Ashoke Kumar Ghosh

Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(acrylic acid)/Poly(vinyl alcohol)-xanthan Gum Interpenetrating Network (IPN) Superabsorbent Polymeric Composites

Initially interpenetrating network (IPN) hydrogel was prepared by dispersing xanthan gum (XG) into poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) backbone in an aqueous medium. Polyacrylic acid (PAA)/Poly (vinyl alcohol)-Xanthan gum IPN superabsorbent composite were fabricated well by dispersing the prepared IPN hydrogel in acrylic acid and polymerized in a complete aqueous environment through chemical cross-linking method. These superabsorbent polymeric composites were analytically evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra (FTIR), Thermal analysis (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Simultaneously water absorbency, swelling kinetics and water retention abilities of this prepared superabsorbent polymeric composites were also investigated systematically.

Al3+ ion cross-linked interpenetrating polymeric network microbeads from tailored natural polysaccharides.

Interpenetrating network (IPN) microbeads of sodium carboxymethyl locust bean gum (SCMLBG) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (SCMC) containing diclofenac sodium (DS), a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug were prepared by single water-in-water (w/w) emulsion gelation process using AlCl(3) as cross-linking agent in a complete aqueous environment. The influence of different variables like total polymer concentration, gelation time and crosslinker content on in vitro physico-chemical characteristics and drug release rate in different media was investigated. Drug loaded microbeads were evaluated through Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph of the beads suggested the formation of spherical particles. FTIR analysis indicated the stable nature of the drug in the blend microbeads. DSC and XRD analysis revealed amorphous state of drug after encapsulation. The drug release profile in acidic medium was considerably less in comparison to alkaline media. Formulations showed non-Fickian type transport mechanism. These tri-valent ion crosslinked beads not only improve drug encapsulation efficiency but also enhance drug release in phosphate buffer.

Antihyperglycemic activity and antioxidant role of Terminalia arjuna leaf in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Context: Terminalia arjuna Roxb. (Combretaceae), commonly known as Arjuna, is a large tree grown throughout the Indian peninsula and used traditionally for several medicinal purposes. Objective: To evaluate antihyperglycemic and antioxidant role of methanol extract of T. arjuna leaf (META) in Wistar rats. Materials and methods: Hyperglycemia was induced in rats by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 65 mg/kg body weight). Three days after STZ induction, the hyperglycemic rats were treated with META orally at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight daily for 15 days. Glibenclamide (0.5 mg/kg, orally) was used as reference drug. The fasting blood glucose levels were measured on every fifth day during the 15-day treatment. Serum biochemical parameters such as serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cholesterol, and total protein were estimated. Antioxidant properties were assessed by estimating hepatic lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT). Results and discussion: META at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg orally significantly (P < 0.001) and dose-dependently reduced and normalized blood glucose levels as compared with that of STZ control group. Serum biochemical parameters were significantly (P < 0.001) restored toward normal levels in META-treated rats as compared with STZ control. META treatment also significantly (P < 0.001) decreased lipid peroxidation and recovered GSH level and CAT activity toward normal as compared with STZ control. Conclusion: The present study infers that T. arjuna leaf demonstrated remarkable antihyperglycemic activity in STZ-induced diabetic rats. The potential antihyperglycemic action is plausibly due to its underlying antioxidant role.

Dietary-induced cancer prevention: An expanding research arena of emerging diet related to healthcare system

Diet plays a vital role in the management of cancer because they are the source of important physiologically functional components. Scientific observations support the idea that dietary supplement can prevent breast cancer recurrences. Strong correlations are established between the high intake of saturated fat and the incidence of different types of cancer. It is found that chronic alcohol consumption is associated with increased risk of cancers of oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, and larynx. Again, some evidences are also found regarding phosphorous, glutamate level in the body, and incidence of cancer. Different physiologically functional components are found in the dietary materials. Fibers, the major dietary components, have long been recognized for the unique properties in the treatment of cancer, which are related to its antineoplastic functions. Antioxidant rich diet has been added to the list of cancer-preventing dietary components. Also, recently published research has shown that natural carotenoids in the diet leads to a normalization of body epithelial cells and protects against the risk of stomach and esophagus cancer, and improves the immune systems response. Again, fruit juices, processed vegetable juices, orange peel, green tea, vitamins, flavonoids, and trace materials have cancer inhibitory properties. Clearly, there has been increasing recognition of chemoprotective functions. Now, it can be recognized for another kind of functionality for the improvement of the health of mankind.

Biological activities and medicinal properties of Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp.

Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp. (Sanskrit: Adhaki, Hindi: Arhar, English: Pigeon pea, Bengali: Tur) (family: Fabaceae) is the most important grain legume crop of rain-fed agriculture in semi-arid tropics. It is both a food crop and a cover/forage crop with high levels of proteins and important amino acids like methionine, lysine and tryptophan. During the last few decades extensive studies have been carried out regarding the chemistry of C. cajan and considerable progress has been achieved regarding its biological activities and medicinal applications. This review article gives an overview on the biological activities of the compounds isolated, pharmacological actions and clinical studies of C. cajan extracts apart from its general details.

