Formulation and evaluation of Ketoprofen cream containing natural anti-inflammatory agent curcuma longa in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs have their origin as the derivatives of plants which were observed to have strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in various disease states. Ketoprofen is a better tolerated NSAID because of its limited numbers of adverse effects and topical formulation has excellent permeation and absorption into the skin. The present investigation was to develop novel Ketoprofen cream formulation in combination of most effective and potent anti-inflammatory agent curcuma longa, which is reported to possess strong anti-inflammatory effects in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis, according to the study by university of Arizona researchers. Combination of Ketoprofen and curcuma longa is good rational, where curcuma longa produces synergistic anti-inflammatory effects with ketoprofen. Formulation containing fixed concentrations (3%) of ketoprofen with curcuma longa was prepared. To access the efficacy of formulation stability studies, spread ability, tube extrudability, viscosity, pH, skin irritation test, in vitro drug diffusion study and anti- inflammatory effects were evaluated. The results obtained were encouraging and formulation containing Ketoprofen (3%) with curcuma longa was found better than alone Ketoprofen cream formulation

Qualitative phytochemical analysis of some selected medicinal plants occurring in local area of Faisalabad, Pakistan

The Qualitative analysis is very essential to identify the phytochemical constituents present in medicinal plants. The medicinal value of plants is due to the presence of particular bioactive constituents. In present study qualitative analysis of seven medicinally important plants, namely Carica papaya (Papaya), Cichorium intybus (Cichory), Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel), Nicotiana tabacum (Tobacco),  Rosa damascena (Red rose), Solanum nigrum (Makao) and Trachyspermum ammi (Ajwain) was done. Saponins, tannins, terpenoids, steroids, starch, total sugar, free reducing sugars, ascorbic acid, alkaloids, phenols, flavoniods and glycosoides were analyzed qualitatively by following the standard protocols. Rosa damascena and Foeniculum vulgare contained all tested constituents. Terpenoids and starch were present in all plant species except Nicotiana tobaccum. Saponins were present in all plants instead of Cichorium intybus

Pharmacological evaluation and validation for the folkloric use of Oligochaeta ramosa in constipation and diarrhea

Crude extract of Oligochaeta ramosa and its fractions were studied to rationalize its traditional use in GIT disturbance. In spontaneous contracting jejunum preparation, O. ramosa (0.01-1.0 mg/mL) caused a transient spasmogenic effect followed by the spasmolytic effect at higher doses (3.0-10.0 mg/mL). In atropinized jejunum preparation, O. ramosa inhibit the spontaneous and K+ (80 mM)-induced contraction at the similar doses (0.01-1.0 mg/mL), suggesting calcium channel blocking effect. The calcium channel blocking effect was confirmed when pretreatment of tissue with O. ramosa produced a dose-dependent shift in Ca+2 dose- response curve to the right, similar to that produced by the verapamil. Activity-directed fractionation revealed that the spasmolytic effect is concentrated in the dichloromethane fraction while, aqueous fraction contains both spasmogenic and spasmolytic constituents. This study validate the presence of both spasmogenic and spasmolytic components mediated through muscarinic receptor activation and calcium channel blockade respectively, which may explain its traditional uses in constipation and diarrhea

In silico mutation analysis of human beta globin gene in sickle cell disease patients

Background: Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells. People with sickle cell conditions make a different form of hemoglobin a called hemoglobin S. Sickle cell conditions are inherited from parents in much the same way as blood type, hair color and texture, eye color and other physical traits. Sickle cell disease occurs due to a single mutation on the b-globin gene, namely, a substitution of glutamic acid for valine at position 6 of the b chain. Several mutations in HBB gene can cause sickle cell disease. Abnormal versions of beta-globin can distort red blood cells into a sickle shape. The sickle-shaped red blood cells die prematurely, which can lead to anemia. The study is focused on analysis of HBB gene with its different variants, Evolutionary pathways and protein domains by using various bioinformatics tools.Methods: The study is focused on analysis of HBB gene with its different variants, Evolutionary pathways and protein domains by using various bioinformatics tools.Results: Sickle cell disease occurs due to a single mutation on the b-globin gene, namely, a substitution of glutamic acid for valine at position 6 of the b chain. Several mutations in HBB gene can cause sickle cell disease. Abnormal versions of beta-globin can distort red blood cells into a sickle shape. Comparative study shown 38 different genes with little genetic variation among different species.Conclusion: Studies suggested that there is need to maintain a primary prevention program to detect sickle cell disease at earlier stages despite having a large high risk. Preventive diagnosis and follow-up would reduce infant mortality by preventing the development of severe anemia as well as dangerous complications. In short, sickle cell disease surveillance would avert loss of life, measured as the number of years lost due to ill-health, disability or early death.

