MORPHOLOGY STUDY OF PLAI PATCH BY THE SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPE. PART I: CHITOSAN AND HYDROXYPROPYLMETHYLCELLULOSE BLENDS

Objective: The compound D or (E)-4-(3', 4'-dimethoxyphenyl)-but-3-en-1-ol is the main active chemical constituent in Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. (Plai) used for the treatment of asthma, for muscle and joint pain. This research aimed to study the surface morphology of Plai patch after in vitro release study of compound D. This patch made from polymer blends consisted of chitosan and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose using glycerine as plasticizer. Methods: The crude Plai oil was dissolved in absolute ethanol and homogeneously mixed into the polymer blends solution consisted of chitosan, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, and glycerine, and then dried in hot air oven to produce the Plai patch. The Plai patch was placed into Franz cell diffusion apparatus for 24 hours. After that, the Plai patch was photographed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) to study the morphology of this patch after compound D release. Results: The morphology of the Plai patch after the release of compound D was visualized by SEM. The morphology of Plai patch made from polymer blends between chitosan, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, and glycerine had various numbers of pores, suggesting that the release of compound D occur mainly in patch surfaces and its might diffused through the matrix pores due to the active compound solubilization in the receptor medium, isotonic phosphate buffer pH 7.4: ethanol = 8:2. Conclusion: When the Plai patch absorbed the moisture and fluid from receptor medium, the Plai patch might swell and release the compound D, main active compound in Plai from this patch. This might contributed the pore in Plai patch

A SURVEY OF PRODUCTION PLACES OF PRE-PACKAGED PROCESSED FOODS BEFORE EVALUATION FOLLOWS THE PRIMARY GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICE (PRIMARY GMP) STANDARDS: A CASE STUDY OF NAKHON RATCHASIMA PROVINCE

Objective: The aim of this study was to survey the 103 non-permitted production place of pre-packaged, processed foods follow the Primary GMP standard for evaluating the probability to apply the Primary GMP evaluation. Methods: The population was 103 entrepreneurs of pre-packaged processed foods in Nakhon Ratchasima province with non-permitted status of Primary GMP that surveyed in 2013. Three types of pre-packaged processed foods and types of food entrepreneurs were collected and identified. Pre-evaluation of food production places follow the Primary GMP standard was evaluated and reasons of food entrepreneurs that non-apply for the Primary GMP evaluations were collected. Results: From the survey data, three types of pre-packaged processed foods that produced in Nakhon Ratchasima province were identified and reported. Almost of pre-packaged processed foods were general processed foods, 51(48.57%) production places as well as ready-to-eat foods. The food entrepreneurs had different types including alone, housewife group, community enterprise, and the company. There were 62 (60.19%), 23 (22.33%), 12 (11.65%), and 6 (5.83%) production places, respectively. The evaluation of food production places by provincial and district food team before apply the Primary GMP evaluation. For category 1, approximately 84% of food entrepreneurs were lack of production building. Category 2, 3, and 4, the food entrepreneurs had production equipment, processing control, and sanitation, respectively, but these categories failed the criteria nearly 100%. There were five reasons made food entrepreneur does not apply for the Primary GMP evaluation, lack of budget was the most important reason, 79.61%. Conclusions: The survey results showed that generally processed foods and ready-to-eat foods were mostly produced. The food entrepreneurs usually worked by oneself and almost food production places failed the Primary GMP standard. Lack of budget was the most important reason that made food entrepreneur does not apply for the Primary GMP evaluation

MORPHOLOGY STUDY OF PLAI PATCHES BY THE SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPE. PART II: CHITOSAN AND POLYVINYL ALCOHOL BLENDS

Objective: This work aimed to study of surface morphology of the Plai patch, incorporating the crude Plai oil in polymer blends comprised of chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol using glycerine as plasticizer by SEM method. Method: We prepared the patch from polymer blends comprised of chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol, and glycerine by adding the crude Plai oil into this polymer blends solution, and then transferred to dry into hot air oven to produce dark yellow patch which called Plai patch. Then, this Plai patch was studied the in vitro release using Franz cell diffusion apparatus for 24 hours. The Plai patch was removed from equipment and photographed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) to study the morphology of this patch after compound D release from patch. Results: After the release of compound D, the morphology of the Plai patch was visualized by SEM. The morphology of Plai patch made from polymer blends between chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol, and glycerine had various numbers of pores, suggesting that the compound D release occur mainly this patch surfaces and its might diffused through the matrix pores due to the active compound solubilization in the receptor medium, isotonic phosphate buffer pH 7.4: ethanol = 8:2. Conclusion: The Plai patch might swell and release the compound D, main active compound in Plai from this patch when the Plai patch absorbed the moisture and fluid from receptor medium. This might contributed the pore in surface of Plai patch

DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF LC-MS METHOD FOR QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF A TRADITIONAL THAI ANTIHYPERTENSIVE HERBAL RECIPE

Objective: To develop a new validated LC-MS method in which can be used for identification and quantification of the active pharmaceutical compounds in a traditional Thai antihypertensive herbal recipe (TTAH). Methods:  First, a quadrupole-ion trap MS was used to identify the active pharmaceutical compounds to facilitate a set of markers in the TTAH using multiple reactions monitoring (MRM) method. Coupling to LC in gradients mode, the chromatogram of the TTAH was established. Second, the method validation was conducted to observe several parameters, such as, carryover, linearity, a limit of detection, a limit of quantification, precision, accuracy, robustness, specificity, and system suitability. Results: Piperine, imperatorin, and pinostrobin were identified using the quadrupole-ion trap MS by comparison the mass spectrum of the TTAH samples and reference standards. The parent and product ions were optimized using MRM method. Good chromatographic peaks were achieved along with a simple and fast analysis. All parameters were validated and found that the method reported in this article can be used to quantify the amount of piperine, imperatorin, and pinostrobin in the TTAH. Conclusion: Piperine, imperatorin, and pinostrobin were selected as the markers in LC-MS analysis of the TTAH. This new validated LC-MS method is readily to use in a quality assurance of the TTAH

