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Current study was aimed to validate traditional claim of Tamra bhasma (TB) as an antinflammatory agent by investigating the preclinical anti-inflammatory activity of TB. Initially, TB was characterised by some traditional and modern parameters including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDAX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Subsequently, its anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in carrageenan, cotton pellet and complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) model. The % inhibition of paw oedema and granuloma tissue, blood and tissue related pharmacological evaluations were performed for assessment of anti-inflammatory activity. The SEM, EDAX and XRD confirmed presence of nanoparticulate copper as its sulfide or oxide form in bhasma. The changes produced by carrageenan and CFA in animals were reversed significantly in TB treated animals throughout the study. The results suggest that TB has a potential anti-inflammatory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the extrusion-spheronization performance of some mixtures of co-processed κ-carrageenan and pectin (as excipient), and sodium starch glycolate (as superdisintegrant). Attention is focused with an objective to improve the mechanical stability and the dissolution rate of poorly soluble domperidone (as a model drug). Initially, co-processed κ-carrageenan-pectin excipient is prepared with different ratios of κ-carrageenan and pectin. Different marketed brands of κ-carrageenan (Gelcarin, Aquagel and Eugel) were employed and dried by solvent evaporation method. Further characterization was carried out by SEM, XRD and FTIR analysis. Pellets were prepared using extrusion-spheronization technique. Pellets were evaluated for flow properties, particle size, sphericity, tensile strength, friability, disintegration time andin-vitrodrug release studies. Solid-state characterization of pellets was also done by FTIR, DSC and SEM analysis. The mechanical stability and dissolution rate of prepared pellets were found to be dependent on the concentration of pectin and type of κ-carrageenan employed in the fabrication of pellets. The pellets made with a high proportion of Eugel showed a very high dissolution rate of domperidone and undergo rapid disintegration validating co-processed k-carrageenan-pectin as a promising pelletizing aid for immediate-release pharmaceutical formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recently, we have reported antihypertensive activity of oleanolic acid (OA) in glucocorticoid-induced hypertension with restoration of nitric oxide (NO) level. However, the involvement of NO-releasing action of OA was unclear. Objective: To explore antihypertensive activity of OA in Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) hypertensive rats wherein NO is completely blocked, which would allow exploring the possibility of involvement of NO-releasing action of OA. Materials and Methods: Five groups of rats were investigated as normal control, L-NAME (40 mg/kg/day), L-NAME + enalapril (15 mg/kg/day), L-NAME + l-arginine (100 mg/kg/day), and L-NAME + OA (60 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. The systolic blood pressure, body weight, and heart rate were measured weekly for 4 weeks. Serum nitrate/nitrite (NOx) level, urine electrolytes concentration, cardiac mass index, and serum creatinine level were determined followed by organ histopathology. Results: OA and enalapril delayed the rise in blood pleasure following L-NAME administration. Decreased serum NOx level was not significantly increased with any of the treatment. OA produced a small, though nonsignificant, increase in the NOx level. L-NAME administration did not affect cardiac mass index. There was an increase in serum creatinine upon L-NAME administration which was prevented by OA. Decreased urine volume, urine sodium and potassium were reversed by OA. Conclusion: These results suggest that the antihypertensive effect of OA in L-NAME hypertension is due to diuresis and nephroprotection. However, OA has nonsignificantly affected the NO levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study characterizes the mechanism by which the Amaranthus spinosus ( Amaranthaceae) decreases mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reactions. Anaphylaxis is a typical hypersensitivity Type I reaction, sharing common mechanisms with asthma in its early and late phases. Mast cells are key as effector cells in hypersensitivity Type I reactions. A. spinosus has been traditionally used in the treatment of allergic bronchitis and asthma, but its role in mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reactions has not fully been investigated. This report investigated the potential effects of the ethyl acetate fraction of A. spinosus leaves (EAFAS) against a Compound 48/80 (potent secretagogue)-induced systemic anaphylactic shock paradigm in a mouse model. In addition, rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) were used in in vitro studies to investigate the effect of EAFAS on Compound 48/80-induced peritoneal mast cell degranulation and histamine release. When administration by the oral route-1 h before Compound 48/80 injection-EAFAS (at dose from 0.001-1 g/kg) completely inhibited the induced anaphylactic shock. EAFAS at concentrations ranging 0.25-1 mg/ml dose-dependently attenuated rates of mast cell degranulation and histamine release from RPMC that were evoked by Compound 48/80. The results of the present investigation indicated that EAFAS stabilizes the mast cell lipid bilayer membrane, thereby preventing the perturbation of membrane and the release of histamine. As a result of these anti-degranulating and anti-histaminic effects, it can be suggested that EAFAS