A Comprehensive Review on Pharmacologically Active Phyto-Constituents from Hedychium species.

In this review, we describe and discuss the phytoconstituents present in Hedychium species and emphasize their potential as drug candidates. Though they are widely validated in vitro and in vivo models, to date, no efforts have been made to compile in a single review all the pharmacologically active phytoconstituents from Hedychium species, and their pharmacological and toxicity profile. In this study, we present a reinvestigation of the chemical constituents present in Hedychium species obtained from the essential oil and solvent extraction of the flowers, leaves and rhizomes under consideration. Key databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar amongst others were probed for a systematic search using keywords to retrieve relevant publications on this plant. An exhaustive electronic survey of the related literature on Hedychium species resulted in around 200 articles. Articles published between the years 1975-2021 were included. The studies conducted on either crude extracts, solvent fractions or isolated pure compounds from Hedychium species reported with a varied range of biological effects such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidiabetic, potentially anti-asthmatic, and cytotoxic, among other related activities of the chemical constituents present in its essential oil and solvent extract deployed in this review. Traditional and herbal medication around the world that uses different parts of Hedychium species were considered for anti-inflammatory, skincare, analgesic, anti-asthmatic, anti-diabetic, antidotal uses, among others. These uses support the idea that chemical constituents obtained from solvent extraction may also exert the same action individually or in a synergistic manner. The review concluded that there is scope for computation and biological study to find out possible new targets for strengthening the potency and selectivity of the relevant compounds, and to find a commercial method for extraction of active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Formulation of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Loaded with Rosiglitazone and Probiotic: Optimization and In-vitro Characterization.

INTRODUCTION: In the present study, solid lipid nanoparticles loaded with Rosiglitazone and probiotics were prepared via solvent emulsification diffusion method which is patented. As a lipid and surfactant, Gleceryl monostearate and Pluronic -68 were used in the formulation process. METHODS: During characterization, it was determined that ingredient quantity variations significantly impacted Rosiglitazone loading capacity, particle size, polydispersity index, etc. In an optimized formulation of RSG-PB loaded SLNs, spherical particles with a mean particle size of 147.66 ± 1.52 nm, PDI of 0.42 ± 0.02, and loading capacity of 45.36 ± 0.20 were identified. RESULTS: Moreover, the developed SLNs had the potential to discharge the drug for up to 24 hours, as predicted by Higuchi's pharmacokinetic model. The SLNs were stable at 25°C/60%RH for up to 60 days. There was little to no change in particle size, PDI, or loading capacity. In addition, the number of probiotic bacteria was determined using the standard plate count procedure. Further, the antioxidant effect of the prepared formulation is evaluated using the DPPH assay method. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that the method used to fabricate RSG-probiotic-loaded SLNs is straightforward and yields favorable results regarding various parameters, including sustained release property, particle size, PDI, and percent drug loading stability. Furthermore, DPPH radical scavenging activity shows the high antioxidant potential of RSG-PB SLNs when compared to RSG and probiotics alone.

Lung carcinoma presenting as monocular painless blindness.

To discuss a very rare presentation of lung malignancy which results in visual disturbance as first and only clinical manifestation. Case report. We report a case of otherwise asymptomatic 32-year-old, nonsmoker female presenting with painless loss of vision in the right eye and photophobia in the left eye, owing to secondaries in choroid from lung carcinoma. Patient was worked up after admission in our hospital to ascertain the cause of blindness and subsequently revealed lung malignancy with widespread metastasis involving multiple organ systems. Despite widespread malignant involvement patient was completely asymptomatic and active except for visual disturbances. This case further emphasized the necessity of prompt and priority-based evaluation of patients for lung carcinoma whenever doubtful intraocular lesions are noted, regardless of age or smoking status. It seems that these cases represent a distinct subset of lung malignancy.

BaRuO3 coated Ti plate as an efficient and stable electro-catalyst for water splitting reaction in alkaline medium.

