Development of apigenin loaded gastroretentive microsponge for the targeting of Helicobacter pylori.

The goal of the present work was to invent an apigenin-stacked gastroretentive microsponge to target H. pylori. The quasi-emulsion technique was used to prepare microsponges, which were then tested for various physicochemical properties, in-vivo gastric retention, and in-vitro anti-H. pylori study. The microsponge that demonstrated a comparatively good product yield (76.23 ± 0.84), excellent entrapment efficiency (97.84 ± 0.85), sustained in-vitro gastric retention period, and prolonged drug release were chosen for further investigations. The microsponge's SEM analysis showed that it had a spherical form, porous surface, and interconnected spaces. No drug-polymer interactions were detected in the FTIR investigation. Apigenin was found to be dispersed in the microsponge's polymeric matrix according to DSC & XRD investigations. Moreover, the microsponge in the rat's stomach floated for 4 h, according to the ultrasonography. The antibacterial activity of apigenin against H. pylori was nearly two folds more than the pure apigenin and had a more sustained release in the best microsponge, according to the in vitro MIC data, when compared to pure apigenin. To sum up, the developed gastroretentive microsponge with apigenin offers a viable alternative for the efficient targeting of H. pylori. But more preclinical & clinical studies of our best microsponge would yield considerably more fruitful results.

The dietary supplement of Ginkgo biloba: a comprehensive review of its potential interactions based on pre-clinical and clinical evidences / El suplemento dietético de Ginkgo biloba: una revisión exhaustiva de sus posibles interacciones basada en evidencias clínicas y preclínicas

This review present Gingko biloba (GB) interactions, based on clinical and pre-clinical presentations. Literature was retrieved using databases; ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google scholar, Web of Science, Scopus etc. 14/45 interactions were found with clinical presentations. More interactions (80%) were reported with drugs followed by herbs (11.1%), and nutraceuticals (6.7%) with major mechanisms of interaction observed as; inhibition of Cytochrome metabolizing enzymes (44.4%) and platelet-activating factor (PAF) i.e. 15.6%. Major clinical features were; increased bleeding (eye, parietal), hematomas (subdural), and seizures as well as increased blood pressure, priapism, loss of infection/antiviral failure, and coma. Drugs with major interactions belonged to anti-platelet/anti-coagulant and NSAIDs. Synergistic effects were observed for GB vs herbs (except cannabis which showed rhabdomyolysis), foods, and nutraceuticals (except pyridoxine where neurotoxicity was seen). GB use should be monitored and the patient may seek proper advice from a healthcare professional.

Esta revisión presenta las interacciones de Gingko biloba (GB), basadas en presentaciones clínicas y preclínicas. La literatura se recuperó utilizando bases de datos; ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, etc. Se encontraron 14/45 interacciones con presentaciones clínicas. Se informaron más interacciones (80%) con fármacos seguidos de hierbas (11,1%) y nutracéuticos (6,7%) con los principales mecanismos de interacción observados como; inhibición de las enzimas metabolizadoras del citocromo (44,4%) y factor activador de plaquetas (PAF), es decir, 15,6%. Las principales características clínicas fueron; aumento de sangrado (ojo, parietal), hematomas (subdural) y convulsiones, así como aumento de la presión arterial, priapismo, pérdida de infección / insuficiencia antiviral y coma. Los fármacos con interacciones importantes pertenecían a los antiplaquetarios/anticoagulantes y los AINE. Se observaron efectos sinérgicos para GB frente a hierbas (excepto cannabis que mostró rabdomiólisis), alimentos y nutracéuticos (excepto piridoxina donde se observó neurotoxicidad). Se debe controlar el uso de GB y el paciente puede buscar el asesoramiento adecuado de un profesional de la salud.

Green Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Using Aerva javanica Leaf Extract and Their Characterization and Investigation of In Vitro Antimicrobial Potential and Cytotoxic Activities.

The development of green technology is creating great interest for researchers towards low-cost and environmentally friendly methods for the synthesis of nanoparticles. Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) attracted many researchers due to their electric, catalytic, optical, textile, photonic, monofluid, and pharmacological activities that depend on the shape and size of the nanoparticles. This investigation aims copper oxide nanoparticles synthesis using Aerva javanica plant leaf extract. Characterization of copper oxide nanoparticles synthesized by green route was performed by three different techniques: X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) reveals the crystalline morphology of CuO-NPs and the average crystal size obtained is 15 nm. SEM images showed the spherical nature of the particles and size is lying in the 15-23 nm range. FTIR analysis confirms the functional groups of active components present in the extract which are responsible for reducing and capping agents for the synthesis of CuO-NPs. The synthesized CuO-NPs were studied for their antimicrobial potential against different bacterial as well as fungal pathogens. The results indicated that CuO-NPs show maximum antimicrobial activities against all the selected bacterial and fungal pathogens. Antimicrobial activities of copper oxide nanoparticles were compared with standard drugs Norfloxacin and amphotericin B antibiotics. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of copper oxide nanoparticles were 128 µg/mL against all selected bacterial pathogens. MIC of fungus and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of CuO-NPs were 160 µg/mL. Thus, CuO-NPs can be utilized as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent. The cytotoxic activity of the synthesized CuO-NPs suggested that toxicity was negligible at concentrations below 60 µg/mL.