Preparation and characterisation of a new form of silymarin as a potential antidiabetic agent in the adult male rat.

Silymarin is used for a wide variety of biological applications including, antidiabetic activities. However, the effectiveness of Silymarin is affected by its poor aqueous solubility and low systemic bioavailability after oral administration. The present study aimed to formulate a new, simple, and inexpensive form of silymarin solution. A new form of silymarin solution (NFSM) characterised by small particle size (227.5 nm), high entrapment efficiency (>82%), and appropriate zeta potential(-24.7mv). Moreover, the antidiabetic effects of NESM were evaluated relative to native Silymarin (SM). Oral administration of NFSM for 14 days in diabetic rats significantly decreased fasting blood glucose, oxidative stress levels, and improved lipid profile compared with SM. Also, NFSM significantly increased serum insulin levels, the gene expression of insulin and Pdx1, restored and improved the structure of the liver, and pancreas histologically. Our results concluded that NFSM may be an efficient carrier for oral delivery of silymarin for the management of diabetes and aggravated antioxidant status.

An efficient 3D adsorbent foam based on graphene oxide/AgO nanoparticles for rapid vortex-assisted floating solid phase extraction of bisphenol A in canned food products.

In this study, a three-dimensional adsorbent was developed based on graphene oxide/AgO nanoparticles over interconnected nickel foam (GO/AgO@Ni foam) for rapid and efficient vortex assisted floating solid phase extraction of bisphenol A in canned food products prior to high performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector. The analytical techniques scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) were used for characterization of the synthetized GO/AgO@Ni foam. The effect of proficiency factors including pH, foam size, vortexing time, salt addition, sample volume, desorption type and volume, and desorption time on the extraction efficiency of bisphenol A were explored through the matrix match method. Under the above experimental conditions, the figures of merit of the method were acquired as LODs (S/N = 3) of 0.18-0.84 µg kg-1, LOQs of 0.61-2.81 µg kg-1 (S/N = 10), linear ranges of 0.5-500 µg kg-1, and enrichment factors of 235.5-244.9. The inter-day precision values (RSD%, n = 7) of 2.5-3.6 and the intra-day precision (%) of (5 days and seven replicates for each day) 2.8-3.8 were achieved for bisphenol A at a concentration of 50 µg kg-1. The relative recoveries of 94.0% to 99.6% were obtained for the canned food samples.

Design, Formulation and Physicochemical Evaluation of Clotrimazole Chewing GumDesign, Formulation and Physicochemical Evaluation of Clotrimazole Chewing Gum.

Background: Oral candidiasis is widespread in the patients with immunodeficiency diseases. Chewing gums are considered as mobile drug delivery systems that affected locally or systemically via the oral cavity. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the formulation of clotrimazole chewing gums for patients having oral candidiasis. Materials and Methods: Fourteen formulations (F) were designed by Design-Expert, version 7. These formulations were different in the amount of gum bases and sweeteners. Gum bases of elvasti, 487, stick and fruit C were heated up to 70°C. Clotrimazole powder, sugar, liquid glucose, glycerin, mannitol, xylitol, and maltitol as well as different flavoring agents were added to the gum bases at 40°C. Content and weight uniformity, organoleptic properties evaluation, releasing the active ingredient in the phosphate buffer pH, 6.8 and taste evaluation were analyzed by Latin square analysis. Also, the mechanical test was done on F13 and F14 formulations. Results: F14 was the best formulation in terms of organoleptic properties. This formulation had suitable size, hardness, softness, and lack of adhesion to teeth. F14 formulation released 89% and 97% of clotrimazole after 30 and 45 minutes, respectively. F14 content uniformity and weight variations were 9.83±0.086 mg and 1.14±0.09 g, respectively. F14 evaluation of mechanical properties showed Young's modulus about 0.32 MPa, and yield point occurred at the stress of 0.599 MPa and strain of 4.1%. Conclusion: F14 was chosen according to its physicochemical and organoleptic properties. F14 had adequate hardness, lack of adhesion to the teeth, suitable size, and best drug release. Tutti Frutti was a proper flavoring agent for clotrimazole gum formulations.

