Formulation of Aloe vera based curcumin topical gel and its in-vitro evaluation.

Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound obtained from the rhizome of plant. Curcuma longa possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. The current study was designed to formulate an Aloe vera-based curcumin topical gel. To enhance curcumin's solubility, it was first complexed with ß-cyclodextrin, given its hydrophobic nature. While Carbopol, carboxy methyl cellulose and guar gum were used in various concentrations as gelling agents for preparation of the formulations. The effect of propylene glycol as a permeation enhancer was also observed. The prepared formulations were tested for different parameters such as physical appearance, spreadability, drug content, pH, viscosity and in-vitro permeation. All the formulations were found to be stable. All formulations consisting of propylene glycol showed permeation within the range of 80-90%. The maximum percentage of drug release was observed in the formulation containing 1% Carbopol 940 as the gelling agent which also exhibited good spreadability. In comparison to gels formulated with carboxymethyl cellulose and guar gum, Carbopol 940 gels appeared more translucent. Consequently, it was concluded that curcumin's permeation improved following its complexation with ß-cyclodextrin. This complex when further used for the formation of an aloe vera based topical gel with 1% Carbopol 940 and 10% propylene glycol demonstrated maximum efficacy.

Thermo-Responsive Sol-Gel-Based Nano-Carriers Containing Terbinafine HCl: Formulation, In Vitro and Ex Vivo Characterization, and Antifungal Activity.

The current research aims to create a sol-gel-based nanocarrier containing terbinafine formulated for transdermal delivery of the drug into the skin. Sol-gel-based nanocarriers were prepared via the cold method using poloxamer-188, poloxamer-407, and distilled water. The prepared formulation was examined for pH, gelation temperature, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) analysis, thermal stability analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size analysis, zeta potential, and anti-microbial activity. The in-vitro drug release study of F1 was found to be 94%, which showed greater drug release as compared to F2 and F3. The pH of the formulation was found to be within the range applicable to the skin. The gelation temperature was detected at 28 °C. The SEM images of formulations have spotted various particles well-segregated from each other. Analysis of formulations showed a mean globule size diameter of 428 nm, zeta potential values of 0.04 mV, refractive index (1.329), and viscosity (5.94 cP). FTIR analysis confirmed various functional groups' presence in the prepared formulation. Thermal analysis has confirmed the stability of the drug within the prepared formulation. The growth of inhibition was found to be 79.2% in 60 min, which revealed that the prepared formulation has shown good permeation from the membrane. Hence, the sol-gel-based nanocarrier formulation of terbinafine was successfully developed and evaluated.

Quantifying satisfaction among pharmacists working in Pharmaceutical Sales or Marketing and its inferential relationship with demographics: A Cross-Sectional analysis in Pakistan.

OBJECTIVES: To quantify satisfaction among pharmacists working in pharmaceutical sales or marketing in Pakistan. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pharmacists working in pharmaceutical sales and marketing during August to November, 2019. Satisfaction score of pharmacists was considered satisfied (Score > 2.5) and dissatisfied (Score < 2.5). The maximum and minimum satisfaction score was four and one for each question respectively. RESULTS: A total of 250 questionnaires were distributed and 200 were received back yielding a response rate of 80%. Male respondents dominated the cohort and were more satisfied (2.60 ± 0.47) as compared to females (2.31 ± 0.48) with majority were 18-30 years old and 78% had Pharm. D level of education (2.61 ± 0.47). The mean satisfaction score of participant is 2.51 with standard deviation of 0.49. The 53% of the respondents were dissatisfied with their salaries. The study dependent and independent variables are correlated with each other and significant results were seen between them. The factors associated with dissatisfaction are fear of losing job (2.19 ± 0.88), switch job (2.20 ± 0.77) and health condition (2.09 ± 0.89). Factors associated with satisfaction are positive attitude of doctor (2.91 ± 0.60), doctor consider respectful job holder (2.91 ± 0.61), enjoy work (3.01 ± 0.65), job by choice (3.12 ± 0.67) and progress in job (3.00 ± 0.74). CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that the respondents were dissatisfied due to number of issues including disturbance in their personal life, lack of promotion and incentives among study participants.

Anti myelosuppressant and hematopoietic activities of ethanolic fraction obtained from seeds of Carica papaya L.

Bone marrow suppression is one of the serious consequences of treatment with cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents such as doxorubicin (DOX). It is very difficult to treat bone marrow suppression caused by anti-cancer drugs. This study was aimed to evaluate hematological effects particularly the antimyelosuppressant effects of ethanolic extract of papaya seeds at 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg daily dose for three weeks in doxorubicin induced hematopoietic suppression in rat model. Hematological parameters were assessed on weekly basis on days 0, 1, 7, 14 and 21. The alcoholic extract was found to cause remission of induced myelosuppression as indicated by a dose dependent increase in WBCs, neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, RBCs, Hb, hematocrit & mean corpuscular volume. However, the maximum dose (600mg/kg) of the extract showed maximum activity (p<0.05) in normalizing hematological parameters when compared with group B (induced group) and group A (controlled animals). These effects were compareable with those produced by Filgrastim 5µgm/kg used as standard or reference drug during these experiments. It is concluded from the results that papaya seeds possess myelostimulant activity and can be used to treat myelosuppression caused by chemotherapy. The drug can also be used for curing anemia, thrombocytopenia and immunological disorders characterized by myelosuppression.