Journal of Contemporary Pharmacy

Development and characterization of diacerein cream with curcuma longa having potent anti-inflammatory effect

2024-08-11T06:39:16-05:00

Objective: Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, affects an increasing number of people and greatly diminishes their quality of life. Treatments for Osteoarthritis are divided into two categories: NSAIDs, which provide symptomatic relief, and disease-modifying agents. Diacerein, a disease-modifying agent, targets critical disease mechanisms and effectively slows the progression of structural changes in patients with knee Osteoarthritis. This study aims to develop and evaluate a novel cream formulation that combines Diacerein with Curcuma longa, which is renowned for its strong anti-inflammatory properties, to enhance treatment effectiveness in Osteoarthritis. Materials: A cream formulation containing Diacerein (3%) and Curcuma longa (1%) was prepared and evaluated for various physicochemical properties, including homogeneity, pH, spread-ability, tube extrudability, viscosity, and in-vitro drug diffusion, to determine its suitability for topical application. Accelerated stability testing was performed at different temperatures, and the remaining drug content was measured using a UV-Visible spectrophotometer assay. The formulated cream was also assessed for skin irritation and anti-inflammatory effects on albino rabbits. Furthermore, the efficacy of the Diacerein cream was evaluated in knee Osteoarthritis patients using the VAS and Lequesne scales. Results: The results were promising, with the Diacerein cream formulation combined with Curcuma longa extract stored at room temperature (22±5°C) showing the most favorable outcomes for all physicochemical parameters compared to storage at 40°C and 60°C. Conclusion: The formulated cream significantly lowered the scores on the VAS and Lequesne scales, demonstrating its effectiveness in treating knee joint Osteoarthritis. No adverse events were reported, indicating that the formulation is safe for use in Osteoarthritis of the knee joint.

Formulation and evaluation of herbal anti cracking cream from Shorea robusta, Lreca catechu and litharge

2024-05-16T03:18:41-05:00

Objectives: Skin disorders are a common health condition that affects people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, and inflicts injury in a variety of ways. If the cracks in the heels are severe, they can be uncomfortable and bleed when a person stands up. So, the basic purpose of preparing an anti-cracking moisturizing cream is to provide soothing and moisturizing effects on the xerotic skin of heels. The main objective of our research is to prepare a herbal anti-cracking cream that contains herbal ingredients that have strong healing properties for cracked and bleeding heels. Methods: This anti-cracking cream contains Herbal ingredients that are Raal safed, Katha safed and Murdar sang. It also contains oleic acid, urea, lanolin, mineral oil, and salicylic acid and the method used was emulsion type. Results: The color of the Cream is brown, the odor is pleasant, smooth appearance, pH of the cream was found to be 6.5, with excellent spread ability, and safe to use for the skin. Conclusion: Anticracking cream with moisturizing characteristics is made to treat diabetes complications such as diabetic neuropathy, diabetic foot ulceration, and other foot issues. All ingredients which are used in the formulation are effective in treating wound healing. After evaluating several criteria for anti-cracking cream, it was discovered that all results were within acceptable limits.

A cross-sectional study on treatment and preventive measures of dengue fever

2024-07-22T13:34:05-05:00

Objective: The Arbovirus known as dengue belongs to the Flaviviridae class. Asymptomatic to severe illnesses (dengue haemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome) are the clinical spectrum of its expression. Despite the fact that this condition has been subject of extensive investigation, there is currently no cure. The goal of current study was to describe socioeconomic determinants and knowledge, attitude, and practice status of dengue treatment among population of Pakistan. Methods: From March 2023 to January 2024, cross-sectional survey involving 252 randomly chosen participants from various regions of Karachi were carried out. Systematic questionnaire was utilized to gather information about participant’s sociodemographic traits and their understanding of dengue fever and their practices for treating it. Factors related to awareness and comprehension of dengue were looked into independently by using IBM SPSS Statistics 20. Results: The majority of respondents were aware of dengue, yet they continued to have false beliefs about the areas where Aedes breeds. Misconceptions about Aedes breeding in unclean water were held by around half of the survey participants, and some were aware that Aedes bites most frequently at dawn and dusk. The level of preventative activity was marginally lower than the level of knowledge, despite a substantial (p<0.05) correlation between the two. Conclusion: As dengue spreads in Pakistan, it is critical to step up health promotion efforts by launching campaigns to dispel widespread misconceptions and information gaps regarding the disease and its treatment.

