Afrasim Moin

Fabrication, characterization, and evaluation of microsponge delivery system for facilitated fungal therapy

Objective: The rationale behind present research vocation was to develop and investigate a novel microsponge based gel as a topical carrier for the prolonged release and cutaneous drug deposition of fluconazole (FLZ); destined for facilitated fungal therapy. Materials and Methods: Microsponges were prepared using quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method using Eudragit S-100. In the direction of optimization, the effect of formulation variables (drug-polymer ratio and amount of emulsifier) and diverse factors affecting physical characteristics of microsponge were investigated as well. Fabricated microsponges were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform-infrared, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size analysis, and also evaluated for drug content, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro drug release and in vitro antifungal activity. Results: Compatibility studies results reflected no sign of any chemical interaction between the drug and polymers used. Whereas, varied drug-polymer ratios and emulsifier concentration indicated significant effect on production yield, drug content, encapsulation efficiency, particle size and drug release. Spherical microsponges with a porous surface and 29.327 ± 0.31 μm mean particle size were evident from SEM micrographs. In vitro release outcomes, from microsponge loaded gels depicted that F1 formulation was more efficient to give extended drug release of 85.38% at the end of 8 h, while conventional formulation by releasing 83.17% of drug got exhausted incredibly earlier at the end of 4 h merely. Moreover, microsponge gels demonstrated substantial spreadability and extrudability along with promising antifungal activity. Conclusions: Fabricated microsponges would be impending pharmaceutical topical carriers of FLZ and a leading alternative to conventional therapy for efficient, safe and facilitated eradication of fungal infections.

In vitro-in vivo evaluation of xanthan gum and eudragit inter polyelectrolyte complex based sustained release tablets.

Introduction: Polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) are the association complexes formed between oppositely charged particles (e.g., polymer-polymer, polymer-drug and polymer-drug-polymer). These are formed due to electrostatic interaction between oppositely charged polyions. Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) advocated in use of painful and inflammatory rheumatic and certain non-rheumatic conditions. The drug has a relatively short elimination half-life, which limits the potential for drug accumulation. As an analgesic, it has a fast onset and long duration of action. Aim: invitro-invivo evaluation of Xanthan gum and Eudragit E100 inter polyelectrolyte complex based sustained release tablet. Materials and Method: Xanthan gum and Eudragit E100 were used as PEC and were prepared using different proportions i.e. in 1:1 to 1:6 ratio. The optimum ratio of E100 and XG was 1:6 used to characterize the IPC and the formulation of tablet. The tablets were prepared by wet granulation using PVP K30 as binder. Results and Discussion: FT-IR and DSC studies confirmed the formation of IPC. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) studies showed highly porous tablet surface. The tablets were evaluated for hardness, weight variation, and drug content, found to be within limits. In vitro and in vivo studies concluded that tablets showed sustained release profile. The short term stability study of the optimized formulation indicated that the formulation was stable. Conclusion: Since the Poly Electrolyte Complex delay the release of the drug, it can be employed in formulating sustained release matrix tablets.

Preclinical Hepatoprotective Effect of Herbalism against Ethanol Induced Hepatotoxicity: A Review

BACKGROUND Liver ailments including alcoholic liver disease (ALD), still remain the main reason for morbidity & mortality worldwide. In fact, ALD is a multifactorial disease with complex pathophysiology which is linked to several types of liver damages including steatohepatitis, fibrosis and cirrhosis. METHODS This review emphasizes on 30 herbal medicinal plants with their extracts studied for protective effect against ALD and current scientific evidence of ALD cure by thirty Indian Materia Medica including Tilia Platyphyllos, Amomum subulatum, Carica papaya, Pogostemon patchouli, Commelina benghalensis, Bacopamonnieri, Pecan nut, Allium cepa, Beta Vulgaris, Adina cordifolia, Ocimum gratissimum, Vernonia amygdalina, Sida veronicaefolia, Chenopodium album, Korean red ginseng, Elephantopus scaber, Tecomella undulata, Prunus armeniaca, Sea tangle (Laminaria japonica), Emblica officinalis, Saccharum officinarum, Cocculus hirsutus, Cassia roxburghii, Zhi-Zi-Da- Huang, Phyllanthus amarus, Aegle marmelos, Agrimonia eupatoria, Flaveria trinervia, Curcuma longa and Garcinia indica. RESULTS Reduction in oxidative stress, improvement in inflammation, reduction in degeneration of fat and necrosis are some of the mechanisms of action of these medicinal plants observed in alcohol induced in-vivo and in-vitro liver injury models. CONCLUSION Accordingly, this review provides several evidences which show that these medicinal plants could be used for the treatment and prevention of ALD.