Bhatnagar

Context: Inhalation of drugs like salbutamol sulphate (SBS) suffers from low pulmonary deposition due to its micronized size. Objective: (a) to develop submicronic-SBS respiratory fluid, (b) pre-clinical toxicity study, (c) in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation in terms of respiratory fraction, and (d) clinical study to assess safety and efficacy. Methods: Formulation was optimized on basis of particle size and in-vitro nebulization rate. Anderson cascade impaction (ACI) was done to validate its advantage in terms of respirable fraction. Effect on cardiopulmonary parameters (spirometry, pulse-oxymetry, echocardiography and 6-minute walk test) was evaluated and compared with control (n=12). In-vivo pulmonary deposition pattern was compared using gamma scintigraphy. Results: Formulation was optimized with average particle size of 410nm. SBS was radiolabeled with Tc-99m and 99mTc-SBS was found suitable for estimating in-vivo SBS deposition. Preclinical toxicity studies in two-animal species showed no biochemical or behavioural toxicity. In-vitro ACI data showed high respirable fraction (81.7±7.1%) in comparison to control (42.5±3.8%). In-vivo scintigraphy suggested significantly higher pulmonary deposition for test formulation in comparison to control. Better improvement in cardiopulmonary parameters was seen in test treated group. Conclusions: As demonstrated for SBS, nano-sizing may enhance regional pulmonary deposition and provide an attractive therapeutic option for bronchopulmonary disorders like COPD.

Clerodendrum indicum.(L.)Kuntze is commonly known as bharangi, roots and leaves are used in skin and digestive disorders by folk people. In Ayurvedic medicine same is used as cough and pitta suppressant. However, very less work is reported from this plant. The aim of the study in this paper was to evaluate its cytotoxic and antioxidant activity of leaf and bark extracts. Cytotoxic potential was explored using brine shrimp mortality assay and antioxidant potential of the extracts was explored using quantitative TLC based DPPH assay and Qualitative Radical scavenging DPPH assay. An attempt was made to isolate the active fraction of the plant from leaf extract. Out of four extracts   Methanol extracts of leaf (C.indicum) showed significant cytotoxic activity of 90% at the dose of 200µg/ml.  Maximum number of antioxidant bands were obtained in chloroform extract of the leaf sample. Methanol extract of leaf gave a flavonoids fraction which showed promising cytotoxic activity. Thus, study has provided lead and needs elaborate experimentation.

Hospital acquired infections are commonly associated with Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection and treating these infections with chemotherapy is very perilous. The augment of multidrug-resistant strains makes it necessary to discover new classes of antimicrobials and compounds that restrain their resistance mechanisms. In the past few decades, the search for new anti-infective agents has betrothed many research groups in the field of ethno pharmacology. Many focus on determining the antimicrobial activity of plant extracts found in folk medicine, essential oils or isolated compounds. There are a large number of species that have been and are still used as medicinal plants, particularly in folk medicine. In the present study, we analyse the possibility of essential oils as potential antimicrobial crude drugs as well as a source for natural compounds that act as new anti-infectious agents.