Preparation and evaluation of chitosan based thermoreversible gels for intraperitoneal delivery of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)

Sterile thermoreversibly gelling systems based on chitosan-glycerol phosphate were developed for intraperitoneal delivery of the antineoplastic agent 5-FU. The formulation was evaluated for gelling characteristics and in vitro drug release. Drug free gels were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxicity in L-929 mouse fibroblast cells. Drug loaded gels were subjected to acute toxicity studies in Swiss albino mice via intraperitoneal route and efficacy studies via intratumoral injections in subcutaneous colon carcinoma bearing BALB/c mice. The formulations gelled reversibly in 8 min at 37 oC and provided prolonged release of the drug. Drug free systems showed dose dependent cytotoxicity in fibroblast cells, while in vivo studies revealed a 2.8 fold increase in LD50 of 5-FU administered intraperitonealy as the developed system. Tumor volume measurements showed comparable efficacy of 5-FU administered as gel and commercial injection with greatly improved safety profile of the former as adjudged from mortality and body weight measurements

Formulation and Evaluation of Thermosensitive Biogels for Nose to Brain Delivery of Doxepin

Thermoreversible biogels can serve as effective systems for delivery of drugs through nose with increased nasal residence time. The objective of this study was to use chitosan and glycerophosphate based thermoreversible systems for delivery of doxepin to brain through intranasal administration. Formulations were prepared by admixture of suitable dilutions of chitosan and glycerophosphate with or without polyethylene glycol, followed by addition of the antidepressant doxepin hydrochloride. Both systems were evaluated for gelling characteristics, rheology, mucoadhesion, in vitro release, and ex vivo permeation through sheep nasal mucosa. In vivo efficacy was evaluated in Swiss albino mice through the forced swim test. Nasal tissues of mice subjected to repeated exposure to formulation were evaluated histopathologically. Both formulations gelled rapidly at 37°C, returned to sol state on cooling, and exhibited thixotropy. Addition of polyethylene glycol decreased the glycerophosphate content required for gelation and rendered the formulation isotonic. Both gels showed good mucoadhesion, enhanced drug permeation, and provided prolonged in vitro release at 37°C. Efficacy of the formulation in treated groups was inferred from the measured pharmacodynamic parameter and histopathological reports of formulation treated groups showed no significant local toxicity. The biogels could be potential systems for effective drug delivery to brain via nose

Ayurvedic Milk Powder as a Health Drink—An Innovative Approach in Antenatal Health Care—A Research Proposal

Ayurvedic preceptors place much emphasis on nutrition, especially during antenatal and postnatal periods, which may reduce the likelihood of medical complications both during and after pregnancy. Classic Ayurvedic texts mention medicated milk as an important part of prenatal care for pregnant women. By evaluating the effects of the herbal drugs contained in these formulations, one can understand the pharmacodynamics of these products. The medicated milk, when converted into milk powder, represents a healthier alternative to malted milk powder

Conventional care of wounded in Susruta Samhita—A Review

Wound healing is a physiological process and there are various supportive aids to speedy healing. Acharya Susruta has given due importance to explain about the proper care of a wounded patient irrespective of the cause of wound either surgery or trauma. Injury is a public health problem of enormous magnitude and surgery is another common cause creating the burden of wounds. Statistical data regarding the complications of wound healing and infections of wound is so alarming that there arises a need for retrospection into the conventional concepts of care of a wounded person. Optimal management of the wounded patient is essential as a prophylaxis to surgical site infections and post traumatic complications. The general practitioners with expertise and experience who are an integral part of providing the essential care should appreciate the integrity of a science like Ayurveda and also promote the ideas incorporated in the age old compendiums. Careful management of the wound post traumatically or post operatively is an important part of post wound recovery of the patient. Current care of wounded must be appraised and reassessed for appropriateness and effectiveness. Nutritional status, psychological well-being, environmental and personal hygiene has been long ago recognised as essential in improving the quality of life of the wounded. This article is an attempt to collect and validate these concepts mentioned in Vranitopasaneeya Adhyaya of Susruta.Â

Taila Dāha (Cauterization with Oil) an innovative approach in pilonidal sinus

Pilonidal sinus is a chronic inflammatory track in mid gluteal cleft usually associated with hairs with an incidence rate of twenty six per one lakh population. It is more prevalently seen in the natal cleft of hairy middle aged obese, males. Such type of non-healing tracts may be considered as Nāḍivraṇa (Sinuses) and can either be treated by the conventional Kṣārasūtra (medicated seton) therapy or contemporary treatment methods. Irrespective of whatsoever management protocol adopted, it inevitably needs long term hospitalisation and is associated with complications. A case of a 28 year old male patient, presenting with pain (within tolerable limits) in the natal cleft and frequent occurrence of a pustule which burst out spontaneously on and off, diagnosed as pilonidal sinus (nāḍi vraṇa) was treated with excision of tract and Tailadāha (thermal cauterization with hot oil) with a combination of yaṣṭimadhu taila and powdered Copper Sulphate (CuSO4). Good haemostasis and uneventful wound healing with a minimally invasive and cost effective treatment was the outcome of study. This study represents an innovative treatment modality in pilonidal sinus

Ameliorative effect of alkaloid extract of Cyclea peltata (Poir.) Hook. f. & Thoms. roots (ACP) on APAP/CCl4 induced liver toxicity in Wistar rats and in vitro free radical scavenging property

Objective: To evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties of alkaloid extract of Cyclea peltata (C. peltata) against paracetamol/carbon tetra chloride induced liver damage in Wistar rats. Methods: In vivo paracetamol/carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage in Wistar rats, in vitro free radical scavenging studies, HPTLC estimation of tetrandrine and direct analysis in real time-mass spectrometry of alkaloid extract of C. peltata were used for the validation. Results: The results showed that pretreatment with alkaloid extract of C. peltata caused significant reduction of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, serum alkaline phosphatase, serum cholesterol, liver malondialdehyde levels. The reduced glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase levels in liver were increased with alkaloid extract of C. peltata treatment. These results were almost comparable to silymarin and normal control. Histopathological studies also substantiated the biochemical findings. The in vitro hydroxyl, superoxide and DPPH scavenging study of alkaloid extract of C. peltata showed significant free radical scavenging property. Conclusions: The hepatoprotective property of alkaloid extract of C. peltata against paracetamol/carbon tetrachloride may be due the synergistic action of alkaloids especially tetrandrine, fangchinoline through free radical scavenging and thus preventing oxidative stress