Evaluation of carbohydrate metabolism inhibition by some species of medicinal mushrooms from India.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common endocrine diseases. One antidiabetic therapeutic approach is to reduce gastrointestinal glucose production and absorption through the inhibition of α-amylase and α-amyloglucosidase enzymes, thereby preventing an increase in the postprandial glucose concentration in diabetics. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic potential of hydroalcoholic extracts of 3 mushrooms, that is, Ganoderma philippii, Lenzites elegans, and Rigidoporus ulmarius, using an in vitro enzymatic starch digestion assay model. The α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory potential of hydroalcoholic mushroom extracts was tested at concentrations of 1, 5, 10, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/mL. Acarbose was used as a control. The amount of glucose liberated (micrograms) was determined using the 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid method. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of carbohydrates in all examined species. In the case of G. philippii and L. elegans, a concentration-dependent increase in the percentage inhibition of enzyme activity was observed, with maximum inhibition at a concentration of 100 mg/mL (40.22% ± 0.83% and 26.57% ± 0.68%, respectively). R. ulmarius showed maximum inhibitory activity at a concentration of 100 mg/mL (65.54% ± 0.91%), and this was comparable to acarbose.

Formulation development and evaluation of alginate microspheres of Ibuprofen.

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of different variables on the release profile of ibuprofen microspheres formulated using modified emulsification method. Eight batches of microspheres (F1-F8) were prepared by applying 2(3) factorial design. The amount of sodium alginate, amount of calcium chloride, and amount of magnesium stearate were selected as formulation variables. All the batches were evaluated in terms of percentage yield, percentage encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release characteristics. The batch F7 was found to be optimum batch and was further characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and particle size analysis. Multiple linear regression was applied to confirm significant effect of each variable on release characteristics. The model developed in the present study can be effectively utilized to achieve the formulation with desired release characteristics.

Armodafinil versus Modafinil in Patients of Excessive Sleepiness Associated with Shift Work Sleep Disorder: A Randomized Double Blind Multicentric Clinical Trial.

Aim. To compare the efficacy and safety of armodafinil, the R-enantiomer of modafinil, with modafinil in patients of shift work sleep disorder (SWSD). Material and Methods. This was a 12-week, randomized, comparative, double-blind, multicentric, parallel-group study in 211 patients of SWSD, receiving armodafinil (150 mg) or modafinil (200 mg) one hour prior to the night shift. Outcome Measures. Efficacy was assessed by change in stanford sleepiness score (SSS) by at least 2 grades (responder) and global assessment for efficacy. Safety was assessed by incidence of adverse events, change in laboratory parameters, ECG, and global assessment of tolerability. Results. Both modafinil and armodafinil significantly improved sleepiness mean grades as compared to baseline (P < .0001). Responder rates with armodafinil (72.12%) and modafinil (74.29%) were comparable (P = .76). Adverse event incidences were comparable. Conclusion. Armodafinil was found to be safe and effective in the treatment of SWSD in Indian patients. The study did not demonstrate any difference in efficacy and safety of armodafinil 150 mg and modafinil 200 mg.