Comparative Study of Punica granatum Gel and Triadent Oral Paste Effect on Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis, a Double Blind Clinical Trial.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is a common oral lesion, and the use of herbal remedies containing tannin and flavonoid has been reported to be effective in treating aphthous stomatitis. PURPOSE: This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of Punica granatum muco-adhesive gel on controlling the oral recurrent aphthous stomatitis and its comparison with Triadent oral paste. MATERIALS AND METHOD: In this double-blind clinical trial, 60 patients with minor aphthous stomatitis were enrolled. These patients had no systemic diseases and were not on any medications. The patients were randomly treated with Punica granatum formulated gel, Triadent oral paste and placebo. The time of pain elimination and the time of complete healing were recorded and the pain degree was assessed and recorded by each patient. The data were analyzed using survival analysis and ANOVA test. RESULTS: The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that pain relief time in Punica granatum group was lower than placebo group (p= 0.002), even so, it caused no significant difference with the Triadent group in comparison with the placebo group (p= 0.08). The survival analysis also indicated that the wound healing time in Punica granatum group was significantly lower than the other two groups (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: Punica granatum gel has a successful effect in controlling and treating recurrent aphthous stomatitis. It can be considered as an affordable and inexpensive treatment.

Persica Chewing Gum Effects on Saliva Fluoride Concentration and Flow Rate: A Triple-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

CONTEXT: Dental caries is a prevalent disease worldwide. Salvadora persica or Miswak could be a source of fluoride and has caries preventive effects. AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare saliva fluoride concentration and flow rate after using Persica and sodium fluoride chewing gums. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: In a triple-blind crossover randomized trial, 44 healthy volunteers (21-25 year old) were recruited according to the inclusion criteria and were randomly allocated into two groups (22 each). PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: This study was performed within two sets of trial with a 10-day washout period. Participants (subjects) were followed a running period and matched for trial confounders. Saliva samples were collected under controlled conditions at similar time (11 am) within baseline, 5, 10, 20, and 45 min intervals preceded by 5-min chewing of Persica or sodium fluoride chewing gum. Saliva samples were analyzed for fluoride ion using hexamethyldisiloxane diffusion method. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Saliva flow rate (ml/min) and mean fluoride concentration (ppm) during different time periods in two types of gum were compared using ANOVA-repeated measures (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The difference in total means of stimulated saliva flow rates between two Persica and sodium fluoride gum intervention groups was statistically significant (P = 0.048); however, difference of fluoride concentrations was not statistically significant (P = 0.244). CONCLUSIONS: Chewing Persica containing gum released fluoride ions in saliva and increased saliva flow rate comparable with sodium fluoride chewing gum use as a gold standard.

Design, Formulation, and Physicochemical Evaluation of Vaginal Cream Containing Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Viola odorata, and Mentha piperita extracts for Prevention and Treatment of Trichomoniasis.

BACKGROUND: Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted disease that is caused by infection with protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Metronidazole is the drug of choice for the treatment of this infection. In this study, design, formulation, and physicochemical evaluation of vaginal cream containing Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Viola odorata, and Mentha piperita extracts for the prevention and treatment of trichomoniasis has been investigated. METHODS: Ethyl acetate extract of E. camaldulensis leaves, water fraction of V. odorata root, and hydroalcoholic extract of M. piperita leaves was prepared and used for anti-trichomonas experiments. Then, based on results, different formulations of vaginal cream containing mixed extracts were prepared and physicochemical evaluation was conducted. In the next step, anti-trichomonas effect of selective formulation was tested in vitro. RESULTS: The mixed concentrates containing 2.5 mg/ml E. camaldulensis, 0.06 mg/ml V. odorata, and 1 mg/ml M. piperita showed 100% growth inhibition (GI) during 24 h. Furthermore, the mixture containing 1.25 mg/ml E. camaldulensis, 0.03 mg/ml V. odorata, and 0.5 mg/ml M. piperita showed 92% GI in the first 24 h. The selective formulation passed all of physicochemical test and also showed 100% GI for in vitro anti-trichomonas experiments in the first 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: The mixed concentrates containing 2.5 mg/ml E. camaldulensis, 0.06 mg/ml of V. odorata, and 1 mg/ml of M. piperita are the mixture which showed the highest percentage of GI (100%) after 24 h. The selective formulation of vaginal cream containing this mixture of extracts was detected 100% GI in the first 24 h.

