Pharmacological screening of Acalypha indica L.: Possible role in the treatment of asthma.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Acalypha indica Linn (Euphorbiaceae), a popular traditional medicine, is an erect herb found throughout various parts of India. In Ayurveda, Acalypha indica was commonly used in asthma and allergy. However, no attempts were made in past to validate the antiasthmatic potential of Acalypha indica.

Antiasthmatic potential of Zizyphus jujuba Mill and Jujuboside B. - Possible role in the treatment of asthma.

Zizyphus jujuba Mill, a famous oriental traditional medicine, has been reported to exhibit diverse activities in biological systems including the respiratory system. However, a little information is available on its antiasthmatic activity. Jujuboside B (JB) is a natural saponin and one of the active constituent of fruits of Zizyphus jujuba.

Fabrication and statistical optimization of starch-κ-carrageenan cross-linked hydrogel composite for extended release pellets of zaltoprofen.

The current study was aimed to develop extended release (ER) pellets formulations containing zaltoprofen as a model drug and cross-linked starch-κ-carrageenan (Sκ-C) hydrogel composite as a binder and extended release polymer. The Sκ-C cross-linked hydrogel composites were prepared using a 3 full factorial design approach and characterized by FTIR, DSC, XRD and SEM analysis. The matrix pellets were prepared by extrusion-spheronization technique and characterized production yield, FTIR, DSC, XRD, SEM, optical microscopy, flow characteristics, mucoadhesiveness, in-vitro dissolution and in-vivo pharmacokinetic parameter.

Dissolution Rate Enhancement of Repaglinide Using Dietary Fiber as a Promising Carrier.

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.

Role of 5-HT2 receptors in diabetes: Swertiamarin seco-iridoid glycoside might be a possible 5-HT2 receptor modulator.

In the present review, we are focusing on modulators of 5-HT2 receptors, swertiamarin and their role in diabetes. These drugs possess both central and peripheral actions in various animal models of depression, diabetes and obesity. Swertiamarin and 5-HT2 antagonist are reported antidepressant, hypolipidemic and beneficial in peripheral vasculopathy.

Oleanolic Acid Prevents Increase in Blood Pressure and Nephrotoxicity in Nitric Oxide Dependent Type of Hypertension in Rats.

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.

Effect of Viscum articulatum Burm. (Loranthaceae) in Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester induced hypertension and renal dysfunction.

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 N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) induced hypertension in rats.

Amaranthus spinosus Linn. inhibits mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reactions.

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.

Oleanolic acid prevents glucocorticoid-induced hypertension in rats.

The present study was designed to evaluate the antihypertensive activity of oleanolic acid isolated from Viscum articulatum, Burm. (Loranthaceae) in glucocorticoid (dexamethasone)-induced hypertension in rats and to propose a probable mechanism of action for this effect. Male Wistar rats (300-350 g) received dexamethasone (20 μg/kg/day s.

Evaluation of Blatta orientalis (Q) nasal gel formulation in milk aspiration induced eosinophilia.

Background: The purpose of the present study was to develop intranasal delivery systems of the homeopathic anti-asthmatic remedy Blatta orientalis mother tincture (Q) using thermoreversible polymer Pluronic F127 (PF127) and mucoadhesive polymer Carbopol 934P (C934P).

Methods: Formulations were modulated so as to have a gelation temperature below 34 degrees C to ensure gelation at physiological temperature after intranasal administration. Its gelation temperature, mucoadhesive strength, viscosity and gel strength were studied.