Asthma

Montelukast Sodium are formulated as lozenges to provide slow release medicament for the management of chronic asthma and allergic rhinitis. The benefits of prepared lozenges showed increase in bioavailability, reduction in gastric irritation, bypassing of first metabolism and increase in onset of action.The molded lozenges can provide an attractive alternative formulation in allergic conditions.  The lozenges are prepared using sucrose, liquid glucose, Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose K4M (HPMC K4M). Sodium Saccharine along with flavors are used to mask the bitter taste of drug. All the formulations prepared are subjected to various physicochemical parameters like weight variation, hardness, thickness, friability, content uniformity, and moisture content etc. The prepared formulations have a hardness of 8-11 kg/cm2, non-gritty and pleasant mouth feel. Some selected formulations are also tested for drug excipient interactions subjecting to IR Spectral analysis, In vitro release rate studies showed that the drug release for lozenges was maximum in formulation F6 (99.3±0.52%) at 30 minutes.

The use of bronchodilators has been increasing for the past few decades. Study was planned to evaluate the rational use of bronchodilator drugs by analyzing the appropriateness of the prescription. A prospective observational study was conducted in all the patients who were prescribed with bronchodilators in the pediatric ward. The demographic data and the bronchodilator prescribed were recorded in the data entry format. In the study population of 133 wheezing associated with lower respiratory tract infection was the most predominant disorder found in 35.3% children.  Of the 133 pediatric patients, the major prescription was for SABA (Short Acting Bronchodilators) (99.2%). Of which the major prescription was for salbutamol (63.2%). Most of the children with asthma were prescribed with combination therapy of salbutamol and ipratropium (81.3%). In WALRI (Wheezing Associated Lower Respiratory Tract Infection), patient were prescribed with salbutamol (40.4%) and. In acute bronchiolitis, the major prescription was found to be salbutamol and ipratropium combination (70.3%). In 52.6% of the prescriptions bronchodilator were given by nebulization and oral route, 31.6% were given by nebulization. In 95.5% of patient antibiotics were prescribed along with bronchodilators, followed by mucolytic 55.6% .Other concurrent prescriptions were with steroids (38.3%). It was found that 77.4% of pediatric patients not received any oxygen supplementation. The study found over use of antibiotics, sedatives and mucolytics and under use of steroids. Bronchodilator use was optimal but evaluation of therapy was not done commonly. The study highlighted the need for a local protocol and continuing staff and parent education.

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting an estimated 300 million people worldwide and ranks third responsible for hospitalization. In developing regions (Africa, Central and South America, Asia), asthma prevalence is rising sharply with increasing urbanization and westernization.  Plant-based medicines are the 3rd most popular choice of both adults (11 %) and children (6 %) suffering from asthma. WHO encourages, recommends and promotes traditional herbal medicines and their formulations in National Health Care Programme which need to ensure quality control using modern techniques applying suitable standards. Asavas are polyherbal Ayurvedic formulations mentioned in Bhaishajya Ratnawali and its modern English translated version known by the name Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Kanakasava, a polyherbal Ayurvedic asava formulation, consists of Datura metel Linn. Adhatoda vasica Nees.,  Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn., Piper longum Linn., Solanum xanthocarpum Scrad & Wendl, Zingiber officinalis Rosc., Clerodendrum serratum (Linn.) Moon, Mesua ferrea Linn, Abies webbiana Lindl., Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz., has been used traditionally since ages for the treatment of asthma. Standardization of the formulation was done as per API. The results of standardization parameters of pH (3.85 ± 0.029), specific gravity (1.046 ± 0.009), viscosity (1.52 CS ± 0.006), phenolic content (0.079 % w/v ± 0.012%), alcohol content (7.18% v/v ± 0.577), total solid content (14.64 % w/v ± 0.348) and estimation of heavy metals, aflatoxin, pesticide residues, microbial load complies with the official limits.

Anti-asthmatic activity of the alcoholic extract of Physalis angulata roots in ovalbumin induced experimental mice model. The roots were extracted with ethanol and the anti-asthmatic activity of the extract in ovalbumin-induced asthma in albino mice was evaluated. The parameters assessed were assessment of lung inflammation, OVA-specific immunoglobulin E titre by ELISA and histopathology of lung. The extract (100 and 200 mg/kg I.p) inhibited ovalbumin induced asthma by decreasing releasing of inflammatory mediators. Physalis angulata roots extract has potent anti-asthmatic activity. Its anti-asthmatic property probably acts via a reduction in inflammatory mediator’s release. The present study indicates that Physalis angulata has significant anti-asthmatic property.