Alcoholic Stem Extract of Coscinium fenestratum Regulates Carbohydrate Metabolism and Improves Antioxidant Status in Streptozotocin–Nicotinamide Induced Diabetic Rats

Alcoholic extract of the stems of Coscinium fenestratum, a medicinal plant indigenous to India and Sri Lanka used in ayurveda and siddha medicine for treating diabetes, was studied for its carbohydrate metabolism effect and antioxidant status in streptozotocin–nicotinamide induced type 2 diabetic rats. Oral administration of C. fenestratum stem extract in graded doses caused a significant increase in enzymatic antioxidants such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione synthetase, peroxidase, and glutathione peroxidase and in the nonenzymatic antioxidants ascorbic acid, ceruloplasmin and tocopherol. Effects of alcoholic extract on glycolytic enzymes such as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase and hexokinase showed a significant increase in their levels, whereas a significant decrease was observed in the levels of gluconeogenic enzyme, glucose-6-phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase in treated diabetic rats. Serum creatinine and urea levels also declined significantly. This investigation demonstrates significant antidiabetic activity of C. fenestratum

Etnomedicinska vrijednost ekstrakta biljke Cissampelos pareira u eksperimentalno induciranoj dijareji

The antidiarrhoeal activity of the ethanolic extract of Cissampelos pareira (Menispermaceae) roots was assessed on experimental animals. The hydroethanolic extract (25-100 mg dry extract kg-1 body mass, p.o.) exhibited a dose dependent decrease in the total number of faecal droppings (control 65, reduced to 26-46) and 29.2-60.0% inhibition in castor oil-induced diarrhoea. Further, C. pareira produced a significant (p < 0.01) and dose dependent reduction in intestinal fluids accumulation (26.0-59.0%). The extract showed a greater inhibitory effect on the concentration of Na+ (20.0 and 34.5%) than or the concentration of K+ (6.7 and 9.4%). The extract also reduced dose dependently the gastrointestinal transit from 46.4 and 38.7%, equivalent to 53.6 and 61.3%. However, C. pareira significantly reduced the lipid peroxidation and inhibited the decrease in antioxidant enzyme levels (superoxide dismutase and catalase) on prior administration to castor oil-induced fluid accumulation. The extract of C. pareira had no effect on normal defecation at 25 mg kg-1 in mice. However, 50 and 100 mg kg-1 inhibited defecation by 100% in the initial 2 h and the activity was reduced to 40.0 and 73.0%, respectively, in the third hour.U radu je ispitivano antidijaroičko djelovanje etanolnog ekstrakta korijena biljke Cissampelos pareira (Menispermaceae) na štakorima i miševima. Perooralna primjena ekstrakta u dozi 25100 mg kg-1 izazivala je o dozi ovisno smanjenje količine fekalija ili broja defekacija ??? (26 i 46 u odnosu na 65 u kontrolnoj skupini) i 29,260,0% inhibicije dijareje uzrokovane ricinusovim uljem. Nadalje, Cissampelos pareira je urokovala značajnu (p 0,01) i o dozi ovisnu inhibiciju nakupljanja intestinalne tekućine (26,059,0%). Inhibitorni učinak ekstrakta na koncentraciju Na+ (20,0 i 34,5%) bio je veći nego na koncentraciju K+ (6,7 i 9,4%). Osim toga ekstrakt je reducirao gastrointestinalni tranzit od 46,4 i 38,7%, što je ekvivalentno s 53,6, odnosno 61,3%. Međutim, Cissampelos pareira značajno je smanjila peroksidaciju lipida i inhibirala je snanjenje koncentracije antioksidativnih enzima (superoksid dismutaze i katalaze) ako se primjeni prije ricinusovog ulja. Ekstrakt biljke Cissampelos pareira nije imao učinak na normalnu defekaciju ako je primjenjen na miševima u dozi 25 mg kg-1. Međutim doza od 50, odnosno 100 mg kg-1 inhibirala je defekaciju 100% početna dva sata, dok treći sat smanjila je defekaciju za 40,0, odnosno 73,0%

In vitro and in vivo anti-snake venom (Daboia russelli) studies on various leaf extracts of Acalypha indica Linn

The study aims to examine the Daboia russelli venom neutralization potential of the various leaf extracts of Acalypha indica (Euphorbiaceae) by in vitro and in vivo antisnake venom studies. In vitro HRBC membrane stabilization properties of these extracts at concentrations ranging from 2-400 μg/ml revealed inhibition of haemolysis induced by Russell’s viper venom, in a concentration dependent manner. The neutralizing potency of different leaf extracts viz., petroleum ether, benzene, chloroform and acetone extracts of Acalypha indica prepared by successive solvent extraction at intraperitoneal dose levels of 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg revealed that the acetone extract possessed the most significant activity on venom-induced lethality.Keywords: Acalypha indica; Daboia russelli; anti-snake venom; mic

