The characterization of the semi-solid W/O/W emulsions with low concentrations of the primary polymeric emulsifier.

Semi-solid multiple W/O/W emulsions with low concentrations (0.8, 1.6 and 2.4% w/w) of lipophilic polymeric primary emulsifier PEG-30-dipolyhydroxystearate (PDHS) have been formulated. Both emulsions, primary and multiple, were prepared with high content of inner phase (Phi1 = Phi2 = 0.8). All the formulations differ only in the lipophilic emulsifier concentration. Evaluating several parameters such as macroscopic and microscopic aspect, droplet size, accelerated stability under centrifugation and flow and oscillatory rheological behaviour, assessed the multiple systems. It is possible to formulate the semi-solid W/O/W multiple emulsions with low concentrations of PDHS as the primary emulsifier. It appeared that the highest long-term stable multiple emulsion with the lowest droplet size, the highest apparent viscosity and highest elastic characteristic, was the sample with the highest concentration (2.4% w/w) of the primary emulsifier.

Some studies on the preservation of indometacin suspensions intended for ophthalmic use.

Suspensions of indometacin (1% w/v), buffered to pH 5.6, may be satisfactorily preserved by 0.002% w/v phenylmercuric nitrate in the presence of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (0.5% w/v), despite 90% of the preservative being adsorbed to the indometacin powder. Polyvinyl alcohol (1.4%) could be used as an alternative suspending agent.

In vitro determination of the spermicidal activity of plant saponins.

PIP: The plant kingdom might yield an effective antifertility drug. A Mentha arvensis L. (Labiatae) fraction with uterotonic activity was isolated, and was found to be active on the nonpregnant as well as the pregnant rat uterus. According to folklore medicine, the Mexican plant Montanoa tomentosa Cerv. (zoapatle) possesses antifertility activity in women. The effect of various isolated preparations from this plant on early pregnancy were investigated in serveral rodent species including the mouse, rat hamster, and guinea pig. It was concluded that zoapatle plant extracts possess unique antifertility activity. Lin-Hsim and coworkers isolated fractions from Aristolochia molissima Hanceith contrceptive activity in female mice. Saponins of some plants were used in contraceptive formulations either as foaming agents or as spermicidal substances. Elbary and Nour investigated the spermicidal effects of saponins isolated from the following plants: Gypsophila paniculata L., Saponaria officinalis L., Enterolobium cyclocarpum, Griseb., Terminalia horrida Steud., Melilotus sicula Vitm., and Ruscus hypoglossum L. All of the saponins tested possessed spermicidal activity. Jain and coworkers isolated 2 new saponins in Pittosporum nilghrense with spermicidal effects. In this paper we have determined the spermicidal activity of saponins isolated from some Yugoslav plants, which in that aspect have not been investigated. The results are illustrated in the table. They show that all of the saponins tested were spermicidal in dependence on their nature. Saponins of Primula vulgaris Huds. and Cyclamen persicum Mill. immobilized human spermatozoa within a period of 20 s at a dilution 1:1000. Saponin of Gypsophila paniculata L. was spermicidal at dilution 1:20. These findings show that saponins isolated from some Yugoslav plants may be useful spermicides of natural origin.^ieng

[Contraceptive agents for men]. / Antifertilini agensi u muskarca.

PIP: Contraceptive drugs for men can control fertility by interrupting the process of spermatogenesis, preventing the maturation of spermatozoids, acting on the transportation of sperm, and by producing specific antispermal antibodies (immunologic fertility control). The effect of various steroid and nonsteroid substances on the process of spermatogenesis has been studied. A combination of gestagens and androgens has been studied as a basis for male contraception. The latest publication by M. Kuhl and his collaborators describes very good results achieved by the use of dimeric ethynoidol testosterone ester in rats. D.J. Patanelli and M. Jackson have carefully examined the antitumor, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal agents. Further substances that have been studied are modified sugars and gossypol. A lot of attention has been paid lately to the effect of some alkalizing agents on the maturation of spermatozoids. K.R. Kedia and C. Markland have emphasized the importance of adrenergic system in the process of ejaculation. The effect of the antihypertension agent guanethidine, bretilium, and betanedin, as well as of some psychoactive durgs on the same process has also been studied. Active immunization of monkeys with follicle-stimulating hormone for two years has shown significant suppression of spermatogenesis. A.C. Menge and B. Fuller have explained specific immunologic traits of testis antigens in man, chimpanzee, rhesus monkey, and baboon. Studies in the area of male contraception published so far show that the stage leading to the formulation of drugs for wide-scale distribution has not yet been reached.^ieng