Design, formulation, and evaluation of a herbal gel contains melissa, sumac, licorice, rosemary, and geranium for treatment of recurrent labial herpes infections.

BACKGROUND: The herpes simplex virus is a human pathogen which can cause skin or mucous membrane infections. Melissa, sumac, licorice, rosemary, and geranium have antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and local analgesic effect. Shortening recovery period of recurrent herpes labialis and control of viral protein formation are the other effects of these herbs. The aim of this study is design, formulation, and evaluation of the gel containing extracts of these five herbs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study after photochemical and macroscopic evaluation of these medicinal herbs, the semisolid concentrated extracts were incorporated in gel bases. Mucoadhesive gels were prepared using carbopol 940, sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Na CMC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K4M as bioadhesive polymers. Physicochemical tests, viscosity, mucoadhesive strength measurement, and in vitro drug release study were carried out on formulations F10 (carbopol 940, 0.5% and Na CMC, 3%) and F11 (carbopol 940, 1% and Na CMC, 3%). RESULTS: Polyphenol content of extracts mixture was measured 210.8 ± 13.68 mg GAE/g. pH of formulations was 6.0 ± 0.2. 14 gel formulations were prepared. Physical appearance, homogeneity, and consistency of F10 and F11 were good. Mucoadhesion and viscosity of F11 was more than F10. Study of release profiles in F10 and F11 formulations showed drug release from F11 was slower. CONCLUSION: The best formulation for treatment and shortening recovery period of recurrent labial herpes infections should exhibit high value of mucoadhesion, show controlled release of drug. F11 with the highest viscosity and mucoadhesion and the lowest release rate was considered as the best formulation.

Design, Formulation and Physicochemical Evaluation of Dimenhydrinate Orally Disintegrating Tablets.

BACKGROUND: Design, formulation and physicochemical evaluation of dimenhydrinate 25 mg oral tablets that disintegrate in oral cavity in a proper time. This product is easy to use for babies, geriatrics and people who have difficulty in swallowing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 31 formulations were designed in 3 categories via Design-Expert software version 7. Group 1 consist of super-disintegrating bases, group 2 consist of effervescent bases and group 3 consist of super-disintegrating and effervescent bases together. Proposed by DesignExpert software, the optimum formulations were selected in each category and the tablets were produced by direct compression method. Tablets evaluated by friability, thickness, hardness, weight variation, drug content, content uniformity, disintegration time, wetting time, dissolution and moisture uptake tests. RESULTS: The angle of repose and compressibility index of formulations were in the range of 24.65-29.08 and 5.02-9.01 % respectively. Thickness, hardness, wetting time, friability and content uniformity of formulations were in the range of 3.36-3.84 mm, 33.25-38.03 N, 19-37 seconds, 0.31-0.42 % and 96.44-99.02 % respectively. Disintegration time of the groups 1, 2 and 3 were in the range of 16-70, 47-72 and 12-35 seconds respectively. CONCLUSION: Mixture of powders and orally dispersible tablets passed all tests. The results showed that formulations containing both of super-disintegrants and effervescent bases had better disintegration time compare to other formulations.

Design, Formulation, and Physicochemical Evaluation of Montelukast Orally Disintegrating Tablet.

BACKGROUND: Orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) are a modern form of tablets that when placed in the oral cavity, disperses rapidly. These tablets have advantages, particularly good applications for children and old patients who have a complication in chewing or swallowing solid dosage forms. The aim of this study was to design, formulate, and evaluate the physicochemical properties of 5 mg montelukast ODTs for the prevention of asthma and seasonal allergies. METHODS: Formulations were prepared with different amounts of super disintegrating agents and effervescent bases as disintegrant agents. Flowability and compressibility of mixed powders were evaluated. The prepared formulations were tested for hardness, thickness, friability, weight variation, drug content, wetting time, disintegration time, dissolution study, and moisture uptake studies. RESULTS: The compressibility index and angle of repose were in the range of 15.87%-23.43% and 32.93-34.65, respectively. Hardness, thickness, friability, wetting time, and content uniformity of formulations were in the range of 33.7-37.1 N, 3.00-3.81 mm, 0.27%-0.43%, 31-50 s and 96.28%-99.90%, respectively. Disintegration time of the tablets prepared with super disintegrating agents, effervescent bases, and combination of two were in the range of 30-50, more than 60 and 20-36 s, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Mixture of powders and tablets passed all the specified tests. The results showed formulations prepared by super disintegrating agents and super disintegrating agents with effervescent bases had shorter disintegration time compared to formulations with effervescent bases alone.