Comparison of Pectin Layers for Nicotine Transdermal Patch Preparation

Purpose: The objective of the present investigation was to prepare and evaluate transdermal patches for nicotine. Methods: Pectin isolated from the hulls of Monthong durian or leaves of Krueo Ma Noy was used as a matrix membrane for the controlled release of nicotine and compared with commercial pectin. The mechanical properties, moisture uptake, and Fourier transform infrared spectra were characterized. The in vitro stability of these patches was evaluated and compared to commercial nicotine patches. Results: The mechanical properties of the patches made from isolated pectin were greater than those prepared from commercial pectin; brittle commercial patches were obtained after nicotine loading. The moisture uptake of the patches made with isolated pectin was in the range of 30.20-44.29%. There was no incompatibility between the ingredients of the nicotine transdermal patches or any degradation of the drug. The matrix layer made from isolated pectin controlled the nicotine release more effectively than did commercial nicotine patches. In addition, these patches were stable at in a refrigerator (approximately 4±2 °C) and at ambient temperature (approximately 30±2 °C) for 3 months, retaining 90% of the loaded nicotine. Conclusion: Our study suggests that using isolated pectin as the matrix layer should control the release of nicotine from transdermal patches

Fabrication of Orally Fast Disintegrating Wafer Tablets Containing Cannabis Extract Using Freeze Drying Method

Introduction: The development of a novel dosage form for cannabis extract is necessary to improve drug delivery and to also enhance patient convenience. Methods: Orally fast disintegrating wafer tablets containing cannabis extract, which were prepared using the freeze drying technique, were developed in this work. The formulation consisted of several key components: cannabis extract as the active compound, Tween® 80 as a surfactant and solubilizer, gelatin and mannitol as structural components, sucralose as a sweetening agent, and sodium methylparaben and sodium propylparaben as preservatives. Results: The optimized formulation consists of the following ingredients: 5% cannabis extract, 1.25% Tween® 80, 5% gelatin, 88.34% mannitol, 0.2% sucralose, 0.19% sodium methylparaben, and 0.02% sodium propylparaben. The resulting wafer tablets exhibited the following characteristics: a porous structure, an average weight of approximately 200 mg, minimal weight variation (less than 1.4%), slightly acidic pH (pH 5.12), disintegration within 10 s, low moisture content (less than 3%), a Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol content of approximately 2.8 mg, and a cannabidiol content of approximately 0.9 mg. Additionally, the wafer tablets rapidly dissolved in simulated saliva fluid containing sodium lauryl sulfate. Conclusion: This work succeeded in the fabrication of orally disintegrating wafer tablets containing cannabis extract with desired properties

Formulation and Characterization of Topical Anti-acne Spot Gel Containing Herbal Extracts

This research work aimed to prepare the topical anti-acne spot gel incorporating the crude polyherbal extract that is a traditional Thai herbal recipe, namely “Ya-Sa-Marn-Phlae”. The topical anti-acne spot gels were prepared by add the crude polyherbal extract in each microemulsion or self-microemulsifying system and subsequently mixed in the blank anti-acne spot gel. The pH, viscosity, stability, contamination test, and skin irritation test were evaluated. The topical anti-acne spot gel formulations had a yellowish in color that was visually checked by researcher and photographed by digital camera. They had a pH near to a human skin and good viscosity which ease to use and safe to contact to the skin. They had a good stability and no contamination of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The topical anti-acne spot gels exhibited no oedema formation, and very slight erythema formation. Thus, the topical anti-acne spot gels were safe to apply on the skin without irritation

Swelling Properties of Propranolol HCl-loaded Polyvinyl Alcohol-graft-lactic Acid Hydrogel Films

This paper presented the swelling properties of propranolol HCl-loaded polyvinyl alcohol-graft-lactic acid (PPH-loaded PVA-g-LA) hydrogel films. The swelling properties including swelling-deswelling measurement and swelling behaviour in different environmental stimuli fluids such as water, various pH, and various ionic strength were determined. It was found that the swelling properties of the PPH-loaded PVA-g-LA hydrogel films depend on the LA amount addition. They had a good swelling and deswelling in water and acetone. The PPH-loaded PVA-g-LA hydrogel films showed the high swelling in the medium pH 7. Thus, the prepared PPH-loaded PVA-g-LA hydrogel films had a good swelling property that could be used to controlled drug release in pharmaceutical product

Microwave-assisted extraction and content determination of astilbin in Lysiphyllum strychnifolium stems

Lysiphyllum strychnifolium (Craib) A. Schmitz. (in Thai name, Ya nang daeng) has been traditionally used to treat fever, alcohol intoxication, cancer, allergies, and blood toxins. It can be used as a health-promoting herbal tea and contains hydroalcoholic extracts. The purpose of the present study was to develop a microwave-assisted extraction method for astilbin in L. strychnifolium stems. HPLC was used to determine astilbin content. Three extraction conditions were optimized: types of solvent, microwave power levels, and the number of extraction cycles. Water:methanol (40:60) was the best solvent for astilbin extraction from L. strychnifolium stems using 450 watts and six microwave-assisted extraction cycles. This technique offers important advantages over conventional methods, such as shorter extraction times, substantial energy savings, and a reduced environmental burden