Evaluation of Sunscreen activity and Phototoxic effect of methanolic extract of Punica Granatum var.pleniflora

Introduction: Skin is the most important barrier to protect our body, therefore supporting this fundamental organ against to sun rays is very important. Herbal formulations may  have less harmful effects. Considering the previous studies carried out on Punica granatum var.pleniflora (Golnar-e-Farsi), an approximately unknown Iranian plant, have shown the sunscreen effects, the phototoxicity and cytotoxicity of this plant was evaluated in this research. Methods and Results: In this study, five different concentrations of methanolic extracts of plant (50, 75,100,125,150µg/L) were provided. The prepared extracts were determinded for SPF and PIF values. Evaluation of cytotoxicity and phototoxicity effects  were used by B16  and 3T3 cells with a number of 5000 cells for each skin in a 96-well plate. Positive controls were taxol and chlorpromazine respectively .The results were indicated as Mean ±SEM and were compared using ANOVA with TukeyPost Hoc. To calculate IC50, Probit analysis was used. At the applied concentration,10μg/ml, all of the extracts, showed a little cytotoxicity, however calculated PIF did not show any phototoxicity for the extracts. Transmittance values for concentrations 50, 75,100,125,150µg/L. The wavelength range 292.5-337.5 nm was measured at intervals of 5 nm. For this plant calculated PIF did not show any phototoxicity for the extracts SPF is calculated 9.35 for metanolic extract.The extracts did not have cytotoxic effects and also at the above-mentioned concentration they did not show phototoxicity. Thus, the extracts can be considered as appropriate agent  for herbaceous sunscreen products. Conclusions: The extracts of Punuca Granatum did not have cytotoxic effects and also at the above-mentioned concentration they did not show phototoxicity. Thus, the extracts can be considered as appropriate candidate for herbaceous sunscreen products, after doing more tests

Preparation and Physicochemical Evaluation of Cochleate-based Carriers for Insulin

Introduction: Cochleates are  cylindrical lipid structures that are more stable against oxidation and temperature than liposomes.  Our research is formulation of  cochleates for oral delivery of insulin as a model protein drug. Protein drugs are softer from environmental degradation and poor oral absorption; therefore any carrier system for their oral delivery must have protection against enzymes and absorption  enhancing ability. Methods and Results: In this study, liposomes with different proportion of lipids (DPPC and DMPC) and cholesterol were prepared by film hydration method and converted to cochleates by hydrogel method with CaCl2 and MgCl2. Microscopically observation of structures was carried out by phase-contrast microscope and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Physicochemical characteristics of these structures were evaluated by measuring size distribution  using with  laser light scattering technique, entrapment efficiency percentage, investigation of release profile, and stability of selected cochleates. HPLC method  was used for analytical evaluation of entrapped and released insulin.Best formulation of liposomes contains 70% of lipid and 30% of cholesterol. According to microscopic size distribution, cochleates with CaCl2 bridges were better. The size of vesicles was less than 6 µm. Insulin entrapment efficiency of cochleates with DPPC was more than DMPC type. Between 60-70% of encochleated insulin released after 2-4 hours in a buffer with pH 6.8. Conclusions:The results shows that cochleates can be suitable oral delivery systems for insulin

The Solid Lipid Nanoparticle (SLN) and Microemulsion Formulation Containing Parsol® 1789, 5000 and MCX: SPF and Physiochemucal Characteristics Evaluation .

