Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine

1-5

Authors: Dilip Chandrasekhar, Saraswathy R, Krishnan, N. V

Objective: An attempt was made to study the use of papaya pulp powder as a disintegrant in tablet formulations. The objective of the present work is to identify a natural binding and disintegrating agent for formulating tablets and to study the effect of disintegrating agents and binding agents on the dissolution of the formulation containing paracetamol. Methods: Papaya pulp powder is obtained from unripe papaya fruit. The fruit was screened for its physical and chemical characteristics and used in tablet formulations. In order to find out the percentage that could be used to formulate a product containing good disintegrating and dissolution characteristics, several formulations (Paracetamol) with different concentrations of 8%,10%,12%,15%,20%,25% & 30% were prepared. As a comparison, an already established disintegrant, sodium starchgylcolate was selected and several formulations containing similar concentrations, were also prepared. The in vitro evaluation of the formulations were undertaken, and the results compared. In the present study preformulation studies on the purity, development of calibration curve of the drug and the compatibility between the drug and excepients were carried out. The fruits were cut into small pieces, grated, dried and powdered, passed through different sieves and made into fine powder. Fine powder of papaya was mixed with required amount of drug and sodium starchgylcolate individually in different concentrations along with other additives & binding agents. The dried granules were compressed into tablets and all the formulated dosage forms of paracetamol tablets were subjected to quality control tests like hardness disintegration and dissolution. Results: From the results it was observed that formulations S1 and P7 containing 8% of sodium starchgylcolate and 30% of papaya pulp powder showed good disintegration and dissolution characteristics. Conclusion: Since the tablet formulation P7 containing 30% of papaya pulp powder shows good disintegration and dissolution characteristics and also falls with in the limits of other tablet evaluation parameter, it justifies the possible use of papaya pulp powder as a disintegrant in tablet formulation. The percentage of papaya pulp powder to be used could depend on the nature of the formulation and other excepients used along with it.

13-18

Authors: O.A. Odeku, M.A. Odeniyi, G.O. Ogunlowo

Objective: The influence of two experimental starches ginger starch obtained from Zingiber officinale and banana starch fromMusa sapientum on the mechanical and disintegration properties of chloroquine tablets have been studied in comparison with the influence of official corn starch. Methods: Chloroquine tablets were formulated using various concentarions of the starches as binding agent. The mechanical properties of the tablets were assessed in terms of crushing strength and friability and the crushing strengthfriability ratio (CSFR) while drug release properties were evaluated based on disintegration and the time of tablets. Results: The ranking for crushing strength and CSFR was corn >banana>ginger starch while the ranking was reverse for friability. The disintegration time increased with packing fraction and starch concentration in the rank order of formulations containing corn >banana>ginger starch. The CSFR/DT values increased with concentration of starch binder indicating an improved balance between binding and disintegrant properties of the starches. Statistical analysis showed that there were significant (P<0.001) difference in the CSFR/DT for tablets containing the various starch binders. Conclusion: The mechanical and disintegration properties of the experimental starches compared favorably with those of corn starch and ginger starch could be more useful when faster tablet disintegration is desired.

