Shaundarya Kumar

Some of the natural macromolecules have been used to prepare NPs. These polymers include gelatin, alginate, chitosan and PLGA. They are hydrophilic natural polymers and have been used to synthesize biodegradable NPs by various method. Numerous techniques now exist for synthesizing different set of nanoparticles based on the type of drugs used, and the targeted organ and delivery mechanism selected. Depending upon the protocol of choice, the parameters can be tailored to create the best possible characteristics for the nanoparticles. In this manuscript we have reviewed a number of biodegradable nanoparticles currently in use, and the techniques of their preparation. We will also discuss advances in surface modifications, drug encapsulation and specific end applications of various types of NPs. Nanotechnology, although not a new concept, has gained significant momentum in recent years. Due to the recent advances in material science and nano-engineering in the last decade, the nanoparticles have become very attractive for their applications in the fields of biology and medicine. Nanostructured materials are materials with sizes in the 1-100 nm range, which demonstrate unique properties and functions due to their "size effect".Biodegradable nanoparticles (NPs) are gaining increased attention for their ability to serve as a viable carrier for site specific delivery of vaccines, genes, drugs and other biomolecules in the body.

Two sensitive and reproducible methods are described for the quantitative determination of zonisamide in the presence of its degradation products. The first method was based on high performance thin layer chromatographic (HPTLC) followed by densiometric measurements of their spots at 238 nm.the separation was on HPTLC aluminium sheets of silica gel 60 F254, using toluene:ethtyl acetate (6:4 v/v), this system was found to give compact spots for zonisamide after development (Rf value 0.49.). The second method based on high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) of the drug from its degradation products on reversed phase Vydac column ODS (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5.0 µ), at ambient temperature using a mobile phase consisting of methanol: water (50:50, v/v) and Retention time was (4.71 min.) Both the methods were validated as ICH guidelines no chromatographic interference from capsule excipients was found. Zonisamide was subjected to acid and alkali hydrolysis, oxidation,and dry heat. The drug was fount to be stable in neutral wet heat and photo- degradation conditions as the proposed analytical methods could effectively separated the drug from its degradation products, they can be employed as stability-indicating.

Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) (Leguminosae) is employed as a herbal medicine. Its seeds are known for their carminative, tonic and antidiabetic effects. A curative dose of Trigonella foenum-graecum also produces antiulcer action1. In this study we have investigated the Ethnopharmacological activities of the aqueous extract of the seeds Trigonella foenum-graecum in normal mice using different route of administration . The methanolic extract administered through the same route produced various effect only at the dose of 1 g/kg body weight. The aqueous extract is under further investigation to determine the chemical structure of the active component. The presence of hypoglycaemic, antiflamatory, antianalgesic activity in aqueous and methanolic extract indicates that the active compounds are polar in nature. The effects of fenugreek seed extract on the alterations in serum thyroid hormone concentrations were studied in adult male mice and rats. Simultaneously, hepatic lipid peroxidation and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes, viz superoxide dismutase  and catalase were examined. Present study reports analgesic activity of petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts of leaves and seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn. Key word: Evaluation, Ethno pharmacological Activity, methi seed.