Evaluation

The Improvement in the nanotechnology brings revolutionary changes & helps in preparing the novel formulations. The proniosomes are solid colloidal particles which may be hydrated immediately before use to yield the aqueous niosome dispersions similar to those that are produced by more cumbersome conventional methods. These proniosomes minimize the problems of niosome physical stability such as leaking, aggregation & fusion provide additional convenience in dosing, transportation, storage & distribution. The proniosomes overcome the disadvantages involved with liposomal & niosomal drug delivery systems. This review focuses on different aspects of proniosome such as components , types, preparation, evaluation & applications.

Microspheres are free flowing particles ranging from 1-1000u. Microspheres are having wide applications in drug delivery system. They are mainly used for targeted drug delivery of anti-cancer agents, ophthalmic agent and can be used for diagnosis purpose. In this article detail discussion was made on the polymers, preparation methods and applications of microspheres in pharmaceutical dosage form development. General methods of preparation are emulsion techniques, phase separation coacervation techniques, spray drying and spray congealing and solvent extraction, in-situ polymerization etc.  Advantages of microspheres use are targeted drug delivery, optimal therapeutic effects and minimum side effects. Recent trends are floating microspheres, radio immobilization using microspheres. Gastro-retentive floating microspheres are low-density systems that have sufficient buoyancy to float over gastric contents and remain in stomach for prolonged period. The drug is released slowly at desired rate resulting in increased gastric retention with reduced fluctuations in plasma drug concentration.

Liquisolid technique is a new approach for delivery of drugs through oral cavity. This technique is suitable for poorly or water insoluble drugs and also for immediate or sustained release formulations. The technique is based upon the admixture of drug loaded solutions or liquid drug with appropriate carrier and coating materials to convert into acceptably flowing and compressible powder. The selection of non-toxic hydrophilic solvent, carrier, coating excipients and its ratios are independent of the individual chemical entities. Indirectly its leads to enhancement of bioavailibity. Liquisolid tablet of drug Tacrolimus were prepared by using PG, PEG 200, PEG 400, glycerin, Tween 80 and Span 80, as non volatile liquid vehicle, respectively. Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressive drug, which have poor water solubility and low bioavailability, so it is suitable for liquisolid technique. Also Tacrolimus is having daily dose 5-10 mg once a daily. FTIR and DSC studies reveal that there was no possible interaction between drug and tablet excipients. All the formulation was evaluated for disintegration time, hardness and friability time, in-vitro dissolution study.

A liposome is a microscopic vesicle consisting of an aqueous core enclosed in one or more phospholipid layers, used to convey vaccines, drugs, enzymes, or other substances to target cells or organs. Liposomes are bilayered structures made of amphipathic (both hydrophobic and hydrophilic) phospholipids/cholesterol that spontaneously form closed structures when hydrated in aqueous solutions. Liposomes are acceptable and superior carriers having ability to encapsulate hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs and protect them from degradation. Topical liposomes have similarity to biological membranes they can store water-soluble and lipophilic substances in their different phases. Moreover, they are similar to the epidermis with respect to their lipid composition, which enables them to penetrate the epidermal barrier to a greater extent compared to other dosage forms. According to studies performed so far liposomes are biodegradable and non-toxic. The really new aspect with liposomes is that they are thought to act not only as drug transporters but also drug localizers. Thus vehicles can transport drugs to the wanted site of action within the skin by preventing systemic absorption and consecutively unwanted effects. The liposomal semisolid formulations could perform therapeutically better effects than the conventional formulations, as prolonged and controlled release topical dosage forms, which may lead to improved efficiency and better patient compliance. Such review giving an emphasis on topically applied liposomal formulations which encompasses methods of preparation, evaluation, mechanisms for enhancement in drug delivery through the skin and regulatory requirements necessitates as topical dosage form.

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.

  The present research has been undertaken with the aim to formulate and evaluate the herbal gel containing A. lebbeck Linn. bark extract. The gel formulation was designed by using aqueous, ethanolic and petroleum ether extracts in varied concentrations along with different polymer. The physiochemical parameters of formulations (pH, viscosity, spreadability etc.) were determined. The results showed that formulation containing 2.5 gm of ethanolic extract of Albezia lebbeck bark have promising effect than other formulations.