Proof-of-Concept of Detection of Counterfeit Medicine through Polymeric Materials Analysis of Plastics Packaging.

The detection of counterfeit pharmaceuticals is always a major challenge, but the early detection of counterfeit medicine in a country will reduce the fatal risk among consumers. Technically, fast laboratory testing is vital to develop an effective surveillance and monitoring system of counterfeit medicines. This study proposed the combination of Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) for the quick detection of counterfeit medicines, through the polymer analysis of blister packaging materials.

Effects of gamma radiation treatment on three different medicinal plants: Microbial limit test, total phenolic content, in vitro cytotoxicity effect and antioxidant assay.

Background And Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of gamma radiation treatment on three medicinal plants, namely Euodia malayana, Gnetum gnemon and Khaya senegalensis at two different forms; methanol leaf extracts and dried leaves respectively.

Experimental Procedure: The microbial limit test (MLT) studies indicated the suitable dosage of minimum and maximum gamma irradiation for leaf extracts as well as dried leaves of all the tested medicinal plants. Quantitative analysis of total phenolic content (TPC) analysis is based on calorimetric measurements determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent with gallic acid (GA) used as the reference.

[Corrigendum] Antiproliferative effects of imatinib mesylate on ZR‑75‑1 and MDA‑MB‑231 cell lines via PDGFR‑β, PDGF‑BB, c‑Kit and SCF expression.

An interested reader drew to our attention that the above study appeared to contain a high level of overlap with an article by the same authors published in the journal Drug Design, Development and Therapy [Kadivar A, Kamalidehghan B, Akbari Javar H, Karimi B, Sedghi R and Noordin MI: Antiproliferation effect of imatinib mesylate on MCF7, T‑47D tumorigenic and MCF 10A nontumorigenic breast cell lines via PDGFR‑β, PDGF‑BB, c‑Kit and SCF genes. Drug Des Devel Ther 11: 469‑481, 2017]. Following an internal investigation and also in liaison with the authors, it was established that, although the studies were conducted along broadly similar lines, the papers contained entirely different data involving two different subsets of cell lines; the submission to Drug Des Devel Ther aimed to explore the effects of imatinib mesylate on three different groups, with each group being represented by a cell line, whereas the submission to Int J Mol Med explored the effectiveness of imatinib mesylate in breast cancer cell lines.

Evaluation of the glycemic effect of pods (Carob) on a streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic rat model.

Background: pods (carob) have been nominated to control the high blood glucose of diabetics. In Yemen, however, its antihyperglycemic activity has not been yet assessed. Thus, this study evaluated the inhibitory effect of the methanolic extract of carob pods against α-amylase and α-glucosidase and the glycemic effect of such extract in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic rats.

Comparative antioxidant and antidiabetic effects of Syzygium polyanthumleaf and Momordica charantia fruit extracts.

The study was aimed to perform aqueous extraction of two plants using different extraction methods, and evaluate their antioxidant and antidiabetic potential. Plant materials were extracted by maceration, soxhlet, sonication and fresh juice methods to produce aqueous extracts. In vitro antioxidant DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl) and FRAP (Ferric reducing antioxidant power), antidiabetic α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibitory assays were carried out on the extracts.

Antiproliferative effects of imatinib mesylate on ZR‑75‑1 and MDA‑MB‑231 cell lines via PDGFR‑β, PDGF‑BB, c‑Kit and SCF expression.

Imatinib mesylate is an anti‑neoplastic targeted chemotherapeutic agent, which can inhibit tyrosine kinase receptors, including BCR‑ABL, platelet‑derived growth factor receptors (PDGFRs) and c‑Kit. Cellular processes, including differentiation, proliferation and survival are regulated by these receptors. The present study aimed to evaluate the antiproliferative effects of imatinib mesylate, and its effects on apoptotic induction and cell cycle arrest in breast cancer cell lines.

Comparative analysis of essential oil composition of Iranian and Indian L. extracted using supercritical fluid extraction and solvent extraction.

The objective of this study was to compare the oil extraction yield and essential oil composition of Indian and Iranian L. extracted by using Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) and solvent extraction methods. In this study, a gas chromatography equipped with a mass spectrophotometer detector was employed for qualitative analysis of the essential oil composition of Indian and Iranian L.

Antiproliferation effect of imatinib mesylate on MCF7, T-47D tumorigenic and MCF 10A nontumorigenic breast cell lines via PDGFR-β, PDGF-BB, c-Kit and SCF genes.

