RELATIVE BIOAVAILABILITY OF RISEDRONATE SODIUM ADMINISTERED IN SUPERABSORBENT COPOLYMER PARTICLES VERSUS ORAL SOLUTION TO NORMAL HEALTHY RABBITS.

In this study, sustained release superabsorbent copolymer particles have been prepared and analyzed to increase bioavailability of orally administered risedronate sodium. Formulations were prepared by free radical polymerization of combination of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), itaconic acid (IA), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) / chitosan (CTS) by using ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as crosslinker, potassium persulfate as initiator, and N,N,N,N-tetramethylethylene diamine as activator. Formulations were successfully loaded with risedronate sodium. Formulations as gel particles encapsulated in hard gelatin were analyzed to estimate drug content. The maximum plasma drug concentration (C.) and its corresponding time (Tmax.), area under the curve and relative bioavailability (with reference to oral solution of drug administered) were calculated. It was found a marked increase in Tmax. with lower Cmax. that confirmed the multiparticulte system to deliver drug at controlled rate. The results of relative bioavailability after oral administration of these formulations indicated a remarkable increase in the bioavailability.

PERCEPTION OF ACADEMIC PHARMACISTS TOWARDS THEIR ROLE IN HEALTHCARE SYSTEM OF A DEVELOPING COUNTRY, PAKISTAN: A QUANTITATIVE SIGHT.

To investigate perception of academic pharmacists towards their role in healthcare system of a developing country, Pakistan, was the aim of this study. The study participants consisted of academic pharmacists from the government and private universities of Pakistan. Study was conducted for a period of three months, from January to March 2011, in Pakistan. Academic pharmacists were informed regarding the aim, objective and nature of the study. Verbal consent was given and execution of the study took place. Main sections of the questionnaire were comprised of series of statements pertaining to pharmacist perception and experience with the pharmacists. During the period, of January to April, the total number of questionnaires received from different government and private universities was 113. The response rate based on the 205 academic pharmacists working in universities during the study period was 63.9%. A majority (93.9%) of the respondents were satisfied working as academic pharmacist, 68.7% expressed that their interest in research is the reason to embark carrier as an academic pharmacist. Only half (55.7%) of the respondents agreed about pharmacy curriculum standard in Pakistan, and their satisfaction towards curriculum is less, as after the implementation of Pharm. D. (Doctor of Pharmacy). In the country, the curriculum is still focusing more towards theoretical knowledge rather than practical. In this case significant difference was noted with respect to university (p = 0.012). Academic pharmacists do have concern about the pharmacy profession in Pakistan. They ascertain the key issues facing the profession and its educators. Recommendations have been made to improve the current pharmacy curricula in order that future pharmacists in Pakistan practice effectively with the collaboration of other healthcare professionals.

EFFECT OF-GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE, CITRULLUS COLOCYNTHIS AND ARTEMISIA ABSINTHIUM ON BLOOD GLUCOSE AND LIPID PROFILE IN DIABETIC HUMAN.

The aim of this study was to manage diabetes with medicinal plants (Gymnema sylvestre, Artemisia absinthium and Citillus colocynthis) in human patients with type II diabetes. Thirty two patients of type II diabetes from both sexes of 30-60 years age were registered for this study and distributed them into four groups, each having 8 patients. Capsules of each, Gymnema sylvestre, Artemisia absinthium and Citrullus colocynthis were given to patients twice a day for 30 days in 1 g per day dosage and investigated for glucose, triglyceride (TGL) and cholesterol level. Gymnema sylvestre reduced 37% glucose, 5% TGL, 13% cholesterol and 19% low desity lipoproteins (LDL) level in diabetic individuals. Citrullus colocynth reduced glucose, cholesterol and TGL and HDL-cholesterol level by 35, 6, 6, and 5%, respectively. Artemisia absinthium reduced 3% high desity lipoproteins (HDL) and 6% LDL level. From results, it can be concluded that the powdered Gymnema sylvestre, Citrulus colocynthis, and Artemisia absinthium possess good anti-diabetic features, however these herbal products had no significant effect on lipid profiles of the diabetic human.

A review on antidiabetic activity of Citrullus colocynthis Schrad.