Formulation and evaluation of mucoadhesive gastro-retentive tablets of domperidone

2022-09-06T12:16:07-05:00

Objective: This study was aimed at the formation and evaluation of the mucoadhesive gastro-retentive tablet of domperidone to overcome the drawbacks related to the oral administration of drugs. These gastro retentive formulations stay in the stomach for a longer time to provide prolonged gastric retention time. Methods: Mucoadhesive tablets were prepared by using Carbopol 940, sodium alginate, HPMC, and other polymer combinations in five formulations. Before tablet preparation, pre-formulation studies were performed i.e., bulk characterization, crystallinity, hygroscopicity, micrometric properties, melting point, particle size distribution, solubility, and stability analysis. The method of wet granulation was used for the formation of mucoadhesive gastro-retentive tablets of domperidone. Five formulations were evaluated for physical parameters using official methods mentioned in USP pharmacopeia, mucoadhesive strength & time, and swelling index. The USP-II dissolution apparatus with 1.2 HCl buffer was used for performing an in-vitro dissolution study for 24 hours. The optimized formulation was evaluated for compatibility studies using FTIR and DSC studies. Results: Among the five formulations the F5 was the optimized formulation because of its drug content, mucoadhesive strength, in-vitro drug release, and swelling index (7hr) of the optimized formulation 95.92 ± 0.62%, 26.98 ± 1.0gm, 93.16%, and 3.673% respectively. The release kinetics indicated that the F3 to F5 followed Higuchi’s equation and non-fickian release which means F5 was dependent on both diffusion and dissolution thus the system is both diffusion and dissolution controlled. The resultant peaks of FTIR and DSC studies showed almost no drug-polymer interaction, which indicated physiochemical compatibility of drug and polymer in the optimized formulation. Conclusion: Hence concluded that the F5 was an optimized formulation that contained 84gm of Carbopol 940 and was found suitable for all performed evaluating parameters.

Fabrication and characterization of colon targeted ibuprofen nanoparticles

2024-05-12T12:58:51-05:00

Aim: The objective of our study was to formulate a nanoparticulate drug delivery system that provides controlled delivery of ibuprofen directly targeting colon leading to optimized dosage, reduced side effects ultimately increasing bioavailability and to explore formulation optimization parameters. Methodology: Colon targeted ibuprofen nanoparticles were prepared by solvent evaporation method. Analysis of formulation was performed for surface morphology, percentage entrapment efficiency, particle size, zeta potential, content uniformity, in vitro drug release and Stability assessment. Result: The ultimate optimized conditions found were 1500rpm, 0.1% W/V Tween 80 stabilizer and 1:10 organic to aqueous ratio. Among 6 formulations of ibuprofen nanoparticles analyzed, F1 (with 0.1% Tween 80 stabilizer) was found to be optimized with highest percentage release 99.64%, mean particle diameter 586 nm, smooth surfaces, 88.36% encapsulation efficiency, zeta potential-49mV and controlled release of drug over 8 hours. Conclusion: The optimized stable formulation F1 results showcased that 1500 rpm, 0.1% W/V Tween 80 stabilizer and 1:10 organic to aqueous ratio are optimized parameters of colon targeted ibuprofen nanoparticles preparation with formulation being cost effective with its remarkable enhancement of bioavailability.

Frequency of heart complication in beta thalassemia major children at tertiary care hospital

2024-05-27T06:51:32-05:00

Objective: to evaluate the prevalence of cardiac problems, including myocardial iron deposition, pericarditis, and valvular abnormalities, among people with β-thalassemia and to shed light on the distribution of β-thalassemia and hemoglobin levels within these populations. Methods: Hemoglobin levels, β-thalassemia status, and cardiac problems were measured in two groups of people: those who attended school and those who did not. The information in the data contained the β-thalassemia status (Yes/No) and hemoglobin levels grouped into specified ranges (e.g., <8.0 g/dl, 8-8.9 g/dl). information was documented for both groups on cardiac problems, such as arrhythmias, cardiomyopathies, pericarditis, myocardial iron deposition, heart failure, and valvular abnormalities. The frequency and percentages of people with β-thalassemia, hemoglobin levels, and cardiac problems within each group were ascertained by analyzing the collected data. Result: The investigation produced some interesting results about hemoglobin levels, cardiac problems, and the prevalence of β-thalassemia in people who attend school and those who do not. Of those attending school, most had hemoglobin levels between 9 and 10.9 g/dl, and β-thalassemia impacted a sizable portion of them. Cardiac problems were common in school-age β-thalassemia patients, especially myocardial iron deposition and pericarditis. Likewise, β-thalassemia was shown to be more prevalent in non-school-going individuals, exhibiting a spectrum of hemoglobin levels and cardiac problems. Conclusion: the significance of early identification, surveillance, and treatment approaches for β-thalassemia-associated consequences, especially heart-related problems including pericarditis and myocardial iron accumulation. Furthermore, the research highlights the necessity of all-encompassing care and customized therapies to enhance outcomes and quality of life for β-thalassemia patients, with a specific emphasis on the avoidance and handling of cardiac issues.

