Anticancer Effect of Capsaicin and Its Analogues

Potent biomolecules from natural products from plants, animals, and minerals are the fundamental basis of the ailment of mankind. Capsicum or red pepper plants were grouped under the kingdom Plantae and family Solanaceae. It is used widely throughout the world in foods for their pungent flavor and aroma, and to prolong food spoilage. This chapter presents a frame of a concise compilation of the anticancer and cytotoxic potentials of Capsicum, its analogs, and related compounds. Capsaicin (trans-8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) is the most predominant and naturally occurring alkaloid from the Capsicum species. It also details the anticancer efficacy of capsaicin and its analogs like capsaicinoids and capsiates which possess antioxidants and targets multiple signaling pathways, ontogenesis, and tumor-suppressor genes in various types of cancer models. Capsaicin is a major ingredient and has been linked to suppression of growth in various cancer cells. The data available strongly indicate the significant anticancer benefits of capsaicin and its potent analog molecules. It shows a significant effect on cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, cancer cell surveillance, growth arrest, and metastasis. This chapter also predominantly focuses on the combinational use of capsaicin with other natural dietary compounds as a measure of synergistic anticancer activities

Autopsy based study of incidence of vertebral artery injury in fatal non penetrative cervical spine trauma

About two third of all injury in the world is due to blunt force. Spinal injuries are more common in road traffic accidents of which cervical spine injuries are of great concern to the Forensic experts. The vertebral artery injury associated with blunt cervical trauma is varying and is increasingly being diagnosed than predicted. This study is aimed to study the incidence of vertebral artery injury in non penetrative cervical spine trauma by gross and histopathological evaluation and to analyze the types of vertebral artery injury in different types of non penetrative cervical spine trauma. 25 cases with non penetrative cervical spine trauma were assessed to detect the associated vertebral artery injury. The vertebral artery of both sides were dissected out and studied microscopically. In the 10 cases in which cervical spine fracture was detected, The histopathological examination shows that intimal tear was present in 2 cases (20%), foci of hemorrhage in 1 case (10%) and 5 cases (50%) did not have any vertebral artery abnormality. Two cases (20%) were found to have tear in the intima and media with hemorrhage in the media. Of the 6 cases of cervical vertebra subluxation, intimal tear was present in 3 cases (50%). Of the 2 cases with facet dislocation, intimal tear in vertebral artery was present in both cases (100%). Of the 7 cases with paraspinal bruise, no gross bony injury was detected. Thus vertebral artery injury associated with non penetrative cervical spine trauma is more than predicted and this implies the Anecessary to evaluate the same in every patient with blunt injury in head and neck

EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF STINGLESS BEE PROPOLIS (TETRAGONULA IRIDIPENNIS) OF TAMILNADU, INDIA

Objective: Propolis is a mixture of plant resins and bee secretions. This study is to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of stingless bee propolis (Tetragonulairidipennis), rearedfromPudukottai region of Tamilnadu, India and also to determine the total phenol and total flavonoid contents of the sample responsible for these properties. Methods: Stingless bee propolis was extracted by ultra sonication method and was characterized by UV-Visible, FT-IR and SEM analysis. Total Phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined by using Folin-Ciocalteu spectrophotometric method and Aluminium chloride colorimetric method respectively. DPPH radical scavenging assay was used to find the antioxidant activity of the sample. Antibacterial activity was determined by using standard agar well diffusion method. Results: Total polyphenol content of the sample was 150µg/ml of Gallic acid equivalent (GAE) and the flavonoid content was 6mg/g of Quercetin equivalent (QE). The antioxidant potential of stingless bee propolis is found to be 83 %. The sample showed significant antimicrobial activity against various human pathogens. Conclusion: Stingless bee propolis (Tetragonulairidipennis) collected from Pudukottairegion, Tamilnadu is a potential natural antioxidant source and is a promising antimicrobial drug for various bacterial infections

Political and programmatic decentralization in India's health sector : insights from Karnataka