may have a potential use in the prophylaxis and management of anaphylactic reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Viscum articulatum Burm. is used traditionally in Chinese medicine for treating hypertension. Aim of the study: The present study was designed to evaluate the antihypertensive activity of the methanolic extract of Viscum articulatum (MVA) against Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) induced hypertension in rats. Materials and methods: Six groups of rats were investigated for 4 weeks as normal control, l-NAME (40mg/kg/day), l-NAME+enalapril (15mg/kg/day), l-NAME+l-arginine (100mg/kg/day), l-NAME+MVA (200mg/kg/day) and l-NAME+MVA (400mg/kg/day) for four weeks. The systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) were measured weekly throughout the experimental period. The urine electrolytes concentration, cardiac mass index, serum nitrate/nitrite (NO x ) level, serum creatinine level and lipid profile were determined. Results: Treatment with MVA (200 and 400mg/kg) or enalapril delayed the rise in SBP produced by administration of l-NAME. None of the treatments had a significant effect on the depression of the serum NO x level caused by l-NAME. The serum creatinine and total cholesterol concentrations were elevated upon administration of l-NAME, and this elevation was prevented by MVA co-administration. The urine volume and urine potassium ion level were depressed by l-NAME administration and this effect being inhibited in MVA and enalapril groups. There was no cardiac hypertrophy and HR change after 28 day of l-NAME administration. Conclusion: We conclude that MVA may have an antihypertensive effect in the NO deficient type of hypertension, which may be attributed to its diuretic, nephroprotective and hypolipidemic actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this animal model (Wistar rats of either sex) common bile duct was ligated for 28 days. Rats were treated for 28 days with methanol extract of Cocculus hirsutus. On day 29, blood and liver were collected for biochemical estimation and histopathological studies. Bile duct ligation produced liver fibrosis with generation of reactive oxygen species and induction of oxidative stress. Hence the different concentrations of methanolic extract of C. hirsutus were evaluated for in vivo glutathione reductase activity. On bile duct ligation the liver fibrosis was induced with significant rise in serum marker enzymes levels. The hydroxyproline accumulation caused by hydrophilic bile acids accompanied by elevated hepatic lipid peroxidation, and glutathione levels. Treatment with C. hirsutus extract decreased the elevated levels of serum marker enzymes showing hepatoprotection, which was further confirmed by histopathological results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present investigation, an innovative attempt has been made to enhance the solubility and dissolution rate of Repaglinide (RPGD) using hydrothermally treated water insoluble dietary bamboo fibers (HVBF) as potential nutraceutical used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. RPGD was selected as a model drug due to its low aqueous solubility and dissolution rate. Characterization of HVBF demonstrated the outstanding features like high surface area, maximum drug loading and increase dissolution rate and making HVBF as an excellent drug carrier. RHVBF (Repaglinide loaded HVBF) tablets were prepared using direct compression method. Pre and post-compression parameters for blend and tablets were studied and found within acceptable limits. RHVBF and tablet showed significantly improved dissolution rate, when compared with pure crystalline RPGD, physical mixture, RVBF and commercial marketed tablet. This fact was further supported by FT-IR, DSC, XRPD and FESEM studies followed by in-vitro drug release profile. Stability studies showed no changes after exposing to accelerated conditions for a period of 3 months with respect to physical characteristics and in-vitro drug release studies. In a nut shell, it can be concluded that HVBF is a novel, smart and promising carrier for poorly water soluble drugs, when administered orally.

Background: Recently, we have reported antihypertensive activity of oleanolic acid (OA) in glucocorticoid-induced hypertension with restoration of nitric oxide (NO) level. However, the involvement of NO-releasing action of OA was unclear., Objective: To explore antihypertensive activity of OA in N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) hypertensive rats wherein NO is completely blocked, which would allow exploring the possibility of involvement of NO-releasing action of OA., Materials and Methods: Five groups of rats were investigated as normal control, L-NAME (40 mg/kg/day), L-NAME + enalapril (15 mg/kg/day), L-NAME + l-arginine (100 mg/kg/day), and L-NAME + OA (60 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. The systolic blood pressure, body weight, and heart rate were measured weekly for 4 weeks. Serum nitrate/nitrite (NOx) level, urine electrolytes concentration, cardiac mass index, and serum creatinine level were determined followed by organ histopathology., Results: OA and enalapril delayed the rise in blood pleasure following L-NAME administration. Decreased serum NOx level was not significantly increased with any of the treatment. OA produced a small, though nonsignificant, increase in the NOx level. L-NAME administration did not affect cardiac mass index. There was an increase in serum creatinine upon L-NAME administration which was prevented by OA. Decreased urine volume, urine sodium and potassium were reversed by OA., Conclusion: These results suggest that the antihypertensive effect of OA in L-NAME hypertension is due to diuresis and nephroprotection. However, OA has nonsignificantly affected the NO levels.