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Aims: The aim of present investigation was to evaluate the traditional claim of Ficus retusa as an anti-diarrheal and anti-spasmodic agent using different pharmacological models. Background: Diarrhea is considered as major cause of mortality, especially in children and aged persons. Because of diarrhoea, 17% of admitted children get die. In order to treat the diarrhea, natural drugs may be useful. Objective: In order to prove the traditional claim of Ficus retusa, present work was undertaken with objective to prove antidiarrheal and antispasmodic activity. Methods: The anti-diarrhoeal activity was evaluated by magnesium sulphate induced diarrhea and 5-hydroxy tryptamine(5HT) induced diarrhea. Further, the exact were subjected to gastrointestinal motility test using standard procedure. Conclusion: The response towards bioactivity was dose dependent. It was concluded that 400mg/kg bw of ethanolic extract is most potent in antidiarrhoeal and antispasmodic activity.

The objective of the study is to access the safety of Calendula essential oil by studying acute and sub-chronic dermal toxicity. The dermal toxicities of Calendula essential oil were evaluated in accordance with OECD guidelines number 402 and 411 respectively. The animals were exposed to Calendula officinalis (CO) essential oil dose of 20 mL/kg body weight for acute dermal toxicity, whereas for dermal sub-chronic toxicity study, rats were exposed to CO oil 2.5, 5 and 10 mL/kg body weight, respectively, for 7 times in a week for 90 days. The parameters studies included CNS stimulation, depression, hematological parameters (RBC, WBC, Hb, Lymphocyte % etc), biochemical parameters (total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, ALP, AST, etc), relative organ weight, necropsy and histopathology. In toxicity studies, all animals exhibited normal behavior without any change in hematology, blood biochemistry, necroscopical and histopathology. The no observed effect level (NOEL) and no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of CO oil were 2.5 and 10 mg/kg/day, respectively. CO oil is under the herbal medicinal product according to the European Medicines Agency with the claim of an LD50 value of 20 mL/kg body weight. The result indicates that CO essential oil did not produce any significant toxic effects.

The present study deals with the evaluation of antiaging potential of carrot seed oil-based cosmetic emulsions. Briefly, cosmetic emulsions composed of carrot seed oil in varying proportions (2, 4, and 6% w/v) were prepared using the hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) technique. Coconut oil, nonionic surfactants (Tween 80 and Span 80), and xanthan gum were used as the oil phase, emulgent, and emulsion stabilizer, respectively. The formed emulsions were evaluated for various physical, chemical, and biochemical parameters such as the zeta potential, globule size measurement, antioxidant activity, sun protection factor (SPF), skin irritation, and biochemical studies. The zeta potential values ranged from -43.2 to -48.3, indicating good stability. The polydispersity index (PDI) of various emulsion formulations ranged from 0.353 to 0.816. 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl- (DPPH) and nitric oxide-free radical scavenging activity showed the antioxidant potential of the prepared carrot seed oil emulsions. The highest SPF value (6.92) was shown by F3 having 6%w/v carrot seed oil. Histopathological data and biochemical analysis (ascorbic acid (ASC) and total protein content) suggest that these cosmetic emulsions have sufficient potential to be used as potential skin rejuvenating preparations.

Introduction The wound is defined as an injury of a living tissue, arose due to either an accidental injury like cut of the cells or skin or sometime, maybe broken the tissue, which may cause the anomalies in the cellular ability to exhibit the protective mechanism. Wound healing is process of regaining the integrity of cell structure and layers of the skin. The normal healing process of wounds are categorized in 4 phases which includes hemostatic, inflammatory, fibrolastic and maturation. Purpose The present manuscript embarks on up to date information on different methods being used for wound healing assessment including incision, excision, burn wound and dead space models. The biochemical parameter which acts as wound healing markers are collagen estimation (hydroxyproline), hexosamine, DNA estimation, total protein estimation, wound Index, contraction area, epithelization period and tensile strength etc. Histologic evaluations is also an integral part of wound healing evaluation which, help in evaluating the cellular and matrix detail within the wound. Conclusion At present, molecular approaches are important to heal the wound. For assessment of potential of any herbal drug/synthetic compound, incision wound model, excision wound model, burn wound model and dead space model and their parameter are used.

Objective Brahmi vati (BV) is an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation used since ancient times and has been prescribed in seizures associated with schizophrenia and related memory loss by Ayurvedic practitioners in India. The aim of the study was to investigate these claims by evaluation of anticonvulsant, antischizophreniac, and memory-enhancing activities. Antioxidant condition of brain was determined by malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels estimations. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was quantitatively estimated in the brain tissue. Methods Brahmi vati was prepared in-house by strictly following the traditional Ayurvedic formula. Bacoside A rich fraction (BA) of Bacopa monnieri was prepared by extraction and fractionation. It was than standardized by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and given in the dose of 32.5 mg/kg body weight to the different groups of animals for 7 days. On the seventh day, activities were performed adopting standard procedures. Key findings Brahmi vati showed significant anticonvulsant, memory-enhancing and antischizophrenia activities, when compared with the control groups and BA. It cause significantly higher brain glutathione levels. Acetylcholinesterase activity was found to be significantly low in BV-treated group. Conclusion The finding of the present study suggests that BV may be used to treat seizures associated with schizophrenia and related memory loss.

The symptoms of Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) include blistering of skin on superficial layers due to the exfoliative toxins released fromStaphylococcus aureus. After the acute exfoliation of skin surface, erythematous cellulitis occurs. The SSSS may be confined to few blisters localized to the infection site and spread to severe exfoliation affecting complete body. The specific antibodies to exotoxins and increased clearence of exotoxins decrease the frequency of SSSS in adults. Immediate medication with parenteral anti-staphylococcal antibiotics is mandatory. Mostly, SSSS are resistant to penicillin. Penicillinase resistant synthetic penicillins such as Nafcillin or Oxacillin are prescribed as emergency treatment medicine. If Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) is suspected), antibiotics with MRSA coverage (e.g., Vancomycin or Linezolid) are indicated. Clindamycin is considered as drug of choice to stop the production of exotoxin from bacteria ribosome. The use of Ringer solution to to balance the fluid loss, followed by maintainence therapy with an objective to maintain the fluid loss from exfoliation of skin, application of Cotrimoxazole on topical surface are greatlly considered to treat the SSSS. The drugs that reduce renal function are avoided. Through this article, an attempt has been made to focus the source, etiology, mechanism, outbreaks, mechanism, clinical manisfestation, treatment and other detail of SSSS.

The objective of this work was to develop quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) models from sulfonamide derivatives against anticonvulsant activity. For developing the model, multiple linear regression and artificial neural network (ANN) have been employed as effective and efficient methods and these models have been validated with statistical analysis such as fraction of variance, cross-validation test, quality factor, Fischer’s test, and internal validation test (Y-randomization test), where applicable. A regression-based QSAR model (linear model) has been developed with cross-validation test q 2 = 0.8324 and fraction of variance r 2 = 0.8327, all the statistical tests have validated this model. An ANN (nonlinear model)-based model has also been developed with fraction of variance r 2 = 0.8710 and cross validation test q 2 = 0.7032. So, with the help of the developed models we can predict the logKi values of novel designed molecules and alter their structural properties accordingly before synthesizing them.

Objective Ayurvedic formulations are preferred over other formulations as well as commercialized on broad level to treat various ailments. The World Health Organization has established certain guidelines for quality control of heavy metals and pesticide residues. Bacopa monnieri, a popular herb with immunomodulator and memory-enhancing properties is the chief constituent of several Ayurvedic formulations, which include Brahmi Vati (BV), Brahmi Ghrita (BG) and Saraswat Churna (SC), etc. In view of the World Health Organization guidelines, two products of each formulation from six different manufacturers were purchased from Ayurvedic Pharmacy, Bulanala-Varanasi, India for testing heavy metal and pesticide residue. Methods In the present study, all the formulations—BV, BG and SC—were selected for estimation of four heavy metals namely lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) by a plasma emission spectrophotometer. Organochlorine pesticidal residues were estimated for dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane, isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and α-endosulfan, etc. in total 12 samples of test formulations containing Bacopa monnieri L. using gas chromatography technique. Results Out of 12 samples, Pb, Cd, Cr and Ni were present in all samples but below the permissible limit. Although atrazine, aldrin, dialdrin were in below detection limit, but other pesticides were detected in some samples as oxamyl, hexachlorocyclohexanes (α-HCH, β-HCH and γ-HCH), dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane and dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethylene. Conclusion The presence of heavy metals in the formulations was low to cause toxicity. However evaluation of heavy metals and pesticide residue in every batch is necessary.

