Androgenic and spermatogenic activity of alkylamide-rich ethanol solution extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum DC.

Anacyclus pyrethrum (A. pyrethrum) has been used as Vajikaran Rasayana (aphrodisiac) in traditional Indian ayurvedic medicine to treat male sexual dysfunction, including infertility. Aphrodisiac activity may be due to an increase in the production or effect of androgens, so this study sought to evaluate the androgenic and spermatogenic potential of the alkylamide-rich ethanol solution extract.

An updated review on the parasitic herb of Cuscuta reflexa Roxb.

Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. is a golden yellow, leafless, perennial, parasitic herb of the family Convolvulaceae. C.

Nanoparticulate delivery of LHRH analogue for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Goserelin acetate (Gos) is a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist, used in treatment of prostate cancer in which desired concentration of Gos in blood is maintained for longer duration. The aim of this study is to improve the efficacy of Gos targeted at the site of action and eliminate the need for frequent administration. Gos-encapsulated nanoparticles were fabricated by double emulsification process.

Production of inulinase from Kluyveromyces marxianus using dahlia tuber extract.

Various carbon sources were evaluated for production of inulinase by yeast, Kluyveromyces marxianus MTCC 3995. Highest inulinase activity was observed with Dahlia extract (25.3 nkat mL(-1)) as carbon source.

Electrochemical determination of atropine at multi-wall carbon nanotube electrode based on the enhancement effect of sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate.

Herein, a new electrochemical method was described for the determination of atropine based on the enhancement effect of an anionic surfactant: sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS). In pH 10.5 tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide as supporting electrolyte and in the presence of 0.

Development and characterization of chitosan coated poly-(ɛ-caprolactone) nanoparticulate system for effective immunization against influenza.

In this study surface coated poly-(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) nanoparticles with chitosan (CS) were developed as a carrier system for nasal immunization using recombinant Influenza A virus (A/California/07/2009) H1N1 hemagglutinin (HA) protein, for the induction of humoral, cellular and mucosal immunity. CS coated PCL (CS-PCL) nanoparticles were characterized in vitro for their percent yield, size, shape, entrapment efficiency, loading capacity and zeta potential. The in vitro release and antigen integrity were also evaluated.

An update on Murraya koenigii spreng: a multifunctional Ayurvedic herb.

Murraya koenigii Spreng (Rutaceae), a medicinally important herb of Indian origin, has been used for centuries in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. Leaves, fruits, roots and bark of this plant are a rich source of carbazole alkaloids. These alkaloids have been reported for their various pharmacological activities such as antitumor, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrhoeal, diuretic and antioxidant activities.

Non-ionic surfactant vesicles mediated transcutaneous immunization against hepatitis B.

Transcutaneous immunization (TI) has many practical merits compared to parenteral routes of administration. In the present study, non ionic surfactant vesicular carrier, i.e.

Lactoferrin-conjugated dendritic nanoconstructs for lung targeting of methotrexate.

The present investigation was aimed at developing and exploring the potential of lactoferrin (Lf)-conjugated dendritic nanocomposite for lung targeting of methotrexate (MTX). The 5.0 G poly(propylene imine) (PPI) dendrimer and Lf-conjugated 5.

Evaluation of dendrimer safety and efficacy through cell line studies.

Dendrimers, by virtue of their therapeutic value, have recently generated enormous interest among biomedical scientists. Advancement of dendrimeric nano-architecture with well defined size, shape and controlled exterior functionality embraces promise in biomedical and pharmaceutical applications such as drug delivery, solubilization, DNA transfection and diagnosis. Highly branched, monodisperse, stable molecular level and low polydispersity with micelle-like behavior possessing nano-scale container property distinguish these structures as inimitable and optimum carrier for those applications.

Chondroitin sulphate decorated nanoparticulate carriers of 5-fluorouracil: development and in vitro characterization.

The present study investigates prospective of tailored nanoparticles as vectors to provide improved therapeutic efficacy of encapsulated anti-cancer drug 5-FU. Condritin Sulphate (CS) conjugated PLGA nanoparticles were prepared using PEG-bis-amine and adipic dihydrazide as spacers and loaded with an anti-cancer drug 5-FU (CS-PEG-PLGA-FU and CS-ADH-PLGA-FU). The formulations were then compared with non CS-anchored monomethoxy(polyethylene glycol) (MPEG-PLGA-FU) nanoparticles.

Cancer targeting potential of some ligand-anchored poly(propylene imine) dendrimers: a comparison.

Unlabelled: The present investigation was aimed at developing and comparing the cancer-targeting potential of ligand-anchored dendrimers. Folate-, dextran-, and galactose-anchored poly(propylene imine) dendrimers were synthesized and characterized. Dendritic formulations were evaluated for ex vivo cytotoxicity on HeLa and SiHa cell lines.

Effect of Benincasa hispida fruits on testosterone-induced prostatic hypertrophy in albino rats.

Background: Benincasa hispida Cogn. has been used traditionally in India for the management of urinary disorders. The fruit of B hispida is used as a diuretic and the seeds have been reported to possess antiangiogenic effects in prostate cells.

Carrier mediated protein and peptide stabilization.

Proteins and peptides are complex macromolecules that are prone to change in their native structure during storage, which causes undesired side-effects after their administration. During past decades, bioactive carriers have played an important role in stabilization of proteins. Incorporation of the protein and peptides into a particulate carrier can protect it against degradation in vitro and in vivo, the release can be controlled,and it also offers possibilities for targeting.