Recent cancer molecular therapies are targeting main functional molecules to control applicable process of cancer cells. Attractive targets are established by receptor tyrosine kinases, such as platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFRs) and c-Kit as mostly irregular signaling, which is due to either over expression or mutation that is associated with tumorigenesis and cell proliferation. Imatinib mesylate is a selective inhibitor of receptor tyrosine kinase, including PDGFR-β and c-Kit.

Gastroretentive behavior of orally administered radiolabeled tamarind seed formulations in rabbits validated by gamma scintigraphy.

This study aimed to formulate floating gastroretentive tablets containing metformin hydrochloric acid (HCl), using various grades of hydrogel such as tamarind powders and xanthan to overcome short gastric residence time of the conventional dosage forms. Different concentrations of the hydrogels were tested to determine the formulation that could provide a sustained release of 12 h. Eleven formulations with different ratios of tamarind seed powder/tamarind kernel powder (TKP):xanthan were prepared.

In vitro and in vivo Evaluation of New Topical Anaesthetic Cream Formulated with Palm Oil Base.

Background: Topical local anaesthetic cream was reported to be useful for pain relief for cutaneous procedures such as minor surgery and venipuncture.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of new formulation of lidocaine topical anaesthetic using palm oil base, HAMIN® and to determine how fast this new formulation produces adequate numbness compared to the currently used EMLA cream, in the University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) set-up.

Method: The skin permeation test was conducted by using Franz type diffusion cell and pain assessment was carried out in healthy subject by using Verbal Rating Score (VRS) and Visual Analogue Score (VAS) evaluation.

Gamma scintigraphic evaluation of floating gastroretentive tablets of metformin HCl using a combination of three natural polymers in rabbits.

The present research was aimed at formulating a metformin HCl sustained-release formulation from a combination of polymers, using the wet granulation technique. A total of 16 formulations (F1-F16) were produced using different combinations of the gel-forming polymers: tamarind kernel powder, salep (palmate tubers of Orchis morio), and xanthan. Post-compression studies showed that there were no interactions between the active drug and the polymers.

Gamma scintigraphic study of the hydrodynamically balanced matrix tablets of Metformin HCl in rabbits.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo performance of gastro-retentive matrix tablets having Metformin HCl as model drug and combination of natural polymers. A total of 16 formulations were prepared by a wet granulation method using xanthan, tamarind seed powder, tamarind kernel powder and salep as the gel-forming agents and sodium bicarbonate as a gas-forming agent. All the formulations were evaluated for compendial and non-compendial tests and in vitro study was carried out on a USP-II dissolution apparatus at a paddle speed of 50 rpm.

Formulation and in vitro, in vivo evaluation of effervescent floating sustained-release imatinib mesylate tablet.

Introduction: Imatinib mesylate is an antineoplastic agent which has high absorption in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Conventional imatinib mesylate (Gleevec) tablets produce rapid and relatively high peak blood levels and requires frequent administration to keep the plasma drug level at an effective range. This might cause side effects, reduced effectiveness and poor therapeutic management.

Ultrastructural Study on the Antibacterial Activity of Artonin E versus Streptomycin against Staphylococcus aureus Strains.

Staphylococci are facultative anaerobes, perfectly spherical un-encapsulated cocci, with a diameter not exceeding 1 micrometer in diameter. Staphylococcus aureus are generally harmless and remain confined to the skin unless they burrow deep into the body, causing life-threatening infections in bones, joints, bloodstream, heart valves and lungs. Among the 20 medically important staphylococci species, Staphylococcus aureus is one of the emerging human pathogens.

In vitro and in vivo anti-angiogenic activity of girinimbine isolated from Murraya koenigii.

Girinimbine is a carbazole alkaloid isolated from the stem bark and root of Murraya koenigii. Here we report that girinimbine is an inhibitor of angiogenic activity both in vitro and in vivo. MTT results showed that girinimbine inhibited proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells, while results from endothelial cell invasion, migration, tube formation, and wound healing assays demonstrated significant time- and dose-dependent inhibition by girinimbine.

Koenimbin, a natural dietary compound of Murraya koenigii (L) Spreng: inhibition of MCF7 breast cancer cells and targeting of derived MCF7 breast cancer stem cells (CD44(+)/CD24(-/low)): an in vitro study.

Background: Inhibition of breast cancer stem cells has been shown to be an effective therapeutic strategy for cancer prevention. The aims of this work were to evaluate the efficacy of koenimbin, isolated from Murraya koenigii (L) Spreng, in the inhibition of MCF7 breast cancer cells and to target MCF7 breast cancer stem cells through apoptosis in vitro.