Water splitting using an electrochemical device to produce hydrogen fuel is a green and economic approach to solve the energy and environmental crisis. The realistic design of durable electro-catalysts and their synthesis using a simplistic technique is a great challenge to produce hydrogen by water electrolysis. Herein, we report a stable highly active barium ruthenium oxide (BRO) electro-catalysts over Ti plate using a soft chemical method at low temperature. The synthesized material shows facile hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) as well as oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline medium with over-potentials of 195 mV and 300 mV, respectively at a current density of 10 mA cm-2. The excellent stability lasts for at least 24 h without any degradation for both the HER and OER at the current density of 10 mA cm-2, inferring the practical applications of the material toward production of green hydrogen energy. Certainly, the synthesized catalyst is capable adequately for the overall water splitting at a cell voltage of 1.60 V at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 with an impressive stability for at least 24 h, showing a minimum loss of potential. Thus the present work contributes to the rational design of stable and efficient electro-catalysts for overall water splitting reaction in alkaline media.

Development, optimization and evaluation of solid lipid nanoparticles of Celecoxib.

BACKGROUND: As indicated by the biopharmaceutical classification system, Celecoxib is a class II moiety. Many endeavors have been made to improve its solubility and consequently its dissolution rate, thus enhancing its overall bioavailability. In the present investigation, the nano-lipid technology was exploited to control the release of celecoxib (CXB) to overcome its dissolution problem. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have a small particle size (50-1000 nm) that results in a large surface area-to-volume ratio, which further enhances the contact between the drug and the dissolution medium. This leads to improved drug release and absorption. Moreover, SLNs can solubilize hydrophobic drugs within the lipid matrix, increasing their effective solubility and facilitating their dissolution in an aqueous environment. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of a BCS Class-II drug-celecoxib formulating it as solid lipid nanoparticles. In order to overcome all its limitations, solid lipid nanoparticles of Celecoxib were developed, optimized, and evaluated for in-vitro and in-vivo parameters. METHODS: The CXB loaded-SLNs were prepared by solvent emulsification-diffusion technique. SLN was characterized using Fourier transform infra spectroscopy (FTIR) and evaluated for entrapment efficiency, drug loading, particle size, Polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, In-vitro release studies as well as in- vivoanti-inflammatory studies using rat paw edema method. The SLN formulations were optimized by central composite design (Design Expert 11- trial version). RESULTS: On the basis of outcomes of CCD the optimized formulation OF1 was selected as a desirable formulation. Its particle size, PDI, and zeta potential were found to be 314 nm, 0.204, and -18.73 respectively. It exhibited high entrapment efficiency (79±0.18 %) and drug loading (44.38±0.21 %). In-vitro release studies of the optimized formulation displayed the Korsemeyer-Peppas model with a maximum drug release of 89.42 ±0.12 % in 24 h. In-vivo studies also revealed that OF1 formulation reduced the rat paw volume to a minimum (1±0.32) in 24 h when compared to pure API (2±0.62) and marketed preparation (2±0.42). CONCLUSION: The results revealed that in-vitro release studies of optimized formulation exhibited a sustained drug release delivery. In-vivo anti-inflammatory studies proved that the CXB-loaded SLNs enhance the oral bioavailability more than pure API.

Fabrication of Mupirocin-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carrier and Its In Vitro Characterization.

In the present study, mupirocin (MP), an antimicrobial agent, was formulated as a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) by using a novel method named as melt emulsion ultrafiltration method. For the formulation of NLC, glyceryl monostearate and watermelon seed oil were used as solid and liquid lipids, respectively. The method was optimized for various parameters by Taguchi design of experiment and prepared NLCs were characterized for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), shape, zeta potential, % drug loading, and in vitro release profile. The optimized NLCs were found to be smooth, monodisperse with PDI 0.229 ± 0.093. NLCs were found to have an average particle size of 139 ± 0.75 nm and +21.9 ± 0.98 mV as zeta potential. The % drug loading of optimized NLCs was found to be 59% ± 0.13%. The optimized NLCs were able to release the drug up to 24 h. The release kinetic study revealed mixed-order kinetics. Hence, it was concluded that the novel method is simple and able to fabricate MP-loaded NLCs with sustained release property and being stable in terms of particle size, PDI, and % drug loading.