Current studies have elaborated diabetes mellitus as one of the most prevalent endocrine disorder throughout the world. Citrullus colocynthis (C. colocynthis) is one of the most common traditional plants used as remedy against diabetes mellitus. It is well recognized by its hypoglycemic effect, which is substantiated in current phytotherapy. Its undesired effects include the disturbance of gastrointestinal and urinary tracts. This review article encompasses various blood glucose lowering studies that have been carried out till date. Various parts of plants used in extract preparation were roots, fruits, seeds, rinds and leaves. The nature of these extracts was ethnolic, methanolic, or aqueous and their doses varied from 10 to 500 mg/kg body weight/day. All these published articles elaborate C. colocynthis as a potential antiglycemic medicinal plant.

Study of comparative bioavailability of omeprazole pellets.

The objective of this study was to assess the bioequivalence between the omeprazole laboratory based formulation and the commercial formulation, Zimor Rubio, Spain, considered as reference formulation. The experiment was carried out according to a 2-period, 2-sequence crossover design with a two week washout period. A validated high performance liquid chromatographic method was applied for in vivo experiments. It was observed that omeprazole contents were comparable in all formulations. To establish bioequivalence, 90% confidence intervals (CI) for the differences of total AUCs of the test and reference formulations were calculated. The 95% CI ratio of the AUC within 0.80 to 1.25 was considered as bioequivalent. The carryout effect was investigated prior to assessing the bioequivalence of the two formulations. The test formulation of omeprazole was found to be comparable with the reference formulation (Zimor) with regard to bioavailability.

Interaction analysis of aspirin with selective amino acids.

This study was conducted to assess the compatibility of aspirin with selective amino acids by studying the effect of amino acids on the solubility of aspirin, so that the attention could be paid towards the use of proteinous foods along with aspirin. Two different types of dissolution media, i.e., 0.5% solution of each amino acid and 100 mL of distilled water (100 mL each), were prepared. Then, 1 g of aspirin was added in both media and shaked gently. Ten milliliters of sample was withdrawn at different time intervals, i.e., 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 min and analyzed spectrophotometrically at 265 nm. It is evident from results that the absorbance of aspirin increased with the addition of amino acids and this increase was significant (p < 0.05). Absorbance after adding amino acid like glycine, tyrosine, glutamic acid, tartaric acid and aspartic acid was observed to be 2.98, 2.96, 2.92, 3.23 and 3.28, respectively, as compared to that of aspirin alone. The increase in absorbance of aspirin in the presence of tartaric acid and aspartic acid was non-significantly (p > 0.05) greater than that in the presence of other amino acids like glycine, tyrosine and glutamic acid. The absorbance of aspirin in the presence of tartaric acid and aspartic acid was 3.23 and 3.28, respectively, while the absorbance of aspirin in the presence of glycine, tyrosine and glutamic acid was 2.98, 2.96 and 2.92, respectively. This study elaborates that the solubility of aspirin increases with concomitant administration of amino acids, thus the use of amino acids (proteinous foods) with aspirin should be prohibited or low dose of aspirin should be recommended in such situation.

Gist of medicinal plants of Pakistan having ethnobotanical evidences to crush renal calculi (kidney stones).

Human civilization is facing the problem of kidney stones since ancient ages. Although mortality rate is not so high, yet it affects the victim's quality of life. The patient suffers from intense pain and many other symptoms modifying his life style and affecting his socioeconomic status. Many drugs and invasive methods have also been developed for the treatment, but these are highly costly and unaffordable for poor people and the rate of reoccurrence is also high. The use of medicinal plants is both affordable and effective in this respect. In this article, 35 medicinal plants of Pakistan origin and their crucial information have been enumerated in alphabetical order of plant's scientific name, family, place (distribution), part used, local name, habit, major constituents and references. It can also be seen that all parts are used for the treatment of kidney stones. Leaves represent 28% contribution, whole plants and seeds 12%, fruits and roots 11% contribution in this respect. Flowers contribute 8% in the treatment of kidney stone while branches, bark, bushes, buds, milk and shoots contribute only 3% in the removal of kidney stones. Habits of plants were also taken under consideration. It was noticed that herbs are the most useful life form in this regard which contributed 63% for the removal of kidney stone. Shrubs contributed 20%, trees 11% while bushes and weeds contributed 3% for the removal of kidney stones.

Development and evaluation of omeprazole pellets fabricated by sieving-spheronization and extrusion - spheronization process.