Introduction: Sunlight has some benefits and also harms like as skin aging, photosensitivity, irregular hyper-pigmentation and skin cancer. So the use of sunscreen creams is proposed for protection and minimizes harmful adverse effects of sunlight. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and microemulsions (ME) are new drug delivery systems that are suitable for sunscreen delivery. Methods and Results: Different concentrations of lipid (Witepsol H35 and H15) and surfactants (Tween® 60 and Span® 60) were used as an ingredient for SLN formulations. Parsol® 1789, 5000 and MCX are used as active agents. SLN and ME were prepared by using High-shear Homogenization and ultrasound method. The particle size analysis, drug release، encapsulation studies and SPF evaluation of different SLN samples were examined. Stability of microemulsions was performed using a centrifuge. Also we used different concentrations of isopropyl myristate as a lipid, Tween® 80 and propylene glycol as a surfactant for preparing ME formulations. After adding sunscreen ingredients, particle size analysis and physical stability tests were studied. According to particle size analysis the best formulations for H35consists of 5% lipid, 15% surfactant with HLB=12 and for H15 consists of 5% lipid, 5% surfactant with HLB=11. Particle size of all of the formulations were less than 1µm, encapsulation efficacy was more than 70%. The maximum SPF was 38.75 and belongs to SLN formulation with lipid H35 and MCX (5%). According to turbidity and particle size the best formulation for ME was chosen. All of the ME formulations containing sunscreen agents have less than 500 nm particle size. Conclusions: Our result shows that SLN formulation is good carriers for sunscreen delivery. SLN particles act as a barrier for sunlight. So loading a UV absorbent like as MCX can improve sun screen ability of the formulation. Our result shows a SPF equal to 38.75. Also in SLN formulations the release of UV absorbent may be slower and has more duration in time. So the adverse effect may be lower and duration of action may be better. Finally we conclude that formulation of sunscreen in SLN base can improve sunscreen properties of products. Key words: . &nbsp

Presence of Lead in Opium

Opium addiction is a common form of addiction in Middle East countries such as Iran. Recently several reports suggested some kinds of pathologic findings such as abdominal pain, nephropathy, and anemia in opium addict patients. Such pathologic findings suggest lead poisoning in the patients. In this study, the concentration of lead in 10 opium samples was evaluated. The mean concentration of lead in the opium samples was 1.88 ppm. This may explain some of the pathologic findings found in addict patients. The authors would suggest further investigations to evaluate the lead concentration in opium addicts' sera and also routine screening for lead poisoning in opium addict patients

Potential of biosurfactant as green pharmaceutical excipients for coating of microneedles: A mini review

Microneedles, a novel transdermal delivery system, were designed to improve drug delivery and address the challenges typically encountered with traditional injection practices. Discovering new and safe excipients for microneedle coating to replace existing chemical surfactants is advantageous to minimize their side effect on viable tissues. However, some side effects have also been observed for this application. The vast majority of studies suggest that using synthetic surfactants in microneedle formulations may result in skin irritation among other adverse effects. Hence, increasing knowledge about these components and their potential impacts on skin paves the way for finding preventive strategies to improve their application safety and potential efficacy. Biosurfactants, which are naturally produced surface active microbial products, are proposed as an alternative to synthetic surfactants with reduced side effects. The current review sheds light on potential and regulatory aspects of biosurfactants as safe excipients in the coating of microneedles

Formulation of herbal conditioner shampoo by using extract of fenugreek seeds and evaluation of its physicochemical parameters

Nowadays, people are interested in hair preparations and conditioner materials, such as shampoos. Hair tonic and conditioner formulations containing herbal extracts, such as fenugreek, can prevent hair loss and retain hair conditioning. First of all, the proved seeds of fenugreek were extracted with 50% ethanol by maceration method, and then were freeze dried and stored in the fridge. After preparing the formulation, some physicochemical properties such as pH, foam formation, viscosity, conditioning and wettability were evaluated. The pH of the formulated shampoo was determined as 6.6. The results of its rheogram showed good thixotropy property. High foam production and stability were observed; this may be due to the existence of saponin in fenugreek seeds extract. On the basis of wettability and conditioning results, formulated shampoo can represent an attractive and suitable product. The pH of the formulated shampoo was in the standard range of 6 to 8. The formulated shampoo has also shown the better foaming productivity and thixotropic properties which shows its suitable viscosity. The wetting effect of shampoo was taken 5 min which indicates its proper quality in comparison to some other shampoos in the market. Based on the wettability and conditioning data, it can be concluded that the formulated shampoo has a good quality of introducing it to the market