While India has made progress in achieving important health sector goals, there is still a long way to go. The Government of India has adopted decentralization or devolution with the objective of promoting greater equity and supporting people-centred, responsive health systems. We report on a study that problematizes the idea of strengthening health sector governance through decentralization and that explores the intersection of the political goal of enhanced local-level autonomy and the programmatic goal of more responsive health service delivery. The study examines the extent to which both political and programmatic decentralization are functional at the village level; looks at the design and objectives of decentralization at the village level; and considers whether sustained and supportive capacity building can create the necessary conditions for more genuine de facto decentralization and empowerment of village-level functionaries. Our methodology included semi-structured interviews with village-level functionaries in two districts of Karnataka, based on which we designed an Action Research to strengthen coordination and synergy between the functionaries responsible for political and programmatic decentralization. We found that both political and programmatic decentralization at the village level are at risk due to a lack of convergence between the political and programmatic arms of the government. This is substantially due to problems inherent in the design of the decentralization mechanism at the district level and below. Sustained capacity building can contribute to the more effective application of decentralization mechanisms, but systemic issues regarding the decentralization mechanisms need to be addressed alongside. We were also able to identify some spaces where coordination between village-level functionaries is possible, and the steps that need to be taken to build on this potential

ALTERATION OF PHARMACOKINETIC PARAMETERS OF PROTON PUMP INHIBITORS USING TRANSDERMAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

Objective: The present study was aimed to find out the effect of transdermal patches of proton pump inhibitors pantoprazole and esomeprazole on the alteration of pharmacokinetic parameters of these drugs. Methods: The transdermal patches were formulated by the solvent evaporation technique using polymers HPMC E5 with PVP K 30 and HPMC E5 with Eudragit L100 in different ratios. The best formulation from each of the drug pantoprazole and esomeprazole was selected and administered to rabbits and the plasma drug concentration was compared with the marketed formulation. The pharmacokinetic parameters such as maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), time to reach Cmax (tmax), area under the curve (AUC), area under first moment curve (AUMC), elimination rate constant (λz), biological half-life (t1/2), and mean residence time (MRT) were determined. Results: The plasma drug concentration vs time curve shows the extended-release of the drugs pantoprazole and esomeprazole when compared with the marketed formulation. The results show that there is no change in the peak plasma concentration, but a significant difference was observed in all the pharmacokinetic parameters. The AUC showed 6 fold increase for pantoprazole from 8.91 to 55.20 μg*h/ml and 3.5 fold increase for the drug esomeprazole from 7.86 to 28.53 μg*h/ml, and the mean residence time also showed 2 fold increase for the transdermal patches when compared with the marketed formulations. Conclusion: The increase in tmax, AUC, and MRT values of the formulated transdermal patches with the values of the marketed formulation of both the drugs, revealed that the transdermal patches can be used to deliver the drug for an extended period and also can alter the pharmacokinetics of pantoprazole and esomeprazole

DEVELOPMENT OF MUCOADHESIVE TABLET OF PENTOXIFYLLINE USING A NATURAL POLYMER FROM MANILKARA ZAPOTA LINN

Objective: The present study was designed to develop a mucoadhesive tablet of pentoxifylline using the mucoadhesive natural polymer from the plant Manilkara zapota Linn. Methods: The tablets were formulated with three different concentrations of the isolated polymer and evaluated for thickness, weight variation, friability, hardness, swelling index, mucoadhesive strength and in vitro drug release. The swelling index was indirectly proportional to the mucoadhesive polymer of Manilkara zapota (MAPMZ) concentration. Results: The tablets formulated with a high concentration of MAPMZ showed good mucoadhesion strength in 5 min contact time. The in vitro drug release studies indicated that the drug release was directly proportional to MAPMZ concentration. The release kinetics indicated that the drug release was followed the zero-order. Conclusion: The MAPMZ showed the controlled release of pentoxifylline for a period of 12 h

Research in progress case study: Local Source Catering, Market & Bakery

Abstract only availableLocal Source Catering, Market & Bakery is a Halifax-based business that is committed to food – where it comes from, how it is grown or raised, and how farmers are compensated for their work. Local Source partners with producers throughout the province to bring healthy, local food options to urban consumers. The philosophy underlying the business is to contribute to a vibrant economy, reduce the environmental impacts of transporting food, and to connect consumers to a culture of healthy, real food. The case study will employ interviews with key stakeholders, document analysis, and participant observation to collect data and develop a decision-making case intended for students in commerce classes such as Entrepreneurship Theory and Concepts, Strategic Management, Small Business Performance Improvement, and Family Business. The decision point that students may focus on will track the expansion and growth of Local Source by creating a systems level approach to map and coordinate regional food distribution. The Local Source Network will be both a software tool and management information system to support a coordinated distribution effort of local food within the regional food system. The proposed expansion aims to benefit farmers, consumers, the economy, the environment and the organization. Students may discuss the areas of potential benefit for the various stakeholders and also determine if the organization is in a position to commit to the proposed expansion and commit the resources necessary to grow the business