Pelletized dosage forms can be prepared by different methods which, in general, are time consuming and labor intensive. The current study was carried out to investigate the feasibility of preparing the spherical pellets of omeprazole by sieving-spheronization. An optimized formulation was also prepared by extrusion-spheronization process to compare the physical parameters between these two methods. The omeprazole pellets were consisted of microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone K 30, sodium lauryl sulphate and polyethylene glycol 6000. The omeprazole delay release system was developed by coating the prepared pellets with aqueous dispersion of Kollicoat 30 DP. The moisture content, spheronization speed and residence time found to influence the final properties of omeprazole pellets prepared by extrusion-spheronization and sieving-spheronization. The Mann-Whitney test revealed that both methods produced closely similar characteristics of the pellets in terms of, friability (p=0.553), flowability (p=0.677), hardness (p=0.103) and density (bulk, p=0.514, tapped, p=0.149) except particle size distribution (p=0.004). The percent drug release from the coated formulation prepared by sieving-spheronization and extrusion spheronization was observed to be 84.12 ± 1.10% and 82.67 ± 0.96%, respectively. Dissolution profiles of both formulations were similar as indicated by values of f1 and f2, 1.52 and 89.38, respectively. The coated formulation prepared by sieving-spheronization and commercial reference product, Zimore ® also showed similar dissolution profiles (f1=1.22, f2=91.52). The pellets could be prepared using sieving-spheronization. The process is simple, easy, less time- and labor-consuming and economical as compared to extrusion-spheronization process.

Analytical, nutritional and biological evaluation of various brands of fortified and non-fortified wheat flour.

In Pakistan, a funded flour fortification program was launched for malnourished population, residing mainly in rural low income areas, but the urban population having comparatively better nutritional as well as economic status was focused wherein excessive intake of fortificants might cause complications. Therefore, the present study describes the physicochemical properties, elemental composition, nutritional components and hemoglobin/ferritin increasing potential of fortified and non-fortified flour. Domesticated chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), either sex, age one month, weight 380 ± 18.28 g, were randomly segregated into 4 groups (n=6). The group I, II and III were fed on fortified flour, whereas group IV was fed on non-fortified flour for 30 days. The birds were weighed and blood samples of each of the birds were analyzed for determination of markers of iron status, hemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin (SF). Moisture, ash and iron contents were found to be lower in non-fortified flour than that of the fortified samples. Hb and SF levels in groups fed on fortified flour were significantly higher than the one received non-fortified flour (P < 0.05). The consumption of iron-fortified flour increases iron stores in the body without any further complication but long-term usage needs to be monitored.

Development of in vitro-in vivo correlation for encapsulated metoprolol tartrate.

This study was aimed to develop level A, B and C in vitro-in vivo correlation (IVIVC) for encapsulated metoprolol tartrate (T1, T2 and T3 having metoprolol tartrate/polymer ratio of 1: 1, 1: 1.5 and 1: 2,w/w). The in vitro data were correlated with in vivo data. For level A IVIVC, drug absorption data were calculated using Wagner-Nelson method. In addition, convolution approach was used to approximate plasma drug levels from in vitro dissolution data. The coefficient of determination (R2) for level A IVIVC was 0.720, 0.905, 0.928 and 0.878 for Mepressor, T1, T2 andT3 formulations, respectively, with acceptable percent error (< 15%). The value of R2 for level B and C IVIVC was 0.231and 0.714, respectively. It is also concluded that level A IVIVC is a proficient mathematical model for biowaiver studies involving study parameters as those implemented for T1S (T1formulation tested for dissolution in the presence of sodium lauryl sulfate) revealing that IVIVC level A is dosage form specific, rather than to be drug specific.

In vitro to in vivo profiling: an easy idea for biowaiver study.

The aim of this article was to assess and apply the in vitro to in vivo profiling (IVIVP), a new biowaiver approach, in designing a product with specific release pattern. The IVIVP was established by plotting the observed and predicted plasma drug concentrations. For IVIVP, convolution approach was employed to estimate plasma drug concentrations from in vitro dissolution profiles. The IVIVP for T1S exhibited a good correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.963) followed by the T2 (R2 = 0.682), T3 (R2 = 0.665), T1 (R2 = 0.616), and Mepresso (R2 = 0.345). Establishing an IVIVP, based on the convolution approach, can be more useful and practicable in the biowaiver studies, rather than present not useful practice of IVIVC estimated via deconvolution approach. This paper also elaborates that there is good correlation between the in vitro and in vivo profiles of the developed metoprolol tartrate formulations, particularly for T1S.

Albumin as a drug delivery and diagnostic tool and its market approved products.