Identification of Luteolin in Henna (Lawsonia inermis) Oil, a Persion Medicine Product, by HPTLC and Evaluating Its Antimicrobial Effects

Background and objectives: Persian scholars such as Avicenna and Zakariya al-Razi have pointed out many uses for henna oil. The present study aimed to propose a method for standardization of this oil. Methods: The luteolin content has been evaluated quantitively by HPTLC method to standardize the henna oil. The oil sample was applied on silicagel plate and the bands were developed using CHCl3-MeOH (95:5). The plate was scanned at λ 254 nm. The minimum inhibitory concentration was determined through the broth macrodilution test to examine the antibacterial activity of the oil. Results: The retention factor of the sample zone of luteolin standard was 0.6±0.01. The concentration of luteolin in henna oil was 56.57±0.66 μg/mL. MICof Henna oil against Gardnerella vaginalis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae was 87 μg/mL and against Streptococcus was 870 μg/mL. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, henna oil contains the luteolin. Further studies are needed to identify other henna oil compounds and their effects. Gardnerella vaginalis, N. gonorrhoeae, Group B streptococcus are among the pathogenic agents of cervicitis. The application of henna oil for treatment of uterus diseases in Persian medicine can be justified given the antimicrobial effects of henna oil on these three species of bacteria.<br /

Situation Analysis of Social Accountability Medical Education in University of Medical Sciences and Innovative Point of View of Clinical Faculty Members towards its Promotion Using Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) Analysis Model

Background & Objective: Social accountability medical education in all fields considers health problems priorities in specified countries. Health provision (social accountability) encounters many challenges in its delivery due to more reasons and faculty innovations seem essential in promotion of education. This study was designed in order to investigate social accountability medical education and innovations of clinical faculty members. Methods: In a cross-sectional and triangulation study, point of view of 72 clinical faculty members in Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran, about social accountability medical education and their innovations was investigated by two separated questionnaires. Results: Situation analysis of social accountability medical education in Kerman University of Medical Sciences showed that this form of education is in weakness-threatened status. The score of strengths was significantly difference among men and women, and score of weakness was significantly difference among different educational groups and academic degrees (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between situation analysis of social accountability medical education, innovation and other demographic and educational variables. Conclusion: Status of social accountability medical education (weakness-threatened) is not appropriate in Kerman University of Medical Sciences; in order to its promotion, there must be an appropriate mechanism. In addition, potentials of faculty members must be considered about innovation for social accountability medical education. Keywords Accountability education Innovation Clinicians Situation analysi

Evaluating the toxicity of permeability enhanchers of polyethylene glycol brij ethers surfactants group on cellular membranes and some of their physicochemical properties

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of polyethylene glycol brij ethers surfactants group on red blood cells as a model for biological membranes. Also in this study, physicochemical properties including emulsification index (E24), foam producing activity (Fh) and critical micelle concentration (cmc) were studied. Surfactant solutions were prepared in McIvan’s buffer in specific concentrations. 0.2 ml of red blood cells (RBC) was mixed with 0.2 ml of each surfactant solution. The four surfactant solutions had each been incubated differently at two different temperatures for three different times. Each test was done six times. The results were presented as mean absorbance ± the standard deviation. E24, Fh and cmc were also determined for each surfactant solution. All of the surfactant solutions showed hemolytic activity. In comparison with the four studied surfactants, brij 56 had the highest hemolytic effect and brij 72 the lowest. The values of E24 and Fh had good correlation with hydrophilic-lipophilic balance values. According to the results of this study, brijs should be used at concentrations lower than cmc in formulations. Also, according to the results, the use of brijs with low hemolytic effect such as brij 72, is preferred in pharmaceutical preparations