Background Tridax procumbens(L.) leaves are traditionally used in wound healing by tribal people. The matured leaves are crushed to make a paste and applied on the surface of the wound. Purpose The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the wound healing activity of ethanolic extract of Tridax procumbens (L.) (EETP) in streptozotocin induced diabetic and non- diabetic laboratory animals. There is no scientific literature, claiming the use of leaves of Tridax procumbens (L.) in diabetic wounds. Study Design The simple ointment base (2.5 % and 5% w/w) of EETP was formulated to evaluate the wound healing potential on diabetic and non-diabetic rats, using incision, excision and burn wound model. Methods In incision wound model, epithelization period, wound index, % contraction area, hydroxyproline content, DNA estimation, total protein and histopathological evaluations were done. In excision wound model, tensile strength was measured. In burn model, contraction rate, wound contraction (%) and epithelization period were evaluated. Results Secondary metabolite as tannin, flavonoids were present. In the excision model, animals treated with 2.5 % and 5% w/w EETP showed significant result in wound contraction, epithelization period and wound index. Hydroxyproline, total protein and DNA concentration in healing tissue were more in comparison to control and as well as standard in diabetic and non- diabetic. The parameters evaluated showed significant response at 2.5 % and 5% w/w EETP. Conclusion Flavonoids and tannin were accountable for wound healing. The findings confirmed the ethanomedicinal claim of Tridax procumbens(L.) in wound healing in diabetic and nondiabetic conditions.

Objective: Aripiprazole, a synthetic compound, obtained by chemical modification of the structure of quinolinone is considered as an atypical antipsychotic drug. The present review is an attempt to summarize the updated information related to reported chemistry and pharmacology of Aripiprazole. Development: Aripiprazole, under development by Otsuka Pharmaceutical, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) by the end of 2002 with an aim to treat patients with schizophrenia. This drug got approved by European Commission in February 2013 to treat the patients having severe manic episodes in bipolar I disorder Additionally, it got approval in Japan in January 2006 and in Canada in 2014. Pharmacology: Aripiprazole shows high specificity for dopamine receptor especially D2 and D3, serotonin 5-HT1A and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, reasonable specificity for dopamine D4, serotonin 5- HT2C and 5-HT7, alpha1-adrenergic and histamine H1 receptors. It also shows moderate specificity for the serotonin reuptake. The major side effects include headache, agitation, akithesia, anxiety, tachycardia, insomnia, postural hypotension, constipation, vomiting, dizziness, nervousness and somnolence. Conclusion: The present article embarks the available information on Aripiprazole with emphasis on its clinical pharmacology, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, metabolism and clinical trials.

Background The brain is a vital part of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by the presence of soft tissue in its internal structure which protects itself. Research on design of drugs for CNS disorders is in progress and up to date information is required for further investigation. Objective The present paper is written with the objective to compile all the available data and information on CNS disorders and CNS acting drugs. CNS acting drugs are important to consider because some drugs get ineffective owing to incapability to efficiently deliver and sustain them within the brain for effective treatment. Cns disorders The current trend to design therapeutic drugs for CNS disorders focuses on neurotransmitters release and their reuptake, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and other CNS disorders. The disorders associated with CNS are characterized by the progressive loss of gray matter and/or white matter structures. Drugs CNS stimulants are the class of drugs, producing response to alleviate a particular medical condition. CNS stimulants improve the brain function in patients with schizophrenia and related diseases. CNS stimulants are a class of therapeutic drugs used to treat CNS disorder including the conditions like lack of adrenergic stimulation, symptoms of narcolepsy and neonatal apnea, etc. Apart from drugs, a number of smart tools including Multi-Target Designed Ligands (MTDL) and "predictor" models are contemporarily used to design therapeutic agents for CNS disorders. Mechanism The majority of CNS stimulants causes stimulation of the traditional "fight or flight" syndrome which is concerned with activation of sympathetic nervous system. These neurotransmitters associated receptors are concerned in drug abuse and addiction withdrawal related phenomenon. Conclusion The present review embarks on detail up-to-date information on CNS stimulant drugs, their mechanism of action, in vivo models for biological evaluations with major emphasis on tools in design of therapeutic drugs for CNS disorders.