Prediction of HIV-1 protease inhibitory activity of 4-hydroxy-5,6-dihydropyran-2-ones: QSAR study.

Inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) protease is an important strategy for the treatment of HIV and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Therefore, HIV-1 protease inhibitory activity of dihydropyranone derivatives has been analyzed with different physico-chemical parameters. In the present work, QSAR studies were performed on a series of 4-hydroxy-5,6-dihydropyran-2-ones to explore the physico-chemical parameters responsible for their HIV-1 protease inhibitory activity.

Pulmonary toxicity of carbon nanotubes: a systematic report.

Unlabelled: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are nanosized cylindrical hollow tubes consisting entirely of the element carbon. Currently, CNTs are playing an important role in drug delivery as a carrier system because of their several unique physical and chemical properties. Studies show that CNTs are toxic and that the extent of that toxicity depends on properties of the CNTs, such as their structure (single wall or multiple wall), length and aspects ratios, surface area, degree of aggregation, extent of oxidation, bound functional group(s), method of manufacturing, concentration, and dose.

Curculigo orchioides: the black gold with numerous health benefits.

Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. (family Amaryllidaceae) is an endangered rasayana herb which is popularly known as "Kali Musli". The plant is native to India, and holds a special position as a potent adaptogen and aphrodisiac in Ayurvedic system of medicine.

Micro- and nanocarrier-mediated lung targeting.

Importance Of The Field: Drug delivery to lungs appears to be an attractive proposition on account of the large surface area of the alveolar region; it provides tremendous opportunities to improve drug therapies both systemically and locally using new drug delivery systems. Administration of drugs directly to the lungs is the most appropriate route in the treatment of asthma and other pulmonary diseases such as tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer.

Areas Covered In This Review: This review focuses on the utilization of nano- and microcarriers such as microspheres, nanoparticles, liposomes, niosomes and dendrimers for targeted delivery of bioactive molecules to lungs.

Development characterizations and evaluation of Poly(-ε-caprolactone)-based microspheres for hepatitis B surface antigen delivery.

The major disadvantage of several currently available vaccines is the need for repeated administrations. The aim of the study was to develop long-acting microspheres based on poly(-ε-caprolactone) (PCL) for delivery of recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen (rHBsAg). PCL microspheres were prepared for induction of humoral and cellular immunity by intramuscular administration.

Potential approaches for drug delivery to the brain: past, present, and future.

The objective of this article is to provide the reader with an update on some research highlights from the past to the present, as well as future possibilities to achieve improved delivery of drugs across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In the past, dye studies confirmed the presence of the BBB and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barriers, which seem to play a major role in transporting drug molecules for the treatment of life-threatening diseases such as brain cancer and Alzheimer's. Presently, transportation mechanisms such as simple diffusion, carrier-mediated, absorptive-mediated, and receptor-mediated transcytosis are extensively used for BBB uptake of drug molecules.

Production and partial characterization of collagenase of Streptomyces exfoliatus CFS 1068 using poultry feather.

Streptomyces exfoliatus CFS 1068, an isolate of cultivated field soil, produced maximum collagenase activity (58.19 +/- 0.83 U ml-1 min-1) in 5 days when soybean meal and starch were used as nitrogen and carbon sources, respectively at pH 7 and 30 degrees C in shake cultures (150 rpm).

Effect of Chlorophytum Borivilianum Santapau and Fernandes on sexual dysfunction in hyperglycemic male rats.

Objective: To investigate the effects of Chlorophytum borivilianum (CB) on sexual dysfunction, loss of body weight, and lack of libido in hyperglycemic rats induced with streptozotocin or alloxan.

Methods: Wistar strain male albino rats were divided into five groups of six animals each: the control group (2% polyvinylpyrollidone solution), the streptozotocin control group (50 mg/kg), the alloxan control group (100 mg/kg), the streptozotocin + CB treated group (200 mg/kg), and the alloxan + CB treated group (200 mg/kg). Only after confirming the induction of diabetes, the animals of test groups were treated with CB.

Non-polymeric nano-carriers in HIV/AIDS drug delivery and targeting.

Development of an effective drug delivery approach for the treatment of HIV/AIDS is a global challenge. The conventional drug delivery approaches including Highly Active Anti Retroviral Therapy (HAART) have increased the life span of the HIV/AIDS patient. However, the eradication of HIV is still not possible with these approaches due to some limitations.

Enhanced oral bioavailability of griseofulvin via niosomes.

The aim of the present report was to develop nonionic surfactant vesicles (niosomes) to improve poor and variable oral bioavailability of griseofulvin. Niosomes were prepared by using different nonionic surfactants span 20, span 40, and span 60. The lipid mixture consisted of surfactant, cholesterol, and dicetyl phosphate in the molar ratio of 125:25:1.

Preparation, characterization and evaluation of targeting potential of amphotericin B-loaded engineered PLGA nanoparticles.

Purpose: The objective of present work was to develop a mannose-anchored, engineered nanoparticulate system for efficient delivery of amphotericin B to macrophages. Furthermore, the effect of spacer on macrophage targeting was also evaluated.

Methods: PLGA was conjugated to mannose via direct coupling (M-PLGA) and via PEG spacer (M-PEG-PLGA), and engineered PLGA nanoparticles (M-PNPs and M-PEG-PNPs) were prepared from respective conjugates.