Design, Formulation and Evaluation of an Oral Gel from Punica Granatum Flower Extract for the Treatment of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis.

Purpose: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is a disease with unknown etiology that's mostly treated symptomatically and has no definite cure. Pomegranate (Punica granatum) flowers have been used as medicinal herb that due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and healing effects, has been useful in treatment of oral aphthous. Therefore, we decided to formulate a mucoadhesive gel with pomegranate flower extract to reduce the need for corticosteroid therapy in patients. Methods: Pomegranate flowers are extracted by percolation method. Several formulations with different amounts of carbomer 934, sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K4M were prepared and the condensed extract was dispersed in polyethyleneglycol (PEG) 400 and added to gel bases. Then the formulations underwent macroscopic and microscopic studies. The formulations that passed these tests successfully were studied through assay tests using spectrophotometry in 765 nm, drug release from mucoadhesive gel using cell diffusion method, viscosity test, mucoadhesion test and accelerated stability test. Results: The phenolic content of pomegranate flower dried extract was found to be 212.3±1.4 mg/g in dried extract. The F4-F6 formulations contains carbomer 934, SCMC, pomegranate flower extract, PEG 400, potassium sorbate and purified water passed all above tests. Conclusion: The F4 formulation had higher viscosity and mucoadhesion values due to its higher carbomer 934 and SCMC content. Since F4, F5 and F6 had no significant variation in drug release, the F4 formulation was chosen as the superior formulation because of proper appearance and uniformity, acceptable viscosity, mucoadhesion and stability in different temperatures.

Design, formulation, and evaluation of ginger medicated chewing gum.

BACKGROUND: Various ginger compounds improve gastrointestinal problems and motion sickness. The main effects of ginger allocate to some phenolics such as gingerols and shogaols that act as their active agents. Chewing gums are among convenient dosage forms which patients prefer due to their advantages. Hence, this study tried to design, formulate, and evaluate ginger chewing gum of favorable taste and texture to avoid motion sickness and have gastro-protective and anti-oxidant effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dried ginger rhizomes were percolated to extract ginger compounds. Total phenolics were measured in 70% hydro-alcoholic extract of ginger by gallic and tannic acid standards using Folin-Ciocalteu's reagent. Chewing gums containing 50 mg of concentrated extract were prepared. Content uniformity, weight variation, release pattern, organoleptic, and mechanical properties were evaluated. RESULTS: Phenolic content was measured 61.50 ± 5.27 mg/g and 76.75 ± 5.45 mg/g of concentrated extract as gallic acid and tannic acid equivalents, respectively. Release pattern of formulations with different gum bases and sweeteners demonstrated almost 100% release of drug. Evaluation of organoleptic properties was on 10 healthy volunteers and later prepared formulations exhibited better characteristics. Formulations without any flavorants have higher acceptability. Evaluation of mechanical properties showed higher stiffness of F15. CONCLUSION: Ginger chewing gum comprises admissible properties to be used as a modern drug delivery system due to its advantageous results in motion sickness. It passed all the specified tests for an acceptable chewing gum. Thus, it may be successfully produced to help GI problems.