Diagnostic accuracy of different cut-off values of adenosine deaminase levels in tuberculous pleural effusion

Objective: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of different cut-off values of pleural fluid adenosine deaminase levels as a diagnostic method for tuberculous pleural effusion. Method: The prospective study was conducted from 2014 to 2016 at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised pleural fluid samples of adult patients with and without tuberculosis which were tested for adenosine deaminase levels, and divided into tuberculosis group A and non-tuberculosis group B. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value and positive predictive value were calculated using different cut-offs. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 21.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results: Of 155 patients, 46(29.7%) had tuberculosis; 30(65.2%) males and 16(34.8%) females. Those who did not have tuberculosis were 109(70.3%); 69(63.3%) males and 40(36.7%) females. The adenosine deaminase levels were elevated in group A compared to group B (p\u3c0.001). The cut-off of 30U/L showed the highest sensitivity (71.7%) and negative predictive value (87.4%), and a specificity of 82.6%. The cut-off of 50U/L showed the highest specificity (89.9%) with sensitivity 52.2%, and the cut-off of 40U/L showed the highest positive predictive value of 68.9% with sensitivity 67.4% and specificity 87.2%. Conclusion: Pleural fluid adenosine deaminase testing for diagnosing tuberculosis pleuritis revealed highest sensitivity and moderate specificity for cut-off value of 30U/

Antimicrobial and phytochemical screening of Oligochaeta ramose against different pathogenic microbes- An In vitro study

Biologically active compounds obtained from the medicinal plants are the effective chemotherapeutic agents and offering a broad spectrum of activity with greater emphasis on preventive action. The present study was aimed at evaluating the antimicrobial activities of crude methanolic extract of Oligochaeta ramose (Asteraceae) against pathogenic bacteria species of both G +ve strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus pumilus, Streptococcus pneumoniae), G -ve strains, (Escherichia coli, Citrobacter freundii, Klebsiella pneumoniae) and fungal species (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger). In-vitro antimicrobial test was performed by disc diffusion method on nutrient agar and sabouraud dextrose agar for bacteria and fungi respectively, in order to analyze the percentage zone of inhibition and phytochemical screening was also performed. Methanolic extract showed significantly high inhibitory effect against G +ve strains, as compared to G -ve strains, whereas, no effect against C. albicans and A. niger. Modified agar well diffusion method was used to measure the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and MIC values lies within the range of 75 to 150 ?g /ml for the G +ve while 300 to 600 ?g /ml for G-ve. Or.Cr was found to contain alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids and antraquinones and these agents may be responsible for antibacterial activity of this plant. Keywords: Oligochaeta ramose, Methanolic extract, Antimicrobial assay, Nutrient aga

Assessment of antibacterial potential of Saccharum spontaneum Linn. (family: Poaceae), against different pathogenic microbes- an in vitro study.

