Quality assessment of commercial formulations of tin based herbal drug by physico-chemical fingerprints

The Tin based herbal drug Vanga Parpam is extensively used for treating urino genital infections, Odema, Polydepsia and Dyspepsia effectively. There are no reports of physico chemical fingerprints for the tin based drug available. Proper characterization techniques are required for checking the quality of the commercial samples, in terms of the physical and chemical constitution to meet the expected criteria to support its use worldwide. Two popular commercial brands such drug were characterized and compared in terms of morphology, composition, crystal lattice, and oxidation state of the active metal. Physico-chemical fingerprints were generated for the samples using analytical techniques like Powder X ray crystallography, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X ray Analysis and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy and Fourier Transformed Infra Red spectroscopy. It was found that the percentage of tin varied drastically in both brands along with a difference in the percentage composition of other elements and surface morphology which would have significant impact on the therapeutic efficacy and pharmacological activity of the drug samples. The current study appropriately substantiated the need for the use of modern analytical techniques in the establishment of quality and safety assurance of such potent drug

Effect of Headgroup on DNA−Cationic Surfactant Interactions

The interaction behavior of DNA with different types of hydroxylated cationic surfactants has been studied. Attention was directed to how the introduction of hydroxyl substituents at the headgroup of the cationic surfactants affects the compaction of DNA. The DNA−cationic surfactant interaction was investigated at different charge ratios by several methods like UV melting, ethidium bromide exclusion, and gel electrophoresis. Studies show that there is a discrete transition in the DNA chain from extended coils (free chain) to a compact form and that this transition does not depend substantially on the architecture of the headgroup. However, the accessibility of DNA to ethidium bromide is preserved to a significantly larger extent for the more hydrophilic surfactants. This was discussed in terms of surfactant packing. Observations are interpreted to reflect that the surfactants with more substituents have a larger headgroup and therefore form smaller micellar aggregates; these higher curvature aggregates lead to a less efficient, “patch-like” coverage of DNA. The more hydrophilic surfactants also presented a significantly lower cytotoxicity, which is important for biotechnological applications

Removal of Tannic Acid From Aqueous Solution by Cloud Point Extraction and Investigation of Surfactant Regeneration by Microemulsion Extraction

The aim of this work is the extraction of tannic acid (TA) with two commercial nonionic surfactants, separately: Lutensol ON 30 and Triton X-114 (TX-114).The experimental cloud point extraction results are expressed by four responses to surfactant concentration and temperature variations: extent of TA extraction (E), remaining solute (X s,w) and surfactant (X t,w) concentrations in dilute phase and volume fraction of coacervate (Φc) at equilibrium. An empirical smoothing method was used and the results are represented on three dimensional plots. In optimal conditions, the extraction extent of TA reaches 95 and 87 % using TX-114 and Lutensol ON 30, respectively. Sodium sulfate, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) addition and pH effect are also studied. Finally, the possibility of recycling of the surfactant is proved

PHYSICO-CHEMICAL, PHYTOCHEMICAL AND HPTLC ANALYSIS OF THE WHOLE PLANT OF ORTHOSIPHON THYMIFLORUS (ROTH.) SLEESEN

 Objective: The plant Orthosiphon thymiflorus (Roth.) sleesen is an herb belonging to the family Lamiaceae. It has been reported to possessseveral pharmacological properties. The study was aimed at carrying out the physico-chemical, phytochemical and high-performance thin layerchromatography (HPTLC) analysis on the whole plant of O. thymiflorus.Methods: The physico-chemical parameters were tested using standard methods. The preliminary tests for phytochemicals present were testedusing conventional methods. CAMAG HPTLC system equipped with TLC autosampler 4 applicator, TLC scanner 3 and win CATS 1.4.4. software wasused for HPTLC analysis of the plant. The different extracts were developed using suitable mobile phases using standard procedures and scannedunder ultraviolet 254 nm. The plates were also viewed under 366 nm and after derivatization with vanillin-sulfuric acid.Results: The physico-chemical parameters were studied. The plant was found to be free from adulteration and contamination. On phytochemicalanalysis, the plant showed the presence of triterpenoid, flavonoid, alkaloid, phenol, steroid, sugars, quinone and coumarin in different extracts tested.The TLC plate showed several spots at different Rf when viewed under 254 nm, 366 nm and after derivatization with vanillin-sulfuric acid. The HPTLCprofile showed several peaks that indicated the presence of various phytochemicals present in the plant.Conclusion: The study will help in standardization of the plant. The HPTLC profile will help in authentication and standardization of the plant.Keywords: Orthosiphon thymiflorus, High performance thin layer chromatography, Phytochemical screening, Standardization

<i>Enicostemma littorale </i>Blume <i>— </i>A potential<i> </i>hypolipidemic plant

401-405Restoration of liver function by the application of Enicostemma littorale Blume (aerial part) powder in p-DAB (p-dimethylaminoazobenzene) induced animals was evaluated by analyzing the serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, serum g-glutamyl transpeptidase and liver malondialdehyde levels. Administration of the chosen plant reduces the hyperlipidemia at significant level and also reduces the lipid peroxidation and significantly increased HDL-cholesterol level in serum. When comparing the results with the standard antilipidemia agent namely, vitamin E, the results obtained using the plant is highly comparable.

Pharamcognostic evaluation of Acorus calamus L.

Introduction: Acorus calamus L. is a semi aquatic medicinal plant, commonly used in traditional medicinal systems of Asian and European countries. Rhizomes are used as therapeutic agent for various diseases. The present study focuses on pharmacognostic evaluation of the rhizomes. Methods: Pharmacognostic evaluation was carried out by organoleptic evaluation, anatomical studies, powder microscopic analysis and ash valve studies. Results and Conclusions: Organoleptic studies showed presence of characteristic triangular leaf scars and the anatomical studies showed the presence of aerenchyma and amphivasal vascular bundles. Presence of tannins was also observe