Improving paclitaxel delivery: Liposomal encapsulation for enhanced solubility, stability and targeted therapy

2024-08-26T21:24:33-05:00

Background: Paclitaxel, a potent anti-neoplastic agent, finds application in treating various malignancies like breast, ovarian, lung, and pancreatic cancers. However, paclitaxel's hydrophobicity renders it poorly soluble in water, hindering its therapeutic efficacy. Originally isolated from the Pacific Yew tree (Taxus brevifolia) in the 1960s, it has become a cornerstone of cancer treatment. Liposomes offer a promising strategy to address paclitaxel's solubility limitations. These microscopic vesicles, composed of lipid bilayers, have the potential to improve drug antitumor efficacy. Objectives: This study investigated the potential of liposomal encapsulation to: Improve the solubility and stability of paclitaxel, enable targeted delivery for a more precise therapeutic approach, potentially enhancing paclitaxel's therapeutic index. Methods: Five liposomal encapsulation of paclitaxel was achieved using the thin film hydration method with a rotary evaporator. Pre-formulation studies were conducted to assess paclitaxel's suitability for liposomal formulation. These included physical examination, melting point determination, solubility analysis and UV-visible spectral analysis for determining the absorbance maximum. Additionally, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was employed to evaluate compatibility between the drug and excipients. Results: The liposomes had a mean particle size of 92.4±0.238 nm, an entrapment efficiency of 87.2±0.504 and acceptable drug loading of 7.654±0.49. The liposome is best stored at 4⁰ C and has melting point of 216⁰ C. The solubility analysis is carried through UV spectrophotometer. The in vitro dissolution of formulation is carries out with help of dd solver and kinetic parameters were employed namely zero order, first order, Higuchi and Korsmeyer Pappas were employed. The Korsmeyer-Peppas is best fit and n values around 0.6. The stability analysis was carried with DSC which shows to be compatible with polymers below 100⁰ C and degradation above 100⁰ C. Conclusion: Liposomal formulations hold significant promise in cancer therapy due to their biocompatibility and low toxicity profile.

A review on ethosomes as nanocarrier for skin delivery of drugs

2024-09-08T18:46:27-05:00

Ethosomes are novel lipid and ethanolic phospholipid vesicles that are primarily employed for medication administration through the skin. These nanocarriers are designed to carry therapeutic delivery of drugs with varying physicochemical qualities into skin layers. Ethosomes have a better penetration rate into the skin than liposomes, so they can be used to replace liposomes. Ethosomes' enhanced penetration is most likely due to their ethanolic component. Ethanol enhances the lipid fluidity of the cell membrane, resulting in greater ethosome skin penetrability. These ethosomes penetrate the skin, fusing with the cell membrane of lipids to release the medication. Since their discovery in 1996, ethosomes have undergone substantial investigation; additional substances were added to their basic formula, resulting in the development of various types of ethosomes such as classical, binary, and transethosomes. These are created using hot, cold and other procedures. Different types of materials are used for ethosomal formulation. Size, drug content, shape, zeta potential, and other properties are evaluated by using different techniques. Some ethosomal formulation are available in market like Supravir cream, Decorin cream etc. This review provides a thorough examination of the impacts of ethosomal system elements, production techniques, and their critical roles in defining the final characteristics of these nanocarriers.

Monkeypox: Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and strategies for global health response

2024-12-07T09:24:46-06:00

The animal disease is caused by the monkey virus, an orthopox virus associated with smallpox. Although endemic to central and western Africa, recent outbreaks in germ-free areas have raised global health concerns. The disease spreads through contact with contaminated objects, people, or animals. Clinically, monkeypox manifests as fever, rash, and arthritis. Side effects such as respiratory problems and secondary infections can also occur and in rare cases can be fatal. This work overviews monkey disease research, emphasizing epidemiology, clinical symptoms, and therapeutic approaches. It looks at the role of vectors, the effectiveness of smallpox vaccines, and the challenge of controlling an epidemic outbreak, especially in areas with limited resources requiring monitoring of Si on, public health education, and research on potential chronic infections Reform emphasizes the effectiveness of vaccines, Purpose of this document in and that our knowledge of monkey disease is designed to provide and provide guidance for future research and public health intervention strategies.

A review on the prevalence of breast cancer in Pakistan

2024-12-21T06:22:38-06:00

Breast cancer is frequently diagnosed cancer of females all over the world. The most common cancer in Pakistan also is breast cancer. Breast cancer incidence in Pakistan i490[4944ut58u95[4o[-qwl[21[3p[p3`]3p1’3[4pv os 2.5 times greater than that in nearby countries like India and Iran. The breast cancer associated risk factors are age, early menarche, family history, alcohol consumption and low socioeconomic status. Breast cancer is accounted for 23% of all cancer cases worldwide. In Asia Pakistan has the highest incidence rate of breast cancer except that in Jews and Israel. In Pakistan every year minimum of 90,000 females exposed to breast cancer. The breast cancer frequency in Karachi Pakistan is 69.1 per 100,000. This review article is aimed to provide update knowledge and comparative analysis about the prevalence, risk factors and incidence rate of breast cancer in Pakistan.