In this study, Saccharum spontaneum (Family: Poaceae), was evaluated for its antibacterial potential against human pathogenic bacterial strains. In-vitro antibacterial tests were performed by disc diffusion method on nutrient agar, in order to analyze the percentage zone of inhibition. Whole plant’s extract showed the significant zone of inhibition (mm), against Staphylococcus aureus (17.00), Streptococcus pneumoniae (16.50), Bacillus cereus (15.90), Bacillus pumilus (15.45), Escherichia coli (18.00), Klebsiella pneumoniae (17.10), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15.20) and Citrobacter freundii (14.00), with relative percentages of inhibition of 76.90, 71.60, 57.40, 56.85, 70.40, 69.90, 61.05 and 54.30 respectively. Modified agar well diffusion method was used to measure the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and MIC values lies within the range of 75 to 300?g /ml for the G+ve strains while 75 to 600?g /ml for G-ve.  Due to presence of tannins and flavonoids, it inhibits the growth of bacteria on most regulatory levels such as peptidoglycan, DNA, RNA and protein synthesis

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Pharmacy: An Overview of Innovations

Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerged as an intervention for data and number-related problems. This breakthrough has led to several technological advancements in virtually all fields from engineering to architecture, education, accounting, business, health, and so on. AI has come a long way in healthcare, having played significant roles in data and information storage and management – such as patient medical histories, medicine stocks, sale records, and so on; automated machines; software and computer applications like diagnostic tools such as MRI radiation technology, CT diagnosis and many more have all been created to aid and simplify healthcare measures. Inarguably, AI has revolutionized healthcare to be more effective and efficient and the pharmacy sector is not left out. During the past few years, a considerable amount of increasing interest in the uses of AI technology has been identified for analyzing as well as interpreting some important fields of pharmacy like drug discovery, dosage form designing, polypharmacology, and hospital pharmacy. Given the growing importance of AI, we wanted to create a comprehensive report which helps every practicing pharmacist understand the biggest breakthroughs which are assisted by the deployment of this field

Acaricidal and insecticidal effects of essential oils against ectoparasites of veterinary importance

Ectoparasitism in animals has become an issue of great concern that needs to be resolved to prevent huge economic losses occurring to livestock industry all over the world. Synthetic adrugs have been playing a major role in controlling ectoparasites, but their frequent and irrational use has resulted in drug resistance to routinely used chemicals and their residual effects on food and environment. Therefore, this approach of using chemical acaricides and insecticides is losing its popularity and effectiveness in controlling ectoparasites. So, the development of alternative approaches in ectoparasite management is currently required. Among alternative protocols, plants and their essential oils have played remarkable role in controlling different ectoparasites (ticks, flies, mites, lice) of veterinary importance. Essential oils have been proved to be cheaper, more effective and safer therapeautic agents against different ectoparasites of livestock importance

Higher entropy observed in SARS-CoV-2 genomes from the first COVID-19 wave in Pakistan

Background: We investigated the genome diversity of SARS-CoV-2 associated with the early COVID-19 period to investigate evolution of the virus in Pakistan.Materials and methods: We studied ninety SARS-CoV-2 strains isolated between March and October 2020. Whole genome sequences from our laboratory and available genomes were used to investigate phylogeny, genetic variantion and mutation rates of SARS-CoV-2 strains in Pakistan. Site specific entropy analysis compared mutation rates between strains isolated before and after June 2020.Results: In March, strains belonging to L, S, V and GH clades were observed but by October, only L and GH strains were present. The highest diversity of clades was present in Sindh and Islamabad Capital Territory and the least in Punjab province. Initial introductions of SARS-CoV-2 GH (B.1.255, B.1) and S (A) clades were associated with overseas travelers. Additionally, GH (B.1.255, B.1, B.1.160, B.1.36), L (B, B.6, B.4), V (B.4) and S (A) clades were transmitted locally. SARS-CoV-2 genomes clustered with global strains except for ten which matched Pakistani isolates. RNA substitution rates were estimated at 5.86 x10-4. The most frequent mutations were 5\u27 UTR 241C \u3e T, Spike glycoprotein D614G, RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) P4715L and Orf3a Q57H. Strains up until June 2020 exhibited an overall higher mean and site-specific entropy as compared with sequences after June. Relative entropy was higher across GH as compared with GR and L clades. More sites were under selection pressure in GH strains but this was not significant for any particular site.Conclusions: The higher entropy and diversity observed in early pandemic as compared with later strains suggests increasing stability of the genomes in subsequent COVID-19 waves. This would likely lead to the selection of site-specific changes that are advantageous to the virus, as has been currently observed through the pandemic