract treated animals, there is significant decrease in liver enzyme level. This observation leads to the conclusion that the Pf root possesses hepatoprotective activity. The hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous extract and ethanolic extract was compared with standard drug Silymarin. Aqueous extract shows promising activity when compared to ethanolic extract

Antibacterial and antifungal investigation of the root extracts of Croton sparciflorus

The present study was undertaken to find out the antibacterial and antifungal effects of crude organic extracts obtained from root of Croton sparciflorus. The crude organic extract was prepared from shade dried root of Croton sparciflorus by using petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and alcohol 90%. The antibacterial and antifungal activities were tested on selected gram positive and gram negative bacteria and fungi. The chloroform, petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and alcohol extracts showed activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa while chloroform extract showed activity against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. These extracts did not show any inhibitory activity against Candida albicans