Evaluation of anti-diarrhoeal action of a hot-water infusion of ocimum gratissimum, linn

Hot-water infusion of the leaf of Ocimum gratissimum was tested for anti-diarrhoeal action using animal models. Protection of the animals from castor oil-induced diarrhoea and reduction of the number and frequency of faecal output were used as criteria for anti-diarrhoeal activity. The infusion significantly decreased the number of faecal droppings as compared to a normal saline control; it also reduced the propulsive movement of the gastrointestinal contents. The infusion caused a reduction of acetylcholine-induced contraction of isolated guinea pig ileum in a dose dependent manner. There is indication that the anti-diarrhoeal action of the plant infusion may be due to a blockage of muscarinic receptors

Surface modified solid lipid microparticles based on homolipids and Softisan® 142: preliminary characterization.

AbstractObjectiveTo preliminarily investigate three different lipid matrices consisting of two natural homolipids from Capra hircus (goat fat) and Bovine Spp. (tallow fat) and one semi-synthetic lipid (Softisan® 142) separately structured with Phospholipon® 90G (P90G) as potential delivery systems for poorly water soluble drugs.MethodsThe structured lipid matrices were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and employed to prepare solid lipid microparticles (SLMs) by the melt homogenization method using gradient concentrations of polysorbate 80 and at different emulsification times of 2, 5 and 10 min using a Silverson mixer. The SLMs were analyzed for morphology and particle size, thermal properties, stability studies and determination of injectability.ResultsThe results showed that SLM production was optimum at 5 % of lipid matrices, 1.5 % of polysorbate 80 and emulsification time of 5 min. Increase in polysorbate 80 concentrations decreased the particle size of the SLMs. The SLMs were well formed, spherical, smooth and non-porous with particle sizes in the ranges of (13.90 ± 2.10) μm - (0.09 ± 0.01) μm for SLMs produced from the structured - tallow fat; (13.40 ± 1.30) μm - (0.10 ± 0.01) μm for the structured - goat fat and (13.40±2.00) μm - (2.10± 1.00)μm for the structured Softisan® 142 lipid matrices. DSC traces showed that Softisan® 142 was the most crystalline of all three bulk matrices due to its high enthalpy (−7.962 mW/mg) while tallow fat was the least (−5.067 mW/mg) but addition of P90G to the matrices lowered their enthalpies mostly in the structured goat fat matrices. The SLMs when stored at 4-6 ° were most stable and syringeable with 27 G needle.ConclusionsThis suggests that structured goat fat matrices with the enthalpy of −2.813 mW/mg will mostly favour drug loading of some poorly soluble drugs more than tallow fat (−4.892 mW/mg) and Softisan® 142 (−5.501 mW/mg)

In vitro study of the interaction between some fluoroquinolones and extracts of kola nitida seed

The cup diffusion method (CD) was used to evaluate the in vitro interaction of some fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, pefloxacin and levofloxacin) with extracts of Kola nitida seed (KNS) against a clinical isolate of Escherichia coli. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the drugs was determinedseparately and in combination with KNS extract in ratios of 0:5, 1:4, 2:3, 3:2, 4:1 and 5:0 against E. coli. The result of the study revealed that the MIC of the drugs decreased when combined with KNS extract. In other words, KNS extract potentiated the effects of the fluoroquinolones against E. coli

A study of the in vitro interaction of cotrimoxazole and ampicillin using the checkerboard method

In this study, the in vitro interaction of two standard antibiotics – cotrimoxazole and ampicillin trihydrate were studied by the checkerboard technique, using clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi. The organisms were exposed to the individual antibiotics as well as different combination ratios of the same, and the zones of inhibition as well as the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) measured. Synergistic interactions were recorded by the antibiotics against Staph. aureus and S. typhi while indifferent interaction occurred with P. aeruginosa. P. aeruginosa however, showed resistance to the two antibiotics when they were used alone. The implication is that cotrimoxazole and ampicillin can be used in combination as a superior treatment of infections caused by Staph. aureus and S. typhi

Some physiological and toxicological properties of snail mucin extracted from Archachatina marginata

No Abstract.Bio-Research Vol. 3(2) 2005: 1-

The mechanism of diclofenac sodium release from non-disintegrating bioadhesive tablets

The mechanism of diclofenac sodium release from non-disintegrating bioadhesive tablets was studied. Diclofenac sodium was embedded in Carbopol 941 to produce bioadhesive granules, which were later, incorporated into a structure-forming material, paraffin wax. The tablets were formulated by pour moulding in a well-lubricated plastic mould. The tablets were thereafter evaluated as compressed uncoated tablets using the following parameters: weight uniformity, friability, hardness, thickness, absolute drug content and release studies. The release study was undertaken in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) without pancreatin. The result of the study showed that the release of diclofenac sodium was extended in all the tablets. The tablets conformed to pharmacopoeia specification as applied to uncoated compressed tablets. The mechanism of release of diclofenac sodium appeared to have followed different release models. Key words: Diclofenac sodium, bioadhesive tablets, non-disintegrating tablets, release mechanism. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Allied Sciences Vol.2(2) 2005: 202-20

In vitro study of the interaction between amoxicillin and norfloxacin with lansoprazole

No Abstract.Bio-Research Vol. 3(2) 2005: 52-5

An in vitro evaluation of antimicrobial interaction between glycine and some penicillins using the decimal assay for additivity (DAA) method

The decimal assay for additivity (DAA) method was used to evaluate the in vitro interaction of glycine (Gly) with penicillin G (Pen G); cloxacillin (Clox) and ampicillin (Amp) against a clinical isolate of Staphylococcus aureus. In the interaction between Pen G/glycine with biological equivalent factor (BEF) 5 mg/62 mg, the decimal combination of 4 parts Pen G and 6 parts glycine showed amtagpmos, wjo;e ptjers sjpwed addotive effect In the interaction between Clox/glycine with BEF 1.26 µg/62.5 mg ony 7:3 combination gave a synergistic effect. Others showed antagonism. In Amp/glycine combination with BEF, 1.74 µg/62.5 mg, the decimal combinations of 4:6 gave additive effect; 9:1 gave synergistic effect while 7:3 combinaiton gave indifferent effect. Keywords: glycine, interaction, penicillins, decimal assay for additivity, in vitro Journal of Pharmaceutical and Allied Sciences Vol. 3(1) 2006: 289-29

Evaluation of snail mucin as bioadhesive agent for the delivery of chlorpropamide

No Abstract.Bio-Research Vol. 3(2) 2005: 75-8

Volatile oil May Account for the Antibiotic Effect of the Leaves of Ocimum gratissimum

Volatile oil was extracted from shredded Ocimum gratissimum leaves using a clavenger-type apparatus. Standard cream formulated from this volatile oil has been found to exhibit growth inhibitory activity using a modification of the checkerboard technique on selected test organisms - Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. An interaction study with gentamicin cream predominantly showed synergism. The volatile oil may contribute to the use of the leaf extracts in folk medicines for the treatment of infective disorders.Keywords: Ocimum gratissimum, Volatile oil, Gentamicin, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtili