Formulation, Characterisation and In vitro Cytotoxic Effect of Lens culinaris Medikus Seeds Extract Loaded Chitosan Microspheres.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of present study was to formulate chitosan microspheres loaded with ethanolic extract of Lens culinaris Medikus (L.culinaris) seeds (ME) and to explore its anticancer potential against lung cancer (A549) cell line. METHODS: Central composite design was applied to prepare and optimise the chitosan microspheres. The prepared microspheres were evaluated for its physicochemical characterisation, in vitro drug release and anti-cancer potential in vitro. RESULTS: L.culinaris loaded chitosan microspheres were prepared successfully with suitable particle size, entrapment efficiency and drug release. The developed ME were spherical shaped with the particle size of 2.08 µm. The drug entrapment efficiency and cumulative drug release was found 1.58±0.02% and 81.95±0.35%, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry studies revealed no interaction between drugs and polymers used. The cytotoxic effect of the optimised formulation revealed a significant response as compared to the ethanolic extract of L.culinaris seeds (IC50: 22.56 µg/ml vs. 63.58 µg/ml), which was comparable to that of reference drug, doxorubicin (22 µg/ml). These observations demonstrate that the optimised microspheres are effective against lung cancer (A549) cells. CONCLUSION: The significant cytotoxic response of the developed microspheres may be attributed due to its low particle size, high entrapment efficiency and prolonged drug release profile.

Pharmacognostic evaluation of Lens culinaris Medikus seeds

Objective: To present a detailed pharmacognostic study of the Lens culinaris Medikus (Fabaceae) seeds, a food grain used as Dhal in India. Methods: The macroscopy, microscopy, fluorescence analysis of powdered drug, physicochemical analysis, preliminary testing and other WHO recommended methods for standardization were investigated. Results: Seeds are greyish brown in colour. Treatment of powdered drug with various chemical reagents showed the presence of proteins, cellulose, lignins and fixed oils. Microscopy of seeds revealed the presence of starch grains in seed. The colour of seed coat changed from brown to greenish grey in day light and brown to black at 254nm when treated with acetic acid. Total ash value of the seeds was found to be 1.86% w/w whereas foreign organic matter was found to be nil. Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins and flavonoids in acetone extract. Conclusions: The present study on pharmacognostic profile of Lens culinaris Medikus seeds provides an important tool in identification and authentication of this plant to researchers in future.