Spectrofluorimetric Determination of Aliskiren in Tablets and Spiked Human Plasma through Derivatization with Dansyl Chloride

A simple and sensitive method has been developed and validated for the determination of aliskiren (ALS) in its dosage forms and spiked plasma. The method was based on the reaction of the drug with dansyl chloride in the presence of bicarbonate solution of pH 10.5 to give a highly fluorescent derivative which was measured at 501 nm with excitition at 378 nm in dichloromethane. Different experimental parameters affecting the development of the method and stability were carefully studied and optimized. The calibration curves were linear over the concentration ranges of 100–700 and 50–150 ng/mL for standard solution and plasma, respectively. The limits of detection were 27.52 ng/mL in standard solution, 4.91 ng/mL in plasma. The developed method was successfully applied to the analysis the drug in the commercial tablets and spiked plasma samples. The mean recovery of ALS from tablets and plasma was 100.10 and 97.81%, respectively. A proposal of the reaction pathway was presented

Formulation and characterization of solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers and nanoemulsion of lornoxicam for transdermal delivery

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) and nanoemulsion (NE) of lornoxicam (LRX) were prepared for the treatment of painful and inflammatory conditions of skin. Compritol® 888 ATO, Lanette® O and oleic acid were used as solid and liquid lipids. Nanoparticles and nanoemulsion were obtained in a range 141 to 295 nm diameter (D50). 185 nm and 295 nm particle sizes were obtained for SLN of LRX based on Compritol® 888 ATO and Lanette® O when NLC displayed 185 nm and 266 nm particle sizes, respectively. Droplet size of drug NE was 166 nm. They were found physically stable at various temperatures for 6 months. Case I diffusional drug release was detected as the dominant mechanism indicating Fickian drug diffusion from nanoparticles and nanoemulsion. The highest rate of drug penetration through rat skin was obtained with NE followed by NLC, SLN and a gel formulation. Nanoformulations significantly increased drug penetration through rat skin compared to the gel (p < 0.05). Thus, SLN, NLC and NE of LRX can be suggested for relieving painful and inflammatory conditions of the skin by sustained drug release

Vitamin and Herbal Supplements in Parkinson Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a degenerative process affecting the basal ganglia, mainly substantia nigra and other brainstem pigmented neurons, and is manifested by dopamine deficiency in the brain. The main clinical findings are rest tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity and posterior reflex disorder. Studies indicate that approximately 1% of the population over 65 years of age is involved in this disease. Today, the cause of nigral degeneration responsible for the development of this disease is unknown. However, considering the studies, it can be seen that hereditary predisposition, environmental toxins and aging play an important role in this process and especially multifactorial causes are prominent. PD treatment is lifelong and its main treatment is the substitution of dopamine hormone and reduction of symptoms. Here, vitamins and herbal supplements that play a role in the prevention and treatment of Parkinson's are briefly reviewed