Methods: Koenimbin-induced cell viability was evaluated using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay.

Importance and globalization status of good manufacturing practice (GMP) requirements for pharmaceutical excipients.

Pharmaceutical excipients are no longer inert materials but it is effective and able to improve the characteristics of the products' quality, stability, functionality, safety, solubility and acceptance of patients. It can interact with the active ingredients and alter the medicament characteristics. The globalization of medicines' supply enhances the importance of globalized good manufacturing practice (GMP) requirements for pharmaceutical excipients.

Novel swellable polymer of orchidaceae family for gastroretentive drug delivery of famotidine.

This study aimed to develop hydrophilic, gastroretentive matrix tablets of famotidine with good floating and swelling properties. A novel gastroretentive drug delivery formulation was designed using salep, also known as salepi, a flour obtained from grinding dried palmate tubers of Orchis morio var mascula (Orchidaceae family). The main polysaccharide content of salep is glucomannan, highly soluble in cold and hot water, which forms a viscous solution.

Hydrogel polysaccharides of tamarind and xanthan to formulate hydrodynamically balanced matrix tablets of famotidine.

The gastroretentive dosage form of famotidine was modified using tamarind seed powders to prolong the gastric retention time. Tamarind seeds were used in two different forms having different swelling and gelling properties: with husk (TSP) or without husk (TKP). TKP (TKP1 to TKP 6) and TSP (TSP1 to TSP 6) series were prepared using tamarind powder:xanthan in the ratios of 5:0, 4:1, 3:2, 2:3, 1:4, 0:5, respectively.

In vivo studies of nanostructure-based photosensitizers for photodynamic cancer therapy.

Animal models, particularly rodents, are major translational models for evaluating novel anticancer therapeutics. In this review, different types of nanostructure-based photosensitizers that have advanced into the in vivo evaluation stage for the photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer are described. This article focuses on the in vivo efficacies of the nanostructures as delivery agents and as energy transducers for photosensitizers in animal models.

Development and characterization of liposomal doxorubicin hydrochloride with palm oil.

The usage of natural products in pharmaceuticals has steadily seen improvements over the last decade, and this study focuses on the utilization of palm oil in formulating liposomal doxorubicin (Dox). The liposomal form of Dox generally minimizes toxicity and enhances target delivery actions. Taking into account the antiproliferative and antioxidant properties of palm oil, the aim of this study is to design and characterize a new liposomal Dox by replacing phosphatidylcholine with 5% and 10% palm oil content.

The use of Hibiscus esculentus (Okra) gum in sustaining the release of propranolol hydrochloride in a solid oral dosage form.

The effectiveness of Okra gum in sustaining the release of propranolol hydrochloride in a tablet was studied. Okra gum was extracted from the pods of Hibiscus esculentus using acetone as a drying agent. Dried Okra gum was made into powder form and its physical and chemical characteristics such as solubility, pH, moisture content, viscosity, morphology study using SEM, infrared study using FTIR, crystallinity study using XRD, and thermal study using DSC and TGA were carried out.

Preparation and characterization of a gastric floating dosage form of capecitabine.

Gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nausea and vomiting, are considered amongst the main adverse effects associated with oral anticancer drugs due to their fast release in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Sustained release formulations with proper release profiles can overcome some side effects of conventional formulations. The current study was designed to prepare sustained release tablets of Capecitabine, which is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of advanced breast cancer, using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), carbomer934P, sodium alginate, and sodium bicarbonate.

Toxicological Features of Catha edulis (Khat) on Livers and Kidneys of Male and Female Sprague-Dawley Rats: A Subchronic Study.

Hepato- and nephrotoxicity of Khat consumption (Catha edulis Forskal) have been evoked. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate such possible hepatorenal toxicity in female and male Sprague-Dawley rats (SD rats) focusing primarily on liver and kidney. In addition, female and male rats were investigated separately.

DNA fragmentation is not associated with apoptosis in zerumbone-induced HepG2 cells.

Zerumbone is a cytotoxic compound isolated from the herbal plant, Zingiber zerumbet Smith, which exhibits antitumor activity [1-2], anti-inflammatory effects and possesses anti-proliferative potentials in a variety of cell lines [3-4]. DNA fragmentation indicates an early event of apoptosis leading to cell death due to the absence of new cellular proteins synthesizing for cell survival. Previous studies indicated that the cleavage of double-stranded DNA in apoptotic DNA degradation occurs via the activation of endogenous Ca2+/Mg2+-dependent endonuclease that specifically cleaves between nucleosomes to produce DNA fragments that are multiples of ~180 base pairs [5].