The Direct Medical Costs of Outpatient Cares of Type 2 Diabetes in Iran: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease which many factors are involved and is developing considerably worldwide. Increasing aging population and obesity in the societies has improved the scale of the type 2 diabetes significantly. The aim of this study was to determine the direct medical costs of outpatient cares of diabetes in Iran. METHODS: Active patients of Isfahan Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center (IEMRC) by the end of March 2011 were employed for data extraction. Type 2 diabetics were classified into 4 groups based on their therapeutic regimens. Type and frequency of health care services were extracted from the patients' profiles manually. The incidence of major diabetes complications were also examined from the subjects' profiles. The numbers of services used by the patients in different treatment groups were multiplied by the desired medical tariffs to calculate the direct medical costs. RESULTS: 2898 number of cases was reviewed in this study; 63.8 % women and 36.2% men. 4.3% of the patients were placed group I; 50.1% in group II, and 34.6% and 11% in groups III and IV respectively. The age distribution of the patients varied widely from 30 to 90 years; 5.8% between 30 and 39 years, 62.3% between 40 and 59, and 31.9% at 60 and over. Nephropathy (72.4%), and neuropathy (39%) were the most frequent adverse effect between the type 2 diabetics in Isfahan. The group III with spending $192.3 in total was absorbed the highest amount of the resources between the patients' groups. The average direct medical cost of outpatient cares of diabetics per year was 155.8 US $. CONCLUSIONS: The direct medical cost of diabetes management is progressed sharply in past years in Iran. Pharmaceutical expenditures was the main cost component of outpatient cares for diabetes. It is estimated that the Iranians directly spend approximately $4.05 milliard annually to manage 5.2 million diabetics in the country.

Design, formulation, and physicochemical evaluation of periodontal propolis mucoadhesive gel.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is a disease of tooth supporting tissues, and Gram-negative Bacteria are the main cause of this. Propolis has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects due to its high polyphenol and flavonoids content. The aim of this study is the formulation of a mucoadhesive gel containing concentrated extract of propolis for treatment of periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Formulations containing carbopol 940, sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K4M, and propolis extract were prepared. Among ten prepared formulations, five formulations had acceptable and proper physical appearance and uniformity; thus, they were selected for physicochemical tests (centrifugal, thermal change, cooling and heating, freeze and thaw, thermal stress, and pH evaluation), quantification of flavonoids, viscosity, mucoadhesion, drug release, and syringeability tests. We investigated the antibacterial activity of F10 (carbopol 940 1%, NaCMC 3%) against Porphyromonas gingivalis using the disk diffusion method. RESULTS: Phenolic content was measured 39.02 ± 3.24 mg/g of concentrated extract as gallic acid and flavonoid content was determined 743.28 ± 12.1 mg/g of concentrated extract as quercetin. Highest viscosity (3700 cps) and mucoadhesion (21 MPa) were seen in F10. Study of release profile in F10 also revealed that propolis could release from this system in more than 7 days. All of the five selected formulations had ease of syringeability in 21-gauge needle for drug delivery into periodontal pocket. In the disk diffusion method, F10 produced significant growth inhibition zones against P. gingivalis. CONCLUSION: Controlled release of drug into periodontal pocket helps effective treatment and recovery, higher persistence and reduces drug use frequency. Increase of carbopol 940 leads to viscosity and mucoadhesion elevation and accordingly decreases of release rate. F10 was the best formulation because of highest viscosity and mucoadhesion and lowest release rate. It had efficient function in treatment of periodontitis, so we recommend it for clinical evaluation.

Design, formulation and evaluation of Aloe vera chewing gum.

BACKGROUND: Aloe vera has antioxidant, antiinflammatory, healing, antiseptic, anticancer and antidiabetic effects. The aim of the present study was to design and evaluate the formulation of Aloe vera chewing gum with an appropriate taste and quality with the indications for healing oral wounds, such as lichen planus, mouth sores caused by cancer chemotherapy and mouth abscesses as well as reducing mouth dryness caused by chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In Aloe vera powder, the carbohydrate content was determined according to mannose and phenolic compounds in terms of gallic acid. Aloe vera powder, sugar, liquid glucose, glycerin, sweeteners and different flavors were added to the soft gum bases. In Aloe vera chewing gum formulation, 10% of dried Aloe vera extract entered the gum base. Then the chewing gum was cut into pieces of suitable sizes. Weight uniformity, content uniformity, the organoleptic properties evaluation, releasing the active ingredient in the phosphate buffer (pH, 6.8) and taste evaluation were examined by Latin square method. RESULTS: One gram of Aloe vera powder contained 5.16 ± 0.25 mg/g of phenolic compounds and 104.63 ± 4.72 mg/g of carbohydrates. After making 16 Aloe vera chewing gum formulations, the F16 formulation was selected as the best formulation according to its physicochemical and organoleptic properties. In fact F16 formulation has suitable hardness, lack of adhesion to the tooth and appropriate size and taste; and after 30 min, it released more than 90% of its drug content. CONCLUSION: After assessments made, the F16 formulation with maltitol, aspartame and sugar sweeteners was selected as the best formulation. Among various flavors used, peppermint flavor which had the most acceptance between consumers was selected.

Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Cetuximab in Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer in Iranian Pharmaceutical Market.

BACKGROUND: Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody which acts against the epidermal growth-factor receptor. Randomized controlled trials show that the addition of cetuximab to folinic acid, 5-flourouracil, irinotecan (FOLFIRI), folinic acid, 5-flourouracil, oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) and capecitabin + oxaliplatin (CAPOX) regimens, as the first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), increases the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) compared to FOLFIRI, FOLFOX and CAPOX regimens alone. The aim of this study was to analyze the cost-effectiveness of different treatment programs for managing metastatic CRC with and without cetuximab in the first-line treatment of unresectable metastatic CRC in Iran. METHODS: A systematic search of the literature was performed in PubMed, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination Databases and Cochrane Library to assess the effectiveness of the drug in the context of PFS, OS and the adverse events. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of each treatment program was calculated. An extensive sensitivity analysis was conducted on the results regarding the effectiveness. RESULTS: The addition of cetuximab to FOLFIRI, FOLFOX and CAPOX programs increased PFS by 0.1, 0.042 and 0.042 years, respectively. Similarly, the addition of cetuximab to FOLFIRI, FOLFOX and CAPOX increased OS by 0.325, 0.442 and 0.442 years and also cost $212825, $202484 and $204198 individually. Whereas, based on the World Health Organisation (WHO) suggested threshold for cost-effectiveness analysis, even FOLFOX + cetuximab was very higher than the threshold in Iran (37.4 times higher). CONCLUSIONS: The FOLFOX regimen + cetuximab provides lower costs per additional life years gained (more cost-effective) compared with its alternatives in the treatment of patients with unresectable metastatic CRC. However, according to the WHO indicator, none of the cetuximab regimens could be considered as cost effective for the Iranian health care market.

Complementary Therapies for Idiopathic Hirsutism: Topical Licorice as Promising Option.

Hirsutism is one of the most prevalent health problems in women. The aim of the study was to compare the effect of 755 nm alexandrite hair removal laser with that of alexandrite laser plus topical licorice on the improvement of idiopathic hirsutism. A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study was performed on 90 female subjects. The patients were divided into two groups: alexandrite laser plus 15% licorice gel (group A) and placebo (group B). Each subject received one of both products over one side of the face, twice daily for 24 weeks on the hirsute locations. Each group underwent five sessions of alexandrite laser at 6-week intervals. To minimize the effects of confounding variables, the test was performed on two separate zones of patients' skin. The mean ± SD numbers of terminal hairs in group A were 7.05 ± 4.55 for zone 1 and 6.06 ± 3.70 for zone 2. In group B, they were 3.18 ± 1.75 for zone 1 and 2.49 ± 1.63 for zone 2. The difference in the mean number of terminal hairs was statistically significant between the two groups (p < 0.001), and there were no serious adverse reactions. The treatment of idiopathic hirsutism with 755 nm alexandrite laser plus topical licorice is more effective than alexandrite laser only.

Comparison of the effect of topical versus systemic L-arginine on wound healing in acute incisional diabetic rat model.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is associated with endothelial dysfunction and impaired wound healing. The amino acid L-arginine is the only substrate for nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. The purpose of this study was to compare the topical versus systemic L-arginine treatment on total nitrite (NOx) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentrations in wound fluid and rate of wound healing in an acute incisional diabetic wound model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 56 Sprague-Dawley rats were used of which 32 were rendered diabetic. Animals underwent a dorsal skin incision. Dm-sys-arg group (N = 8, diabetic) and Norm-sys-arg group (N = 8, normoglycemic) were gavaged with L-arginine. Dm-sys-control group (N = 8, diabetic) and Norm-sys-control group (N = 8, normoglycemic) were gavaged with water. Dm-top-arg group (N = 8, diabetic) and norm-top-arg group (N = 8, normoglycemic) received topical L-arginine gel. Dm-top-control group (N = 8, diabetic) received gel vehicle. On the day 5 the amount of NOx in wound fluid was measured by Griess reaction. VEGF/total protein in wound fluids was also measured on day 5 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All wound tissue specimens were fixed and stained to be evaluated for rate of healing. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 18.0, Chicago, IL, USA) through One-way analysis of variance test and Tukey's post-hoc. RESULTS: In dm-sys-arg group, the level of NOx on day 5 was significantly more than dm-top-arg group (P < 0.05). VEGF content in L-arginine treated groups were significantly more than controls (P < 0.05). Rate of diabetic wound healing in dm-sys-arg group was significantly more than dm-top-arg group. CONCLUSION: Systemic L-arginine is more efficient than topical L-arginine in wound healing. This process is mediated at least in part, by increasing VEGF and NO in the wound fluid.

