In Vivo Antioxidant Potential of Protein Hydrolysates of some Cucurbitaceae Seed

Nowadays, dietary proteins play a very crucial role against oxidation, which is a fundamental process in the occurrence of many diseases.  The aim of this study was to hydrolyze globulin fractions from C. moschata (CMH), C. lanatus (CLH) and L. siceraria (LSH), and to evaluate their in vivo antioxidant potential.  The in vivo antioxidant potential was conducted using in vivo catalase and lipid peroxidation (LPO) assay methods. The total protein content was also estimated using Bio-Rad protein assay and bovine serum albumin methods. For in vivo study, ethanol was induced into test animals for toxicity and oxidative damage for 15 days. The catalase and LOP of serum / liver homogenate were determined. The results showed that globulin hydrolysates decrease the MDA level and increase the catalase level in normal mice. Based on these findings, this study provides information about in vivo antioxidant activities of C. moschata, C. lanatus and L. siceraria hydrolysates. Globulin hydrolysates of L. siceraria showed effective antioxidant properties in vivo models, whereas globulin hydrolysates of C. moschata and C. lanatus exhibited remarkable antioxidant properties, as well. Thus, the results suggest that globulin hydrolysates might be used as a novel source in reducing the risk of oxidative stressed diseases and development of functional foods. Keywords: cucurbitaceae, globulin, antioxidant, trypsi

Targeted Based Drug Delivery System for Colon Cancer

Regardless of so many advancements in the treatment, colon cancer still stands third in cancer-related deaths worldwide. Toxicity associated with conventional drugs is one of the major problems associated with chemotherapy. Targeted delivery works by concentrating the medication in the tissues of interest and reducing the concentration in remaining tissues. This delivery system helps the drug molecule to reach preferably to the desired site. The targeting will lower the requirement of a higher dose of the drug thus reducing the dosage frequency. The present review focuses on the various parameters of targeted drug delivery including the criteria for selection of drug and factors affecting the targeted drug delivery and also includes the brief discussion about different targeted drug deliveries for colon cancer therapies. Keywords: colon cancer, targeted drug delivery, chemotherapie

Improved Biological Activity and Stability of enzyme L-Asparaginase in Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Formulation

To protect the biological activity of an enzyme during the development of formulations is one of the biggest challenges. The tetrameric form of L-Asparaginase is used to treat Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia. It possesses shorter in vivo half–life. Using a modified (water/oil)/water-emulsion method followed by solvent evaporation L-Asn was successfully encapsulated at the core of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles made of lipid glyceryl monostearate. This study elucidated that the preparation of L-Asn loaded SLN develop a colloidal formulation with enhanced activity. The in-vitro release profile of the enzyme revealed first bursts has been increased. The study of the lyophilised formulation also shows that the enzyme holds its biological activity and retains its particle size distribution. Consequently, by using an apt combination of homogenisation speed, temperature and additives the storage and biological activity of L-Asn in SLN formulation can be improved. Keywords: L-Asparaginase, Solid Lipid Nanoparticles, Controlled release, Lymphocytic Leukaemi

Comparative morpho-micrometric analysis of some Bauhinia species (Leguminosae) from east coast region of Odisha, India

Bauhinia vahlii has been reported for several medicinal properties, such as tyrosinase inhibitory, immunomodulatory and free radical scavenging activities. Bauhinia tomentosa and Bauhinia racemosa also possess anti-diabetic, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-obesity and antihyperlipidemic activities. Therefore, the correct identification of these plants is critically important. The aim was to investigate the comparative morpho-micrometric analysis of 3 species of Bauhinia belonging to the family Leguminosae (Fabaceae) by using conventional as well as scanning electron microscopy to support species identification. In B. racemosa, epidermal cells are polygonal with anticlinical walls; whereas wavy walled cells are found in B. tomentosa and B. vahlii. Anisocytic stomata are present in B. racemosa, while B. tomentosa shows the presence of paracytic stomata and anomocytic stomata in B. vahlii. Stomatal numbers and stomatal indices were found to be more in B. vahlii than B. tomentosa and B. racemosa. On the other hand, uniseriate, unicellular covering trichomes are found in B. racemosa and B. tomentosa but B. vahlii contains only uniseriate, multicellular covering trichomes. Based on these micromorphological features, a diagnostic key was developed for identification of the particular species which helps a lot in pharmaceutical botany, taxonomy and horticulture, in terms of species identification

Comparative morpho-micrometric analysis of some Bauhinia species (Leguminosae) from east coast region of Odisha, India

169-184Bauhinia vahlii has been reported for several medicinal properties, such as tyrosinase inhibitory, immunomodulatory and free radical scavenging activities. Bauhinia tomentosa and Bauhinia racemosa also possess anti-diabetic, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-obesity and antihyperlipidemic activities. Therefore, the correct identification of these plants is critically important. The aim was to investigate the comparative morpho-micrometric analysis of 3 species of Bauhinia belonging to the family Leguminosae (Fabaceae) by using conventional as well as scanning electron microscopy to support species identification. In B. racemosa, epidermal cells are polygonal with anticlinical walls; whereas wavy walled cells are found in B. tomentosa and B. vahlii. Anisocytic stomata are present in B. racemosa, while B. tomentosa shows the presence of paracytic stomata and anomocytic stomata in B. vahlii. Stomatal numbers and stomatal indices were found to be more in B. vahlii than B. tomentosa and B. racemosa. On the other hand, uniseriate, unicellular covering trichomes are found in B. racemosa and B. tomentosa but B. vahlii contains only uniseriate, multicellular covering trichomes. Based on these micromorphological features, a diagnostic key was developed for identification of the particular species which helps a lot in pharmaceutical botany, taxonomy and horticulture, in terms of species identification

Formulation and Evaluation of Chitosan-Based Ampicillin Trihydrate Nanoparticles

Purpose: To develop ampicillin trihydrate-loaded chitosan nanoparticles by modified ionic gelation method and evaluate their antimicrobial activity. Methods: Ampicillin trihydrate-loaded chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by ionic gelation method with the aid of sonication. Parameters such as the zeta potential, polydispersity, particle size, entrapment efficiency and in vitro drug release of the nanoparticles were assessed for optimization. The antibacterial properties of the nanoparticle formulation were evaluated and compared with that of a commercial formulation (reference). Results: Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the nanoparticles were in the nanosize range but irregular in shape. Concentrations of 0.35 %w/v of chitosan and 0.40 %w/v sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) and a sonication time of 20 min constituted the optimum conditions for the preparation of the nanoparticles. In vitro release data showed an initial burst followed by slow sustained drug release. The nanoparticles demonstrated superior antimicrobial activity to plain nanoparticles and the reference, due probably to the synergistic effect of chitosan and ampicillin trihydrate. Conclusion: Modified ionic gelation method can be utilized for the development of chitosan nanoparticles of ampicillin trihydrate. Polymer and crosslinking agent concentrations and sonication time are rate-limiting factors for the development of the optimized formulation. The chitosan nanoparticles developed would be capable of sustained delivery of ampicillin trihydrate