Posted by admin on Jul 11, 2017 in |
Due to advances in drug delivery technology, currently, excipients are included in novel dosage forms to fulfill specific functions and in some cases; they directly or indirectly influence the extent and rate of drug release and drug absorption. Recent trends towards the use of plant-based and natural products demand the replacement of synthetic additives with natural ones. Today, the whole world is increasingly interested in natural drugs and excipients. These natural materials have many advantages over synthetic ones as they are chemically inert, nontoxic, less expensive, biodegradable, improve the shelf life of the product and widely available. This article gives an overview of natural excipients which are used in conventional dosage forms as well as novel drug delivery...
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Posted by admin on Aug 24, 2016 in |
The present study was undertaken to evaluate antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of Aloe vera (A. vera, Ghee-kuwar; family: Liliaceae) extract against alloxan-induced diabetes in male adult Charles foster rats to scientifically validate its use against diabetes. A. vera extract and a standard drug (glibenclamide) prepared in aqueous gum acacia (2%, w/v) suspension and fed orally to alloxan induced diabetic rats for 30 days. Biochemical parameters in normal, diabetic control, standard (600 µg/kg bw p.o.) and treated (1 g/kg bw p.o.) animals group were determined and compared. Treatment of alloxan-induced diabetic rats with A. vera extract showed a significant reduction (p<0.001) in blood glucose, lipid peroxide and significantly increased (p<0.001) superoxide dismutase, catalase, and protein. Furthermore, the extract (100-200 µg) when tested for its antioxidant activity in-vitro, showed significant (p<0.001) inhibition in the generation of superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals. The results of the present study demonstrated anti-diabetic and anti-oxidant activities of A. vera extract which could help in the treatment of diabetes and related...
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Posted by admin on Aug 24, 2016 in |
Objective: To evaluate the analgesic effect of dry cupping therapy concerning time at a clinical setting and to compare its impact among cases of cervical, lumbar and knee osteoarthritis (OA). Method: A comparative open clinical trial was conducted. The patients were divided into three groups by the joint affected. Group A had patients suffering from cervical OA; group B was of patients suffering from lumber OA whereas, Group C had patients with knee OA. Each group received dry cupping for 20 minutes around the affected joint for 4 consecutive days. They were followed-up on each sitting to determine the effects of cupping therapy concerning time utilizing both objective and subjective parameters. The assessment was done on each sitting spreading over five days. Results: The results of this study show significant and better results in the overall management of OA. Cervical OA was the first to show results followed by lumbar and knee OA respectively, not only in terms of pain relief but also in decreasing stiffness and disability. Conclusion:...
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Posted by admin on Aug 24, 2016 in |
Background: Malaria remains the most common public health problem in developing countries and is the number one cause of morbidity and mortality especially in children below five years of age. Since, November 2006, Coartem® an artemisinin combination therapy containing artemether-lumefantrine replaced sulphadoxine/ pyrimethamine as the first-line drug for treatment of uncomplicated malaria in developing countries including Ethiopia due to the development and spread of resistance of SP to Plasmodium falciparum. Objective: To evaluate the drug utilization pattern of coartem combination therapy in the treatment of P. falciparum Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from January 2015 – March 2015 on patient cards with coartem® prescription recorded from January 2014 to December 2015. Results: In this study, we observed that the dosing of coartem® mainly depends on age and weight. While the majority of patients 60.0% were given correct and 21.3% were received incorrect dose while the 18.7% patients were not stated doses. Conclusion: After analysis of dose, frequency, duration, indication, contra-indication, drug-drug interaction of coartem® given for patients in...
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Posted by admin on Aug 24, 2016 in |
Plant oils have been used for a variety of purposes for many thousands of years. In particular, the anti-microbial & anti-fungal activity of plant extracts and oils have formed the basis of many applications. Since, Aspergillus niger contamination in leather and leather apparels reduces the export value considerably, demand an appropriate solution. The present study emphasizes the anti-Aspergillus potential of an essential oil and microsphere formulation in combating the A. niger growth in finished leather. A. niger ATCC 16888 strain was chosen for the present study. Both well diffusion and broth dilution methods are used. Mode of action and microsphere formulation and its impact on leather studied using standard protocols. Essential oil (EO) of Acorus calamus L. exhibited appreciable Anti-Aspergillus potency compared to untreated control and standard drugs (Itraconazole & Voriconazole). The oil contains components in addition to asarone. The damage in the plasma membrane and reduction in ergosterol content authenticate the antifungal action EO. The new microsphere formulation of an essential oil appreciably prevent the growth of A....
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