Albumin is one of the most extensively studied endogenous proteins which are used in the fabrication of drug delivery and diagnostic technologies during last 10 years. This review provides a summary of products involving the use of albumin as a drug delivery tool for getting better the pharmacokinetics of a drug by developing the targetted drug delivery systems and diagnosing the pathologies. Using albumin, following market approved products have been developed: Levemir and Victoza (antidiabetic product), Abraxane (antimetastatic breast cancer product), and Nanocoll and Albures (for lymphoscintigraphy and diagnosis of cancer and rheumatoid arthritis).

Hypoglycemic activity of Ficus racemosa bark in combination with oral hypoglycemic drug in diabetic human.

Medicinal herbs, used in indigenous medicines in crude forms for the management of diabetes mellitus, contain both the organic and inorganic constituents. The aim of the study was to find out the hypoglycemic effect of Ficus racemosa in a group of diabetic subjects taking oral hypoglycemic drug. Twenty five of each, male and female, diabetic patients, selected from Fatima Jinnah Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan, taking oral hypoglycemic drug were included in this study and were given orally the extract (5 mL) of bark of Ficus racemosa (about 100 mg) two times for 15 days. Blood samples for estimation of blood glucose and parameters of liver and renal functions were estimated. It was observed that after taking the herb in combination with drug, blood glucose level (fasting and after breakfast) was markedly decreased in both male and female but significant difference was only observed in sugar level of males after 1.5 h after breakfast. To rule out herb toxicity, liver and renal functions tests of patients was also performed which were observed to be in normal range. Present investigation established a pharmacological evidence to support the folklore claim that Ficus racemosa is good anti-diabetic agent.

Antibacterial activity of Phyllantus emblica, Coriandrum sativum, Culinaris medic, Lawsonia alba and Cucumis sativus.

Present study deals with the demonstration of the antibacterial activity of very common medicinal plants of Pakistani origin i.e., Phyllantus emblica, Coriandrum sativum, Culinaris medic, Lawsonia alba and Cucumis sativus. The extracts were prepared in crude form by the use of hydro-alcoholic solution and were screened for antibacterial activity against various bacterial species by disk diffusion method. Assay was performed using clinical isolates of B. cereus, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and E. coli. Crude extract of Phyllantus emblica fruit exhibited strong activity against standard cultures of all studied bacteria. Lawsonia alba showed good activity against standard cultures of all the used microorganisms. Coriandrum sativum was effective only against Bacillus cereus, while Cucumis sativus and Culinaris medic showed poor activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa only. Hence, Phyllantus emblica exhibited strong antibacterial activity against a wide range of bacteria it means that Phyllantus emblica extract contains some compounds which have broad spectrum of bactericidal activity.

Evaluation of self-medication amongst university students in Abbottabad, Pakistan; prevalence, attitude and causes.

Self-medication is a serious issue in most parts of the world. This study aims to evaluate self-medication among university students of Abbottabad, Pakistan. This cross-sectional survey study was carried out in COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Abbottabad during December 1 - December 31,2011. A sample of 275 students was selected for the study using convenience method of sampling. Data were managed and analyzed via SPSS version 16.0. Inferences were drawn using Z-test Out of 268 respondents (male = 61.6%, female = 38.6%), 138 were non-health professional students whereas 130 were health professional students. The prevalence of self-medication was 95.5%. Most common factor (45.7%) responsible for self-medication was "low severity of disease". Most common symptom (50.8%) that caused self-medication and stocking of medicines was "storage of medicines for multi purposes". Some respondents (22.7%) got addicted due to self-medication. Most of the students trust in allopathic medicines system. High prevalence of self-medication can be controlled through regulatory authorities, mass education and availability of health facilities.

Coagulopathies in Naja naja karachiensis (black Pakistan cobra) bites and its effect on coagulation tests upon storage of platelet-poor plasma.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of venom from Naja naja karachiensis on platelet-poor plasma, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT) / international normalized ratio (INR), thrombin time (TT) and to evaluate its effect on clotting time upon storage of plasma for a specific time period with possible mechanism responsible for that. Prolongation of PT / INR, aPTT and TT was observed when different concentrations of venom were introduced due to degeneration of fibrinogen. Preservation of plasma for three months further prolong clotting time for coagulation tests, however, difference of PT and TT results were not very prominent as compared to aPTT. Minute concentrations of cobra venom and short as well as long storage of platelet-poor plasma badly affects the INR ratio.