Formulation Development of Topical Preparation Containing Nanoparticles of Povidone-Iodine for Wound Healing.

Povidone-iodine (PVI) is an antiseptic drug that is used for wound healing or for repair of the damaged tissue. Studies on solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) indicate that this system could potentially be used as a delivery system with improved drug entrapment efficiency and controlled drug release for hydrophilic actives. This study focuses on developing a topical gel containing SLNs of PVI for wound healing. SLNs were prepared by using the solvent emulsification diffusion method. Lipids such as glycerol monostearate, palmitic acid, and stearic acid, and surfactants such as polysorbate 80, soyalecithin, and Pluronic F-68 were used for the preparation of SLN. These were screened out based on particle size and entrapment efficiency of SLN. Gel was prepared by using Carbopol 940 (1% w/w) and propylene glycol (10% w/w). Formulated SLNs were evaluated by various in vitro and in vivo techniques. Based on the results, the drug-to-lipid ratio (1:3) and 2% polysorbate 80 (surfactant) along with stirring rate (3,000 rpm) produced the desired particle size (285.4 nm) with good stability. 22.85% drug loading and 88.83% drug entrapment efficiency were found in the optimized formulation. In vitro drug release shows that it follows the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. The animal study shows that the period of epithelization produced by the test group was 17.14 ± 1.35 days, which was near to that of the standard group (16.25 ± 1.24 days). Clinical Trial Registration number: 1044/PO/Re/S/07/CPCSEA.

Nanostructured Lipid Carriers: A Groundbreaking Approach for Transdermal Drug Delivery.

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are novel pharmaceutical formulations which are composed of physiological and biocompatible lipids, surfactants and co-surfactants. Over time, as a second generation lipid nanocarrier NLC has emerged as an alternative to first generation nanoparticles. This review article highlights the structure, composition, various formulation methodologies, and characterization of NLCs which are prerequisites in formulating a stable drug delivery system. NLCs hold an eminent potential in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics market because of extensive beneficial effects like skin hydration, occlusion, enhanced bioavailability, and skin targeting. This article aims to evoke an interest in the current state of art NLC by discussing their promising assistance in topical drug delivery system. The key attributes of NLC that make them a promising drug delivery system are ease of preparation, biocompatibility, the feasibility of scale up, non-toxicity, improved drug loading, and stability.

Intraocular pressure and its correlation with midnight plasma cortisol level in Cushing's disease and other endogenous Cushing's syndrome.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to measure intraocular pressure (IOP) and evaluate the correlation between IOP and midnight plasma cortisol (MPC) level in patients with Cushing's disease (CD) and other endogenous Cushing's syndrome (ECS). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study from a single center including newly diagnosed patients with CD or ECS. All patients underwent detailed ophthalmological evaluation. IOP was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry in the morning and evening on two consecutive days. MPC value was obtained for each patient. The data were compared using paired and unpaired t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Among 32 patients, 22 were CD (68.75%) and 10 patients were other ECS (31.25%). A total of 25 patients (78.12%) in our study group had normal IOP (<22 mmHg), and seven patients (21.88%) had increased IOP (≥22 mmHg). The percentage of patients with normal IOP was found to be significantly higher compared to percentage of patients with high IOP (P = 0.001) using one-sample Chi-square test. Mean MPC value was 468.6 ± 388.3 nmol/L in patients having IOP ≥22 mmHg and 658.5 ± 584 nmol/L in those with IOP <22 mmHg from both CD and ECS groups, but the difference was not statistically significant. No correlation was found between IOP and MPC (Spearman's rank correlation rho = -0.16 [P = 0.38]). CONCLUSION: In CD and ECS patients, IOP elevation is an uncommon feature, and high IOP in either group does not correlate with MPC level.

