Usha K

To develop and evaluate Push Pull Osmotic tablets of ketorolac Tromethamine (KT). Core tablets of KT were formulated by wet granulation method using polymers (HPMC K4M, K15M) , coated with semipermeable membrane (cellulose acetate), plasticizer (PEG 400) , pore former (D- sorbitol) and osmogen (sodium chloride). Compatibility studies were carried out using Differential Scanning Calorimetry(DSC), no incompatibility between the drug and polymers observed. The Physical properties of tablets were evaluated for thickness, hardness, friability, drug content, effect of osmotic agent, percentage of pore former, pH, agitational intensity, weight gain, osmotic pressure and in vitro drug release for 12 hours. Release studies best fitted to zero order pattern, indicating drug release was non-Fickian, independent of pH and agitational intensity. The system is simple, cost effective and alternative to conventional osmotic pump since sophisticated laser drilling technique is not required.

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (Family -Nymphaeaceae) commonly known as Indian lotus. Also known as the sacred lotus has been used in the indigenous system of medicine. Phytochemical constituents, free radical scavenging activity and total antioxidant activity of various extracts of Nelumbo nucifera flowers were carried out in the study. Phytochemicals were extracted from Nelumbo nucifera flowers using various solvents such as aqueous, benzene, chloroform, ethanol, ethyl acetate and methanol and petroleum ether. Screening of phytochemicals showed positive results for the presence of flavanoids, alkaloids, phenols, glycosides, carbohydrates and tannins. Phytochemicals were best extracted in methanol. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was measured in terms of reducing power and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity. The methanolic extract was found to possess comparatively higher antioxidant properties. So, the present data suggests that methanolic extract of lotus flower constitute significant amounts of phytochemical compounds and are good source of antioxidants.