The aim of the present study was to standardize Brahmi vati (BV) by simultaneous quantitative estimation of Bacoside A3 and Piperine adopting HPLC-UV method. BV very important Ayurvedic polyherbo formulation used to treat epilepsy and mental disorders containing thirty eight ingredients including Bacopa monnieri L. and Piper longum L.An HPLC-UV method was developed for the standardization of BV in light of simultaneous quantitative estimation of Bacoside A3 and Piperine, the major constituents of B. monnieri L. and P. longum L. respectively. The developed method was validated on parameters including linearity, precision, accuracy and robustness.The HPLC analysis showed significant increase in amount of Bacoside A3 and Piperine in the in-house sample of BV when compared with all three different marketed samples of the same. Results showed variations in the amount of Bacoside A3 and Piperine in different samples which indicate non-uniformity in their quality which will lead to difference in their therapeutic effects.The outcome of the present investigation underlines the importance of standardization of Ayurvedic formulations. The developed method may be further used to standardize other samples of BV or other formulations containing Bacoside A3 and Piperine.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from UV-B radiation have the capacity to cause oxidative decomposition which leads to the formation of toxic components as well as lipid peroxidation. Considering this fact, the present study was performed to evaluate the effect of a cream (O/W) containing the essential oil of Calendula officinalis on biochemical parameters of the skin of albino rats against UV-B radiation. The fingerprint analysis of Calendula essential oil was performed by HPLC with special reference to 1,8-cineole and α-pinene. The results indicated that the treatment with creams containing 4% and 5% of Calendula essential oil caused a significant decrease in the malonyldialdehyde level, whereas the levels of catalase, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, ascorbic acid, and the total protein level were significantly increased after 1 month of daily irradiation and treatment when compared to untreated control groups. The results suggest that the cutaneous application of the essential oil of Calendula prevents UV-B-induced alterations in the level of antioxidants in skin tissue.

Pomalidomide (Pomalyst(®)) is a synthetic compound derived by modifying the chemical structure of thalidomide to improve its potency and reduce its side effects and third drug in the class of immunomodulatory drugs. Pomalidomide is under global development with Celgene Corporation, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on February 8, 2013 to treat patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (MM) who have received at least two prior therapies including bortezomib and lenalidomide. In October 2009, it has found orphan designation for the treatment of relapsed and refractory MM by the EMA, and on August 2013, marketing authorization has issued in Europe by gaining a positive response. It inhibits myeloma cell growth and angiogenesis directly. Pomalidomide is the latest myeloma cell growth inhibitor to be approved in both USA and EU. The predominant side effects are thrombocytopenia, neuropathy, and deep vein thrombosis. Pomalidomide is also being investigated in patients with amyloidosis, prostate cancer, small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, graft-versus-host disease, and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia. This article reviews the available information on pomalidomide with respect to its clinical pharmacology, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, metabolism, pre-clinical studies, and clinical trials.

During recent years carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been attracted by many researchers as a drug delivery carrier. CNTs are the third allotropic form of carbon-fullerenes which were rolled into cylindrical tubes. To be integrated into the biological systems, CNTs can be chemically modified or functionalised with therapeutically active molecules by forming stable covalent bonds or supramolecular assemblies based on noncovalent interactions. Owing to their high carrying capacity, biocompatibility, and specificity to cells, various cancer cells have been explored with CNTs for evaluation of pharmacokinetic parameters, cell viability, cytotoxicty, and drug delivery in tumor cells. This review attempts to highlight all aspects of CNTs which render them as an effective anticancer drug carrier and imaging agent. Also the potential application of CNT in targeting metastatic cancer cells by entrapping biomolecules and anticancer drugs has been covered in this review.

Free radical scavenging activity of O/W sunscreen cream using calendula oil was measured using DPPH method, Nitric oxide method and H2O2 assay method. For this, Flowers of calendula were collected for oil extraction. Calendula oil in concentration ranging 1-5% was used as dispersed phase in O/W sunscreen cream. The free radical scavenging activity was evaluated for equally diluted samples and the activity was found in concentration dependent manner by all three adopted methods. The sunscreen activities of cream formulations may be related to the free radical scavenging properties of flavonoid compounds in the oil phase incorporated in it. Calendula oil is one of the well-known drugs for its therapeutic potential in traditional system of medicine. In the present study, the O/W cream was screened for its free radical scavenging activity. All the formulations especially F5 showed good anti-oxidant activity. The comparisons were made with marketed formulation FS. The IC50 value by DPPH methods for diluted cream samples was 0.24±0.02 whereas by NO method, it was 0.38±0.014. When measured by H2O2 method, it was found to be 0.45 ± 0.03. All the formulations were stable and it was concluded that calendula oil sunscreen cream diluted formulation F55 is very pronounced antioxidant activity.