Glyceryl behenate-based solid lipid nanoparticles as a carrier of haloperidol for nose to brain delivery: formulation development, in-vitro, and in-vivo evaluation

Abstract This study was aimed to develop the haloperidol (HPL) loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for brain targeting through the intranasal route. SLNs were fabricated by the emulsification diffusion technique using glyceryl behenate as lipid and tween 80 as a surfactant. SLNs were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, structure, entrapment efficiency, solid state characterization by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and in-vitro release. In-vivo biological evaluation was performed on albino Wistar rats for the determination of pharmacokinetic as well as brain targeting parameters. Particle size, PDI, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency of optimized formulation (HPL-SLNs 6) were found to be 103±09 nm, 0.190±0.029, -23.5±1.07 mV, and 79.46±1.97% respectively. In-vitro drug release studies exhibited that 87.21± 3.63% of the entrapped drug was released from the SLNs within 24 h. DSC curves confirmed that during entrapment in SLNs, the drug was solubilized in the lipid matrix and converted into the amorphous form. Enhanced HPL targeting to the brain was observed from HPL-SLNs as compared to HPL-Sol when administered intranasally. The value of AUC 0-∞ in the brain for HPL-SLNs i.n. was found to be nearly 2.7 times higher than that of HPL-Sol i.v., whereas 3.66 times superior to HPL-Sol administered i.n. Stability studies revealed that the formulation remains unchanged when stored at 4±2 °C (refrigerator) and 25±2 °C /60 ±5% RH up to six months. Finally, it could be concluded that SLN is a suitable carrier for HPL with enhanced brain targeting through i.n administration, as compared to the HPL-Sol, administered i.n. and i.v.

SLN approach for nose-to-brain delivery of alprazolam.

In the present study, alprazolam-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles were prepared and characterized. They were evaluated for their efficiency in nose-to-brain targeting and biodistribution in a suitable animal model after intranasal delivery. Solid lipid nanoparticles may offer an improvement to nose-to-brain drug delivery since they are able to protect the encapsulated drug from biological and/or chemical degradation. The distribution of the drug to different organs was recorded through biodistribution studies in male Wistar rats and gamma scintigraphy imaging in New Zealand rabbits by tagging the formulation with radioactive substance (99m)Tc. The radioactivity count of various organs was taken as a function of the drug concentration. The study reveals that alprazolam can be rapidly transferred to the brain via intranasal route, bypassing the blood-brain barrier and a direct nose-to-brain transfer. The enhanced rate and extent of transport may help in reducing the dose and dosing frequency, thereby providing ease for ambulatory patients.

Transconjunctival incision for total maxillectomy--an alternative for subciliary incision.

A subciliary incision may be associated with various complications of the lower eyelid when it is used during a total maxillectomy. The use of the transconjunctival incision instead is an alternative in suitable patients. The records of 17 patients were reviewed in whom a transconjunctival incision was used during total maxillectomy. These included 13 in whom the Weber-Ferguson incision was used, and 4 who had a sublabial incision. There was mild conjunctival oedema in all the cases during the immediate postoperative period but it did not last for more than two days. Four patients had mild to moderate oedema of the lid that resolved within two days. One had mild ectropion with transient epiphora, which was caused by early removal of the medial canthal sutures. We found the approach to be cosmetically acceptable as it avoids a scar in the subciliary region. The transconjunctival incision can be used in place of the subciliary incision for lateral exposure during total maxillectomy. There are few complications associated with the lower lid, and it has good cosmetic results; if it is combined with a sublabial incision in suitable patients, the maxillectomy is virtually scar-free.