25-29

Authors: Nwodo NJ, Omeje EO, Brun R

Objective: Aqueous extracts of Zapoteca portoricensis are used traditionally as antidiarrhea agent and in the treatment of diverse gastrointestinal disorders here in Nigeria specifically, the southern part. Similarly, the aqueous extract of the plant is also used traditionally as anticonvulsant, antispasmodic and in the treatment of tonsillitis. Recently too, the antiinflammatory and antimicrobial activities of the methanol extracts of the root of Zapoteca portoricensis was reported. In this research, we are set to investigate the trypanocidal activity of Zapoteca portoricensis. Methods: The methanol extract of the root of Zapoteca portoricensis was investigated for both in vitro and in vivo trypanocidal activity following established models. In summary, phytochemical analysis was carried out on both the crude powdered root and on the methanol extract following standard procedures. The oral acute toxicity test (LD 50) of the crude methanol extract was determined according to the method described by Lorke (1983). Albino mice (17g-21g) of either sex were used. The methanol extract was suspended in 3 % v/v tween 85 and administered orally at doses of 10 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 1 000 mg/kg to three groups of mice (n=3). The animals were observed for 24 hours. Based on the result obtained in this initial test, doses of 4 mg/kg, 6 mg/kg, and 8 mg/kg were administered to three different mice. The LD 50 was calculated as the geometric mean of the lowest dose killing a mouse and the highest dose showing no death. The in vivo/ in vitro anti-trypanosomal evaluations were carried out in experimental animals and tissue cell culture respectively. Results: The result of the in vitro studies shows the inhibitive concentration 50(IC50) against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (T.b. rhodesiense) to be 0.372 mg/kg, while the control drug melarsoprol was 0.006 mg/kg. On Trypanosoma brucei brucei (T. cruzi), the IC50 is 6.42 mg/kg against 0.87 of the reference drug Benznidazole. The cyctotoxicity on L6 cells exhibited an IC50 of 0.039 6 mg/kg against the reference drug, podophyllotoxin of 0.01 mg/kg. However, the in vivo study shows that the extract, at the administered doses, could not exhibit appreciable reduction of parasitemia and hence resulted to the death of test animals. Conclusion: The present data suggests that Zapoteca portoricensis could yield useful leads for the development of potentially potent antitrypanocides.

35-41

Authors: Gheeraratana Cheeramakara, Kriyaporn Songmueng, Wanyarat Nakosiri, Montri Chairojana, Arag Vitittheeranon, Nopchai Suthisai, Nongnuch Jangsawang, Channarong Sanghiran, Apichart Nontprasert

Objective: To investigate the effects of radiation on growtharrested (GA) and micronucleusproduction (MP) rates, and the radioprotective properties of Thai medicinal plants in mouse macrophage cell line RAW264.7 in vitro. Methods: Mouse macrophage cell line (RAW264.7) was culturedin vitro. Various radiation exposures, growtharrested rate assay, micronucleus production assay, and radioprotection by Thai medicinal plants were performed. Results: The results showed that GA and MP rates for γrays and UV were dosedependent. The 50%affected dose of γ and UV radiation for the GA rate was 10 Gy and 159 microwatt/cm2 for 0.5 seconds, respectively. After Xray exposure, there was no apparent effect on RAW264.7 cells, even with a fortyfold human diagnostic dose. Two exposures to γ radiation at 20 Gy resulted in a significantly higher MP rate than 20 Gy single exposure or control (P<0.05). The Thai medicinal plants (Kaminchun capsules, Curcuma longa Linn; Hed lingeu, Ganoderma lucidum; Ya Pakking capsule, Murdannia loriformis) could not prevent cell damage, but epigallocatechin gallate and Lcysteine could provide protection from 2 Gy γray exposure. Conclusion: γ radiation caused chromosomal damage during cell division and UV caused cell death, while Xray radiation was safe. The radioprotective effects of Thai medicinal plants, Kaminchun, Hed lingeu, and Ya Pakking, could not prevent cell damage in this study.