Comparing the effects of salts of diclofenac and alminoprofen with aspirin on serum electrolytes, creatinine and urea levels in rabbits.

The effects of diclofenac sodium, diclofenac potassium, alminoprofen and aspirin on serum electrolytes (serum Na(+) and K(+)), urea and creatinine were compared in rabbits in acute and chronic phases of treatment. The data suggested that all the four drugs markedly increased the serum electrolytes, urea and creatinine levels in both post-treatment phases. In conclusion, present study does not present any advantage of diclofenac sodium over diclofenac potassium at electrolyte levels on short and long term treatment. Nevertheless, current data support the evidence of renal function impairment by all the four drug therapies used in the present study, which is generally caused by NSAIDS.

Anti-Aging Potential of Phytoextract Loaded-Pharmaceutical Creams for Human Skin Cell Longetivity.

The exposure to ultraviolet radiations (UVR) is the key source of skin sunburn; it may produce harmful entities, reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to aging. The skin can be treated and protected from the injurious effects of ROS by using various pharmaceutical formulations, such as cream. Cream can be loaded with antioxidants to quench ROS leading to photo-protective effects. Moreover, modern medicines depend on ethnobotanicals for protection or treatment of human diseases. This review article summarizes various in vivo antioxidant studies on herbal creams loaded with phyto-extracts. These formulations may serve as cosmeceuticals to protect skin against injurious effects of UVR. The botanicals studied for dermatologic use in cream form include Acacia nilotica, Benincasa hispida, Calendula officinalis, Camellia sinensis, Camellia sinensis, Nelumbo nucifera, Capparis decidua, Castanea sativa, Coffea arabica, Crocus sativus, Emblica officinalis Gaertn, Foeniculum vulgare, Hippophae rhamnoides, Lithospermum erythrorhizon, Malus domestica, Matricaria chamomilla L., Moringa oleifera, Morus alba, Ocimum basilicum, Oryza sativa, Polygonum minus, Punica granatum, Silybum marianum, Tagetes erecta Linn., Terminalia chebula, Trigonella foenum-graecum, and Vitis vinifera. The observed anti-aging effects of cream formulations could be an outcome of a coordinating action of multiple constituents. Of numerous botanicals, the phenolic acids and flavonoids appear effective against UVR-induced damage; however the evidence-based studies for their anti-aging effects are still needed.

Recent developments in sweat analysis and its applications.

Currently, the clinical use of sweat as biofluid is limited. The collection of sweat and its analysis for determining ethanol, drugs, ions, and metals have been encompassed in this review article to assess the merits of sweat compared to other biofluids, for example, blood or urine. Moreover, sweat comprises various biomarkers of different diseases including cystic fibrosis and diabetes. Additionally, the normalization of sampled volume of sweat is also necessary for getting efficient and useful results.

Sensitivity and resistance of antibiotics in common infection of male and female.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing concern regarding antimicrobial resistance in Pakistan. Data are limited on the prevalence, pattern of resistance and risk factors associated with resistant organisms. This Study was done to address these issues as they relate to common infection of male/female. METHODS: Different clinical materials collected from 100 patients admitted in hospital or who attended out door clinic were used. Antibiotics like Enoxabid, Fortum, Ceporex, Klaricid, Maxaquin, Zenacef, Ceporexin, Urixin, Septran, Keflex. Erythrocine, vibramycin and tetracycline were used for culture sensitivity. RESULTS: It was observed that most of the pus specimens received are from females and urine specimens from males. Specimen of pus contains mostly Staph aureus, Urine specimen contain mostly E. coli whereas Pseudomonas pyrogenosa and proteases were also observed in urine, pus, sputum and ascitic/pleural fluids of patients. Among all drugs that were used, Enoxabid, Ceporex were vary sensitive against strains of Staph and Pseudomonas present in specimen. Strains of proteases were resistant against these drugs. Urixin and Septran show mixed action. In comparison of Enoxabid, Ceporex and Ceporexin, Zenocef and Fortum show sensitivity in fewer cases of Staph and E. coli. Mexaquin shows a good sensitivity against Pseudomonas and E. coli. It was observed that Septran, Erythrocine, Vibramycin, Tetracycline, Klaracid and Keflex are not very good acting drugs in infection of urine, pus, sputum and fluids. Finding of a low but definite level of resistance to septran, erythrocine, Vibramycin, Tetracycline, Klaracid and Keflex is important for selection of empiric therapy for infection.