Optimization of microwave-assisted extraction on polyphenol metabolite from Eleutherine bulbosa (Mill.) urb. bulbs using response surface methodology.

Eleutherine bulbosa bulbs, an endemic plant in Indonesia, have enormous potential as raw materials for pharmaceutical products. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen and develop extraction methods that are easy, rapid, and efficient to enrich targeted secondary metabolites. This study aims to optimize the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method conditions for polyphenol metabolite from E. bulbosa bulbs. The MAE method (with different conditions) was applied to extract total polyphenol content (TPC) from E. bulbosa bulbs. TPC values were determined using a 96-well microplate reader spectrophotometry method and Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. The variables of MAE, as an experimental design-independent variable, were involved. The MAE method condition was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) and Box-Behnken design based on the TPC value. The MAE condition was optimized with 60% ethanol, sample-solvent ratio of 1:10 g/mL, and 50% Watts of microwave power for 10 min. The quadratic regression analysis was achieved to predict the TPC value using the equation: TPC value = 28.63-5.545A +2.211B -0.741C +1.995D - 4.045AB +0.856AC -7.541BC +1.961CD -8.342A2-0.071B2 +1.840C2-1.535D2. For the scale-up confirmation test, a 50-g sample was used to prove the validity of the equation to predict the TPC value, yielding 35.33 ± 2.13 mg gallic acid equivalent/g samples. The optimum of the MAE condition recommended based on the results of RSM analysis can be applied directly to the enrichment of polyphenols metabolite constituent of E. bulbosa easily, cheaply, quickly, and efficiently.

Neuroretinitis Syphilis in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patient.

BACKGROUND: In HIV-infected patient who accompanied by syphilis often difficult to diagnose and difficult to treat. The aim is to diagnostics understanding and to optimise the management and response therapy in patients with neuroretinitis syphilis in HIV-infected patients. CASE PRESENTATION: A 53-years old, bisexual, male patient whose initial presentation was a blurry vision on the left eye. History of a painless genital lesion, HIV infection (+) on ARV therapy. The visual acuity of hand movement (HM), RAPD (+), with vitreous opacities and optic disc swelling. The OCT RNFL showed neural layer thickening in all areas. VEP showed increased P100 latency, normal head and orbital CT scan. High VDRL and TPHA titer. Lumbar puncture examination showed non-reactive VDRL. Treated with topical prednisolone eye drops, oral neurotropic vitamin, and intramuscular injection of Benzathine Penicillin G. Diagnosed with OS neuroretinitis et causa syphilis infection, HIV stage II on HAART. Follow up in 2 months, the visual acuity improved, and serology post-therapy VDRL was decreased. CONCLUSION: High accuracy is needed for screening signs and symptoms in syphilis patients because of the varied clinical manifestations. Ocular syphilis manifestation in HIV has a higher risk for neurologic complications and the risk of failing treatment with the standard regimen.

Effect of Apium graveolens Extract Administration on the Pharmacokinetics of Captopril in the Plasma of Rats.

Apium graveolens (celery) is an edible and traditionally medicinal plant that is used worldwide, among others for the treatment of hypertension. Combining celery with antihypertensive drugs can affect the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of the latter drugs. The aim of the study is to assess the effects of administrating the celery extract on captopril pharmacokinetics. Sprague-Dawley strain rats were divided into two groups (n = 6). Group I was given captopril (10 mg/kg Body Weight (BW)) orally, while Group II was pretreated with celery extract orally (40 mg/kg BW) an hour before administration of captopril. The blood samples were withdrawn at various intervals after drug administration. The captopril concentration was determined using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and from the blood data, the values of Ke, Cmax, Tmax, T1/2, and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated. The results showed that oral administration of the celery extract increased Cmax (38.67%), T1/2 (37.84%), and AUC (58.10%) and decreased Ke (27.45%) of captopril in Group II (celery + captopril) compared with Group I (captopril). In conclusion, celery extract can alter the pharmacokinetic of captopril when given in combination. The combination might be beneficial for the treatment of hypertension, as celery causes an increase in the plasma level of captopril, which can enhance its efficacy.