Evaluation of antiarthritic activity of Strychnos potatorum Linn seeds in Freund's adjuvant induced arthritic rat model

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Strychnos potatorum </it>Linn (Loganiaceae) is a moderate sized tree found in southern and central parts of India, Sri Lanka and Burma. In traditional system of medicine, <it>Strychnos potatorum </it>Linn seeds were used for various ailments including inflammation, diabetes etc. To investigate the folkloric use of the seeds the present study was carried out on Freund's adjuvant induced arthritic rats.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The present study states the effect of the aqueous extract (SPE) and the whole seed powder (SPP) of <it>Strychnos potatorum </it>Linn seeds on the Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) induced arthritic rat paw edema, body weight changes and alterations in haematological and biochemical parameters in both developing and developed phases of arthritis. Histopathology of proximal interphalangeal joints and radiology of hind legs were studied.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In FCA induced arthritic rats, there was significant increase in rat paw volume and decrease in body weight increment, whereas SPP and SPE treated groups, showed significant reduction in paw volume and normal gain in body weight. The altered haematological parameters (Hb, RBC, WBC and ESR) and biochemical parameters (blood urea, serum creatinine, total proteins and acute phase proteins) in the arthritic rats were significantly brought back to near normal by the SPP and SPE treatment at the dose of 200 mg/kg/p.o in both developing and developed phases of arthritis. Further the histopathological and radiological studies revealed the antiarthritic activity of SPP and SPE by indicating fewer abnormalities in these groups when compared to the arthritic control group.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In conclusion, both SPP and SPE at the specified dose level of 200 mg/kg, p.o. showed reduction in rat paw edema volume and it could significantly normalize the haematological and biochemical abnormalities in adjuvant induced arthritic rats in both developing and developed phases of FCA induced arthritis. Further the histopathological and radiological studies confirmed the antiarthritic activity of SPP and SPE.</p

Characterization of Chlorhexidine-Loaded Calcium-Hydroxide Microparticles as a Potential Dental Pulp-Capping Material

This study explores the delivery of novel calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] microparticles loaded with chlorhexidine (CHX) for potential dental therapeutic and preventive applications. Herein, we introduce a new approach for drug-delivery to deep dentin-surfaces in the form of drug-loaded microparticles. Unloaded Ca(OH)2 [Ca(OH)2/Blank] and CHX-loaded/Ca(OH)2 microparticles were fabricated by aqueous chemical-precipitation technique. The synthesized-microparticles were characterized in vitro for determination of surface-morphology, crystalline-features and thermal-properties examined by energy-dispersive X-ray scanning and transmission electron-microscopy (EDX-SEM/TEM), Fourier-transform infrared-spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning-calorimetry (DSC). Time-related pH changes, initial antibacterial/biofilm-abilities and cytotoxicity of CHX-loaded/Ca(OH)2 microparticles were evaluated. Microparticles were delivered to dentin-surfaces with subsequent SEM examination of treated dentin-substrates. The in vitro and ex vivo CHX-release profiles were characterized. Ca(OH)2/Blank were hexagonal-shaped with highest z-average diameter whereas CHX-inclusion evidenced micro-metric spheres with distinguishable surface “rounded deposits” and a negative-shift in diameter. CHX:Ca(OH)2/50 mg exhibited maximum encapsulation-efficiency with good antibacterial and cytocompatible properties. SEM examination revealed an intact layer of microparticles on exposed dentin-surfaces with retention of spherical shape and smooth texture. Microparticles loaded on dentin-surfaces showed prolonged release of CHX indicating substantial retention on dentin-substrates. This study validated the inherent-applicability of this novel drug-delivery approach to dentin-surfaces using micro-metric CHX-loaded/Ca(OH)2 microparticles

Silica-coated Mn-doped ZnS nanocrystals for cancer theranostics

Doped nanocrystals such as manganese-doped zinc sulfide (ZnS:Mn) are useful nanomedicine probes for cancer cell labeling and anticancer drug delivery. However, the synthesis and retention of fluorescence of these nanocrystals is highly indispensable for efficient cell theranostics. Herein, we report a modified synthesis of highly fluorescent hydrophobic ZnS:Mn nanocrystals with the advent of dual ligands. Our results demonstrate that the alkylamine ligand with the carbon chain length of C18 promotes the diffusion of Mn from the surface into the interior of ZnS nanocrystals. Optical measurements show that the quantum yield of Mn (QYMn) can reach as high as 80% in the presence of a dual ligand combination of oleylamine-octadecylamine because of the increased probability of 4T1→ 6A1emission, originating from the energy transfer of ligated nanocrystals. These doped nanocrystals after ligand exchange of organic ligands with glutathione exhibited a high retention of quantum yield (QY: ~50-60%), and further coating with silica showed the QY of ~35-40%. Finally, we show the application of these doped nanocrystals for cancer theranostics such as HeLa cell labeling and anti-cancer drug delivery.Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)We acknowledge funding from the Joint Council Office, A*STAR, Singapore (grant no. JCOAG03-FG03). We thank the core facilities (XRD, TEM) support staff at the Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE, Singapore). E.H.A. and S.T.S. acknowledge the National Institution of Education (NIE) and LKC School of Medicine NTU, respectively, for their support in completing and publishing this work

Design and synthesis of polymer-functionalized NIR fluorescent dyes-magnetic nanoparticles for bioimaging

10.1021/nn401734tACS Nano786796-680

Robust room-temperature ferromagnetism with giant anisotropy in Nd-doped Zno nanowire arrays

10.1021/nl301226kNano Letters1283994-4000NALE