Comparison of efficacy and safety of topical luliconazole with topical fluconazole against tinea corporis in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Dermatophytosis is a common cutaneous infection worldwide with prevalence varying from 20% to 25%. Luliconazole is a newer topical antifungal applied once daily with greater reservoir property in stratum corneum. Objective of the study was to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of luliconazole 1% cream with Fluconazole 1% cream in patients with mild to severe grades of tinea corporis.Methods: A total of 100 patients with mycologically confirmed tinea corporis were randomised into group A and B respectively. Group A, 50 patients received luliconazole 1% for 2 weeks and group B, 50 patients received fluconazole 1% cream for 4 weeks. Patients were clinically and mycologically evaluated on 0, 2nd and 4th week of treatment and followed up on 8th week for any relapse.Results: Significant improvement in efficacy was seen in Luliconazole while compared with fluconazole group against tinea corporis infection. Mycological cure and clinical improvement showed significant difference in group A. The safety and tolerability profile of both groups were good and statistically comparable.Conclusions: Luliconazole 1% cream is found to be safe, effective and tolerable with low incidence of relapse than fluconazole 1% cream

Anti-diabetic potential and safety profiles of Tephrosia purpurea on streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetes in rats

Background: Tephrosia purpurea was traditionally used for the management of diabetes mellitus. Since this claim has not been investigated scientifically, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of Tephrosia purpurea extracts against STZ-Nicotinamide induced diabetes in rat. Methods: This preclinical study was done to evaluate the anti-hyperglycaemic activity of whole plant extract of Tephrosia purpurea in STZ- Nicotinamide induced diabetic rats, which produced a significant difference in blood glucose, lipid profile, renal and liver profile in comparison to untreated rats. In this study, the animals were divided into five groups and diabetes was induced by administering STZ-Nicotinamide and animals with blood sugar level >200 were enrolled in the study. Further the animals are grouped into Group I control (0.1% CMC), Group II, diabetic control and Group III reference control received glibenclamide. Group IV and V, diabetic rats treated with Tephrosia purpurea extract 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg respectively. All the test drugs were administered for 30 days. Results: In diabetic rats, treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg of Tephrosia purpurea blood glucose level significantly lowered on 10th day (p<0.05) and 5th day (p<0.01) respectively as compared to untreated rats. At the end of 30th day there is significant reduction in blood glucose treated with TP 400 mg/kg (p<0.001). Safety assessment shows the protective effect of TP (400 mg/kg) on lipid profile TC, TG (p<0.001), HDL (p<0.001), LDL (p<0.001) and VLDL (p<0.01). It also shows protective activity against AST (p<0.001), ALT (p<0.01), ALP (p<0.001) and Renal functions BUN (p<0.001), Creatinine (p<0.001). Conclusion: The anti-hyperglycaemic activity of Tephrosia purpurea is brought out in the study by its significant reduction in the blood glucose level. The safety and efficacy is established based on the protective effect of Tephrosia purpurea in lipid profile, renal and hepatic function of diabetic rats

Malagasy Dye Plant Species: A Promising Source of Novel Natural Colorants with Potential Applications – A Review

International audienceDue to the potentially harmful effects of some synthetic dyes, there is an increasing demand for natural colorants. Recent literature has emphasized the necessity of investigating new sources of dyes. This review discusses the biological sources of dyes derived from the rich plant diversity of Madagascar. As one of the first contributions on the use of these dyestuffs for dyeing textiles, it provides an overview of 128 dye plant species with other potential applications for coloring materials in industry. A detailed description of the botanical and chemical properties of these dyestuffs is given. We believe that the Madagascar plant diversity may be a promising source of novel colorants not yet investigated. We considered it worthwhile to carry out a thorough scientific study of a set of Malagasy plants carefully selected for their coloring properties together with their potential use and valorization in specialized industries where use of natural colorants would be a particular interest