Medicated chewing gum, a novel drug delivery system.

New formulations and technologies have been developed through oral drug delivery systems' researches. Such researches display significance of oral route amongst patients. We've reviewed all the features associated with medicated chewing gum as a modern drug delivery by introducing the history, advantages and disadvantages, methods of manufacturing, composition differences, evaluation tests and examples of varieties of medicated chewing gums. Acceptance of medicated chewing gum has been augmented through years. The advantages and therapeutic benefits of chewing gum support its development as we can see new formulations with new drugs contained have been produced from past and are going to find a place in market by formulation of new medicated chewing gums. Potential applications of medicated chewing gums are highly widespread as they will be recognized in future. Nowadays standards for qualifying chewing gums are the same as tablets. Patient-centered studies include medicated chewing gums as a delivery system too which creates compliance for patients.

Formulation, characterization and physicochemical evaluation of amoxicillin effervescent tablets.

BACKGROUND: Amoxicillin is a semisynthetic antibiotic, which is used as an antimicrobial drug. This study was designed to formulate amoxicillin effervescent tablets, aimed at improved patient compliance and increased drug stability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, nine effervescent tablet formulations were prepared from amoxicillin trihydrate. The effervescent base was comprised of various amounts of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate. Powders and granules were evaluated for their particle size, bulk density, tapped density, compressibility index, Hausner's ratio and angle of repose. The effervescent tablets were then prepared from powders and granules of acceptable quality by direct compression and fusion methods. The tablets were evaluated for weight variation, friability, pH of solution, carbon dioxide (CO2) content, hardness, effervescence time, thickness, assay, content uniformity, water content and equilibrium moisture content. RESULTS: The results indicated better flowability of granules prepared by fusion method as compared with the direct compression. The percent weight variations of tablets were within the acceptable limit of 0.5%. The friability was less than 1% in all formulations. The solution pH of tablets prepared by direct compression and fusion methods ranged from 4.55 to 5.74 and 4.74-5.84, respectively. The CO2 amounts generated by of fusion method tablets were smaller as compared to the direct compression method. The hardness of tablets was 40.66-56 for direct compression method and 60.6-74.6 for fusion method. The tablets produced by the fusion method had a larger thickness and lower water content than tablets produced by direct compression method. CONCLUSION: Tablets prepared by the fusion method exhibited superior pre- and post-compression characteristics as compared to tablets prepared by direct compression method.

Efficacy of a local-drug delivery gel containing extracts of Quercus brantii and Coriandrum sativum as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in moderate chronic periodontitis patients.

OBJECTIVE: Recent advances in the field of alternative medicine introduced various herbal products for the treatment of periodontitis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of combined extracts from Quercus brantii and Coriandrum sativum on periodontal indices in adult periodontitis patients. METHODS: In this randomized, double-blinded clinical trial, performed in Isfahan Dental School in 2012, a new herbal medicament containing combined extracts from Q. brantii and C. sativum was formulated in the gel form for subgingival application. Following scaling and root planing (SRP), both herbal and placebo gels were delivered at the experimental and control sites, respectively. Periodontal pocket depth, clinical attachment level, papilla bleeding index, and plaque index were measured at baseline, 1 month and 3 months later. Both intra-and inter-groups changes were registered. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS software, using repeated measure analysis of variance, paired t-test, Mann-Whitney, Friedman, and Wilcoxon tests. Differences with P < 0.05 were considered to be significant. FINDINGS: Both groups indicated statistically significant improvements in the periodontal indices (P < 0.05), but there were no significant differences between two study groups with this regard. CONCLUSION: The herbal gel does not have considerable advantages over SRP alone as an adjunct in periodontal treatment.