Liječenje površinskih rana štakora biljkom Anogeissus latifolia

Wound healing potential of etnanolic extract of Anogeissus latifolia bark (ALE) for treatment of dermal wounds in rats was studied on excision and incision wound models. HPTLC of the total extract was recorded for the purpose of standardization. Various parameters of incision wound, viz. epithelization period, scar area, tensile strength and hydroxyproline measurements along with wound contraction, were used to evaluate the effect of A. latifolia on wound healing. The results obtained indicate that A. latifolia accelerates the wound healing process by decreasing the surface area of the wound and increasing the tensile strength. Nitrofurazone ointment was used as a positive control. Complete epithelization was observed within 15 days with ALE. Measurements of the healed area and the hydroxyproline level were in agreement. Antibacterial activity of ALE was studied against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae) compared to erythromycin and tetracycline. Moderate activity was observed against all organisms. The present study provides a scientific rationale for the traditional use of Anogeissus latifolia in the management of skin diseases such as sores, boils and itching.Ispitivan je potencijal liječenja alkoholnog ekstrakta kore biljke Anogeissus latifolia (ALE) na površinskim ranama štakora. U svrhu standardizacije snimljen je HPTLC kromatogram ekstrakta. Da bi se odredio učinak na zacjeljivanje oljeda praćeni su različiti parametri: vrijeme potrebno za epitelizaciju, površina ožiljka, sila naprezanja, kontrakcija rane i određivanje hidroksiprolina. Dobiveni rezultati ukazuju da A. latifolia ubrzava proces zacjeljivanja rana jer smanjuje površinu rane i povećava silu naprezanja. Mast nitrofurazona je upotrebljena kao pozitivna kontrola. Unutar 15 dan primjene ekstrakta zapažena je potpuna epitelizacija rane. Mjerenja zacjeljene površine i količine hidroksiprolina bila su u skladu. Antibakterijsko djelovanje ALE proučavano je na Gram-pozitivnim (Staphylococcus aureus) i Gram-negativnim bakterijama (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa i Klebsiella pneumoniae) i uspoređeno s djelovanjem eritromicina i tetraciklina. Primjećeno je umjereno djelovanje protiv svih ispitivanih bakterija. Istraživanja su pokazala znanstvenu opravdanost tradicionalne primjene biljke Anogeissus latifolia u liječenju različitih bolesti kože kao što su rane, gnojni čirevi i svrbež

Liječenje površinskih rana štakora biljkom Anogeissus latifolia

Wound healing potential of etnanolic extract of Anogeissus latifolia bark (ALE) for treatment of dermal wounds in rats was studied on excision and incision wound models. HPTLC of the total extract was recorded for the purpose of standardization. Various parameters of incision wound, viz. epithelization period, scar area, tensile strength and hydroxyproline measurements along with wound contraction, were used to evaluate the effect of A. latifolia on wound healing. The results obtained indicate that A. latifolia accelerates the wound healing process by decreasing the surface area of the wound and increasing the tensile strength. Nitrofurazone ointment was used as a positive control. Complete epithelization was observed within 15 days with ALE. Measurements of the healed area and the hydroxyproline level were in agreement. Antibacterial activity of ALE was studied against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae) compared to erythromycin and tetracycline. Moderate activity was observed against all organisms. The present study provides a scientific rationale for the traditional use of Anogeissus latifolia in the management of skin diseases such as sores, boils and itching.Ispitivan je potencijal liječenja alkoholnog ekstrakta kore biljke Anogeissus latifolia (ALE) na površinskim ranama štakora. U svrhu standardizacije snimljen je HPTLC kromatogram ekstrakta. Da bi se odredio učinak na zacjeljivanje oljeda praćeni su različiti parametri: vrijeme potrebno za epitelizaciju, površina ožiljka, sila naprezanja, kontrakcija rane i određivanje hidroksiprolina. Dobiveni rezultati ukazuju da A. latifolia ubrzava proces zacjeljivanja rana jer smanjuje površinu rane i povećava silu naprezanja. Mast nitrofurazona je upotrebljena kao pozitivna kontrola. Unutar 15 dan primjene ekstrakta zapažena je potpuna epitelizacija rane. Mjerenja zacjeljene površine i količine hidroksiprolina bila su u skladu. Antibakterijsko djelovanje ALE proučavano je na Gram-pozitivnim (Staphylococcus aureus) i Gram-negativnim bakterijama (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa i Klebsiella pneumoniae) i uspoređeno s djelovanjem eritromicina i tetraciklina. Primjećeno je umjereno djelovanje protiv svih ispitivanih bakterija. Istraživanja su pokazala znanstvenu opravdanost tradicionalne primjene biljke Anogeissus latifolia u liječenju različitih bolesti kože kao što su rane, gnojni čirevi i svrbež

Etnomedicinska vrijednost ekstrakta biljke Cissampelos pareira u eksperimentalno induciranoj dijareji

