Phalerin, a new benzophenoic glucoside isolated from the methanolic extract of Mahkota Dewa [Phaleria macrocarpa (scheff). Boerl.] leaves

Mahkota Dewa [Phaleria macrocarpa (Scheff). Boerl.] is used traditionally to treat cancers in Indonesia. Extract methanol of the leaves displayed a small LC50 value (63.16 μg/ml) on BST (Brine Shrimp Lethality test) assay; therefore a phytochemical study of this extract was undertaken. A new benzophenoic glucoside was isolated from the methanol extract and identified as 4,5-dihydroxy,4’-methoxybenzophenone-3-0-β-D-glucoside (Phalerin) based on its spectroscopic data. Phalerin was cytotoxic to myeloma cell line (NS-1) (in vitro) having IC50 of 83 μg/ml or 1.9 x 10-1 mM.Key words: Phaleria macrocarpa, Phalerin, myelom

An overview on Manuscriptology

Before invention of modern science the way of communication and transfer of knowledge was oral. All Vedic literatures were transmitted orally. Later on the oral transmissions had some limitations thus documentation of the knowledge has been started and those hand written documents are called as Manuscripts. Ayurveda, being a Upaveda has an extensive history which is evident through the available documented classics. Though Ayurveda is said to be descended in a genealogy of preceptorstudent system orally, there are definite references of documented texts in the name of the preceptors as the title of the text. These manuscripts are written on various surfaces and with various writing materials. The science which deals with the detail study of these manuscripts is known as Manuscriptology. These are the rich sources of cultural and scientific knowledge thus it is and need of hour to preserve it

Montelukast medicines of today and tomorrow: from molecular pharmaceutics to technological formulations

Montelukast sodium is a leukotriene antagonist of growing interest as an alternative therapy for asthma across different age groups due to its bronchoprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. Currently, montelukast is commercialized only in oral solid dosage forms, which are the favorite of adult patients but may pose challenges in administration to children of young age or patients suffering from dysphagia. This review presents a comprehensive revision of scientific reports and patents on emerging strategies for the delivery of montelukast. A common ground to these reports is the pursue of an enhanced montelukast performance, by increasing its bioavailability and physico-chemical stability. A wide variety of strategies can be found, from the formation of supramolecular adducts with cyclodextrins to encapsulation in nanoparticles and liposomes. The new dosage forms for montelukast are designed for non-enteric absorption, some for absorption in the oral cavity and another two being for local action in the nasal mucosa or in the pulmonary epithelium. The review describes the emerging delivery strategies to circumvent the current limitations to the use of montelukast that are expected to ultimately lead to the development of more patient-compliant dosage forms

First principles study of structural stability and site preference in Co-3 (W,X)

Since the discovery 1] of gamma' precipitate (L1(2) - Co-3 (Al, W)) in the Co-Al-W ternary system, there has been an increased interest in Co-based superalloys. Since these alloys have two phase microstructures (gamma + gamma') similar to Ni-based superalloys 2], they are viable candidates in high temperature applications, particularly in land-based turbines. The role of alloying on stability of the gamma' phase has been an active area of research. In this study, electronic structure calculations were done to probe the effect of alloying in Co3W with L1(2) structure. Compositions of type Co-3(W, X), (where X/Y = Mn, Fe, Ni, Pt, Cr, Al, Si, V, W, Ta, Ti, Nb, Hf, Zr and Mo) were studied. Effect of alloying on equilibrium lattice parameters and ground state energies was used to calculate Vegard's coefficients and site preference related data. The effect of alloying on the stability of the L1(2) structure vis a vis other geometrically close packed ordered structures was also studied for a range of Co3X compounds. Results suggest that the penchant of element for the W sublattice can be predicted by comparing heats of formation of Co3X in different structures