Microsponges: A novel strategy for drug delivery system

Microsponges are polymeric delivery systems composed of porous microspheres. They are tiny sponge-like spherical particles with a large porous surface. Moreover, they may enhance stability, reduce side effects and modify drug release favorably. Microsponge technology has many favorable characteristics, which make it a versatile drug delivery vehicle. Microsponge Systems are based on microscopic, polymer-based microspheres that can suspend or entrap a wide variety of substances, and can then be incorporated into a formulated product such as a gel, cream, liquid or powder. The outer surface is typically porous, allowing a sustained flow of substances out of the sphere. Microsponges are porous, polymeric microspheres that are used mostly for topical use and have recently been used for oral administration. Microsponges are designed to deliver a pharmaceutical active ingredient efficiently at the minimum dose and also to enhance stability, reduce side effects, and modify drug release.

Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(acrylic acid)/modified Bentonite Superabsorbent Polymer

A novel poly(acrylic acid)/modified bentonite superabsorbent polymer (SAP) was synthesized through chemical crosslinking by a polymerization technique in a complete aqueous environment. This SAP was fabricated effectively by dispersing modified bentonite in a monomeric solution, using N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide as crosslinker and ammonium persulfate as initiator. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral analysis showed that the XG chains had intercalated into bentonite sheets. The influence of crosslinking density and XG content were investigated. Results showed modified bentonite not only effectively increases water absorbency, but also improves water retention ability. This can be further used as a carrier matrix for the development of a drug delivery system.

Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Activity of essential oil of Eucalyptus leaf

Abstract Barks, roots, fruits, buds, leaves and other parts of plant are considered as source of essential aromatic oils to cure several ailments. The antioxidant property has been shown to be important in recovery from several diseases. The essential oil extracted from eucalyptus leaves was tested for phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activities. The Eucalyptus oil extracted from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus family Myrtaceae was screened for the presence of phytochemicals and their effect on 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl radical (DPPH) and Nitric oxide free radical. Phytochemical screening of the plants showed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins and reducing sugars. Eucalyptus globulus is not having any cardiac glycosides and anthraquinones. The free radical scavenging activity of the different concentrations of the leaf oil (10, 20, 40, 60 and 80% (v/v) in DMSO) of E. globulus increased in a concentration dependent fashion. In DPPH method, the oil in 80% (v/v) concentration exhibited 79.55 ± 0.82%. In nitric oxide radical scavenging assay method, it was found that 80% (v/v) concentration exhibited 81.54 ± 0.94% inhibition. It was concluded that leaf oil is potent inhibition of free radicals.

A simple Ultraviolet spectrophotometric method for the determination of etoricoxib in dosage formulations

The present study was undertaken to develop a validated, rapid, simple, and low-cost ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometric method for estimating Etoricoxib (ETX) in pharmaceutical formulations. The analysis was performed on λ max 233 nm using 0.1 M HCl as blank/diluent. The proposed method was validated on International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines including parameters as linearity, accuracy, precision, reproducibility, and specificity. The proposed method was also used to access the content of the ETX in two commercial brands of Indian market. Beers law was obeyed in concentration range of 0.1–0.5 μg/ml, and the regression equation was Y = 0.418x + 0.018. The mean accuracy values for 0.1 μg/ml and 0.2 μg/ml concentration of ETX were found to be 99.76 ± 0.52% and 99.12 ± 0.84, respectively, and relative standard deviation (RSD) of interday and intraday was less than 2%. The developed method was suitable and specific to the analysis of ETX even in the presence of common excipients. The method was applied on two different marketed brands and ETX contents were 98.5 ± 0.56 and 99.33 ± 0.44, respectively, of labeled claim. The proposed method was validated as per ICH guidelines and statistically good results were obtained. This method can be employed for routine analysis of ETX in bulk and commercial formulations.

Paralytic and lethal effects of Trichosanthes dioica root extracts in experimental worms

Context: Trichosanthes dioica Roxb. (Cucurbitaceae), called pointed gourd in English, is a dioecious climber and its roots are traditionally used in India as a hydrogouge cathartic, tonic, and febrifuge, and in the treatment of jaundice, anasarca, and ascites. Objective: To evaluate the in vitro effects of different solvent extracts of T. dioica root in experimental worms, viz. annelids and nematodes. Materials and methods: The in vitro paralytic and lethal effects of defatted dichloromethane (DCTD), methanol (METD), and aqueous (AQTD) extracts of T. dioica root were evaluated against Pheretima posthuma (Annelida) and Ascaridia galli (Nematoda) by keeping the worms in different concentrations of each test extract under specific experimental conditions followed by determination of mean paralysis and lethal times. Albendazole was used as the reference drug. Results and discussion: All the extracts demonstrated concentration-dependent paralytic and lethal effects on P. posthuma and lethal effects on A. galli. The DCTD was found to be the most potent followed by the METD and AQTD. A. galli was found to be more sensitive than P. posthuma against all extracts, indicating T. dioica root as an effective nematocide. Conclusion: The present study establishes the in vitro wormicidal property of T. dioica root extracts against the experimental worms, showing promising nematocidal (and hence anthelmintic) potential.