The antidiarrhoeal activity of the ethanolic extract of Cissampelos pareira (Menispermaceae) roots was assessed on experimental animals. The hydroethanolic extract (25-100 mg dry extract kg-1 body mass, p.o.) exhibited a dose dependent decrease in the total number of faecal droppings (control 65, reduced to 26-46) and 29.2-60.0% inhibition in castor oil-induced diarrhoea. Further, C. pareira produced a significant (p < 0.01) and dose dependent reduction in intestinal fluids accumulation (26.0-59.0%). The extract showed a greater inhibitory effect on the concentration of Na+ (20.0 and 34.5%) than or the concentration of K+ (6.7 and 9.4%). The extract also reduced dose dependently the gastrointestinal transit from 46.4 and 38.7%, equivalent to 53.6 and 61.3%. However, C. pareira significantly reduced the lipid peroxidation and inhibited the decrease in antioxidant enzyme levels (superoxide dismutase and catalase) on prior administration to castor oil-induced fluid accumulation. The extract of C. pareira had no effect on normal defecation at 25 mg kg-1 in mice. However, 50 and 100 mg kg-1 inhibited defecation by 100% in the initial 2 h and the activity was reduced to 40.0 and 73.0%, respectively, in the third hour.U radu je ispitivano antidijaroičko djelovanje etanolnog ekstrakta korijena biljke Cissampelos pareira (Menispermaceae) na štakorima i miševima. Perooralna primjena ekstrakta u dozi 25100 mg kg-1 izazivala je o dozi ovisno smanjenje količine fekalija ili broja defekacija ??? (26 i 46 u odnosu na 65 u kontrolnoj skupini) i 29,260,0% inhibicije dijareje uzrokovane ricinusovim uljem. Nadalje, Cissampelos pareira je urokovala značajnu (p 0,01) i o dozi ovisnu inhibiciju nakupljanja intestinalne tekućine (26,059,0%). Inhibitorni učinak ekstrakta na koncentraciju Na+ (20,0 i 34,5%) bio je veći nego na koncentraciju K+ (6,7 i 9,4%). Osim toga ekstrakt je reducirao gastrointestinalni tranzit od 46,4 i 38,7%, što je ekvivalentno s 53,6, odnosno 61,3%. Međutim, Cissampelos pareira značajno je smanjila peroksidaciju lipida i inhibirala je snanjenje koncentracije antioksidativnih enzima (superoksid dismutaze i katalaze) ako se primjeni prije ricinusovog ulja. Ekstrakt biljke Cissampelos pareira nije imao učinak na normalnu defekaciju ako je primjenjen na miševima u dozi 25 mg kg-1. Međutim doza od 50, odnosno 100 mg kg-1 inhibirala je defekaciju 100% početna dva sata, dok treći sat smanjila je defekaciju za 40,0, odnosno 73,0%

Objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) in pharmacy education - a trend

Pharmacy education has undergone a radical change as it evolves towards becoming a more patient oriented profession. With a greater emphasis on problem based teaching and competency, the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), supported by its reliability and validity became the gold standard for the evaluation of clinical skills of undergraduate students of medicine and pharmacy worldwide. Core competency evaluation has become a mandatory and critical norm for accountability of educational objectives as the traditional testing tools cannot evaluate clinical competence. Interpersonal and communication skills, professional judgment, skills of resolution etc., may be best assessed through a well- structured OSCE in comparison to oral examinations, multiple choice tests and other methods of assessment. Though OSCEs as an objective method of evaluation offer several advantages to both students and teachers, it also has disadvantages and pitfalls in implementation. This article reviews the OSCE as a trend in pharmacy education

Phytotherapy–Safety aspects

55-63Plants have been used since ancient times as medicines for the treatment of a range of diseases. In spite of the great advances observed in modern medicine in recent decades, plants still make an important contribution to health care. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), because of poverty and lack of access to modern medicine, about 65-80% of the world’s population that are living in developing countries depend essentially on plants for primary health care. Phytotherapeutic agents are herbal preparations consisting of complex mixtures of one or more plants which contain active ingredients, plant parts or plant material in the crude or processed state. The data existing for most plants to guarantee their quality, efficacy and safety is insufficient. The concept that herbal drugs are safe and free from side effects is not always. Plants contain hundreds of constituents, some of which are very toxic namely the most cytotoxic anti-cancer plant-derived drugs is pyrrolizidine alkaloids, etc. However, the adverse effects of phytotherapeutic agents are less as compared with synthetic drugs. Several regulatory models for herbal medicines are currently available including prescription drugs, over-the-counter substances, traditional medicines and dietary supplements. Harmonization and improvement in the processes of regulation is needed for safety aspects related to phytotherapy

Simultaneous UV spectrophotometric estimation of ambroxol hydrochloride and levocetirizine dihydrochloride

A novel, simple, sensitive and rapid spectrophotometric method has been developed for simultaneous estimation of ambroxol hydrochloride and levocetirizine dihydrochloride. The method involved solving simultaneous equations based on measurement of absorbance at two wavelengths 242 nm and 231 nm, the γ max of ambroxol hydrochloride and levocetirizine dihydrochloride, respectively. Beer's law was obeyed in the concentration range 10–50 μg/ml and 8–24 μg/ml for ambroxol hydrochloride and levocetirizine dihydrochloride respectively. Results of the method were validated statistically and by recovery studies