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF TRANSDERMAL PATCHES OF PANTOPRAZOLE SODIUM

Objective: The present study was an attempt to develop an alternative dosage form for the existing conventional oral, parenteral proton pump inhibitor (PPI) as transdermal patches for treating peptic ulcers. Methods: Transdermal patches of PPI were prepared using HPMC E5 with PVP K 30 and HPMC E5 with Eudragit L100 polymers in different ratios by a solvent evaporation method. All the formulated patches were subjected to various evaluation parameters such as thickness, folding endurance, weight uniformity, content uniformity, swelling index, percentage moisture content, moisture uptake, surface pH and in vitro release studies. Results: All patches exhibited satisfactory characteristics regarding integrity, flexibility, dispersion of drug, and other quality control parameters. In the in vitro release studies of transdermal patches, formulation F1 showed the prolonged release of drug (98.99 %) for 24 h, which indicates the maximum availability of the drug, and the in vitro skin permeability studies also showed that 96.26 % of drug Pantoprazole sodium permeated through the rat abdominal skin in 24 h. The kinetic studies were carried out and it was found that all the formulations follow zero-order and the release mechanism of drugs was found to be diffusion rate-limited, Non-Fickian mechanism which was confirmed by Korsmeyer–Peppas model. Conclusion: This suggests the transdermal application of Pantoprazole sodium holds the promised controlled release of the drug for an extended period of time

ALTERATION OF PHARMACOKINETIC PARAMETERS OF PENTOXIFYLLINE USING NATURAL MUCOADHESIVE POLYMERS

Objective: The present study was aimed to alter the pharmacokinetic parameters of the drug pentoxifylline using a novel natural mucoadhesive polymer from two different plants, Manilkara zapotta Linn and Ocimum basilicum Linn. Methods: The polymer was isolated and six batches of mucoadhesive tablets of pentoxifylline was formulated with 3 different concentrations of each polymer. The best formulation from each of the polymer was selected and administered to rabbits and the plasma drug concentration was compared with the marketed formulation. The pharmacokinetic parameters such as such as Cmax, tmax, AUC, AUMC, λz, t1/2, and MRT were determined. Results: The plasma drug concentration vs time curve shows the extended-release of pentoxifylline when compared with the conventional marketed formulation. The results show that there is no change in the peak plasma concentration, but the significant difference was observed in t½, which showed approximately 2.5 fold increase from 2.44 to 6.87 h and the AUC showed five-fold increase from 22.40 to 117.19 μg*h/ml, and other pharmacokinetic parameters, when compared with the marketed formulation. Conclusion: The isolated polymer from the plants Manilkara zapotta Linn. and Ocimum basilicum Linn can be used as a carrier for developing mucoadhesive formulations and it alter the pharmacokinetic of pentoxifylline positively

APPLICATION OF NOVEL NATURAL MUCOADHESIVE POLYMER IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF PENTOXIFYLLINE MUCOADHESIVE TABLETS

Objective: The present study was planned to develop a mucoadhesive tablet formulation of the drug pentoxifylline using natural mucoadhesive polymer from the plant Ocimum basilicum Linn. Methods: The isolated polymer was used to formulate the mucoadhesive tablets with 3 different concentrations. The tablets were formulated by using direct compression technique and evaluated for various parameters such as thickness, friability, weight variation, hardness, mucoadhesive strength, swelling index by standard methods, and the in vitro drug release studies in USP dissolution test apparatus type-II. Results: The swelling index was indirectly proportional to the polymer concentration and the tablets with a high concentration of polymer showed better mucoadhesive strength (28.5532±0.4660). The in vitro drug release showed that the drug release was indirectly proportional to the polymer concentration. The formulation F3 showed the controlled release of drug pentoxifylline (99.84±1.86) for 10 h. The mechanism of drug release was found to be Fickian diffusion and followed the zero-order kinetics, which was proved by its highest linearity (r2) in all the formulations. Conclusion: The tablets formulated with the isolated polymer of Ocimum basilicum Linn showed the good mucoadhesive mucoadhesive property and it controlled the release of the pentoxifylline