45-48

Authors: Rishad A, Patil BS, Das KK

Objective: Relevance of estimation of pleural adenosine deaminase (PADA) and serum adenosine deaminase (SADA) levels in pleural effusion especially in cases of lymphocytic predominant exudative tubercular effusions. Methods: Fifty patients (33 male and 17 female; age: 44.12±11.51 years) with pleural effusions were selected to assay adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity in pleural fluid and serum in adjunct to pleural fluid analysis. Effusions were individually classified as transudates or exudates after careful evaluation of all the biochemical parameters of pleural fluid and serum of patients and on the basis of Light's criteria. Cutoff value for PADA was taken as 60U/L and that for pleural/serum ADA ratio (P/S ADA) was 1.8. Results: Fourtythree patients had exudative effusions among which 38 patients had tuberculous pleural effusions and 5 had nontubercular effusions. 7 cases were transudates. Mean PADA levels in tubercular group (78.95±25.32 U/L) were found to be much higher P=0.000 0) than nontubercular (23.00±5.22 U/L) group. SADA levels in tubercular group (31.05±6.42 U/L) were significantly higher (P=0.000 0) as compared to nontubercular group (15.58±8.35 U/L). PADA cutoff at 60 U/L yielded sensitivity and specificity of 81.5% and 100% respectively, whereas P/S ADA ratio at 1.8 gave sensitivity and specificity of 84.2% and 75% respectively. A positive correlation (r=0.507, P= 0.001 1) between PADA and SADA was found in tubercular group but no such correlation (r=0.302, P=0.340 7) was observed in nontubercular group. Conclusion: The measurement of ADA in tubercular pleural effusions has not only relevance but also a high diagnostic utility when other clinical and laboratory tests are either negative or confusing.

54-59

Authors: Abdulqadir Maghded Zangana, Bashar Hanna Saqat

Objective: To review the problems encountered in surgical treatment of complicated pulmonary hydatid cysts and to evaluate the functional results in the surgery of complicated hydatid cysts. Methods: The medical records for 89 patients with complicated pulmonary hydatidosis were retrospectively investigated. The series consisted of 47 male and 42 female patients with a mean age of 32±8 years. Study performed during January 2000 to December 2007, all patients were treated surgically. Data related to surgical procedures performed, postoperative morbidity, hospitalization time, and cyst recurrence were collected from each individual's records, and the group findings were compared. Results: Among these cysts, 58 were perforated, 23 were infected, and 13 were cysts with pleural complications. Cystotomy plus capitonnage was the most frequently performed operative technique (n=43), followed by cystotomy plus closure of bronchial openings (n=28), pericystectomy plus capitonnage (n=13), decortications (n=7), lobectomy and segmentectomy (n=3). The 11 cases with coexisting liver cysts were approached by right thoracophrenotomy. Postoperative complications developed in 12 patients (13.4%). Conclusion: Surgery is the primary mode of treatment for patients with pulmonary hydatid disease. Complicated cases have higher rates of preoperative and postoperative complications and require longer hospitalization time and more extensive surgical procedures than uncomplicated cases. This underlines the need for immediate surgery in any patient who is diagnosed with pulmonary hydatidosis when it is indicated.

68-75

Authors: Adenike A.O. Ogunshe, Oluwafunmilayo G. Oyero, Olalekan P. Olabode

Objective: To evaluate the in vitro inhibitory potential of commonly available antibiotic (discs) and paediatric suspensions against bacterial species from poliopositive faecal specimens. Methods: Commonly available antibiotic (discs) and oral, paediatric suspensions were screened for in vitro inhibitory activities against bacterial species from infantile poliopositive faecal specimens, using agar discdiffusion and modified agar well-diffusion methods. Results: Isolated bacteria were Bacillus cereus, B. subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Aeromonas hydrophila, Citrobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Pr. vulgaris, Shigella dysenteriae, Sh. flexneri, Sh. sonnei and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Overall phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility rates among Gram-positive bacterial species were between 33.3% (augmentin) and 75.0% (chloramphenicol, erythromycin and gentamicin); higher susceptibility rates (48.6%-100.0%) were recorded among Gramnegative bacterial species, while between 7.8%/10.1% (metronidazole/ampicillin) and 25.2%/28.1 % (cotrimoxazole/septrin) were recorded towards paediatric antibiotics. Conclusions: Bacterial species from polio-positive fecal specimens are minimally susceptible to commonly available oral paediatric antibiotic suspensions in Nigeria.

78-79

Authors: Amit Agrawal, Arvind Bhake

We report a case of hypodense cerebellar tuberculoma in a 26 year old postpartum lady who presented with one episode of generalized tonic-clonic seizures and discuss the histopathology findings where on CT scan the lesion was suspected as low grade glioma. She was started on isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol and pyridoxine. She is asymptomatic and had no neurological deficits at follow up.