Current Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences

134-141

Authors: Ashish Kumar Parashar and Rajesh Kumar Nema

Drug delivery to brain is still a challenging task due to the presence of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), a very restrictive barrier mainly composed of tightly sealed endothelial cells. The anatomy and physiology of BBB strictly regulates the brain access and clearance of endogenous and exogenous molecules from the systemic circulation. It is estimated that more than 98% of the new discovered central nervous system (CNS) potential drugs does not cross the BBB, failing to achieve therapeutic concentration within the brain parenchyma. Recent developments in the field of molecular biology enabled scientists to better understand the BBB and thus delivery of drugs to the brain, particularly under different pathological conditions. The aims of this Review are to outline current research in the field of brain barriers, the main advances made since 2000, the barriers to progress, and to recommend research priorities and the resources needed to advance the field. Applications of nanotechnology in drug transport, receptor-mediated targeting and transport, and finally cell-mediated drug transport will be discuss in the review. The challenge of delivering an effective dose of drug to the brain is formidable; solutions will likely involve multiple strategies that take into account the novel drug delivery systems as well as BBB biology.

149-152

Authors: Sweeti Jain, Minakshi Sharma, Rachana A Giri and A K Pathak

The aim of the study was to evaluate comparative antioxidant activity of different extract of Andrographispaniculata(AP) and Asparagus racemosus(AR). Simultaneously to observe the antioxidant effect of polyherbal formulation of both plant. In present study alcoholic and water extract of both plants was prepared and antioxidant activity was measured by nitric oxide scavenging activity and TBARS method (in vitro) and lipid peroxidation method (in vivo). Results indicate 1) Alcoholic extract of AR is more active than its aqueous extract. 2) Aqueous extract of AP is more active than its alcoholic extract. 3) Mixture of both alcoholic extract (polyherbal) show the high antioxidant activity compare to solo extract.

160-165

Authors: Ruchi Bhatia, Priyanka Rathore and Satish Nayak

A series of 1, 2, 4 triazole derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity by paw edema test. All the synthesized compounds were in good agreement with spectral and physical data. Most of the compounds synthesized were active and the most potent synthesized compounds showed greater % inhibition than the standard drug ibuprofen. Conclusions could be drawn from the synthesized compounds that sulfonyl group plays an important role in anti-inflammatory activity. The Cut off LD50 was found to be 500mg/kg for all synthesized compounds when given orally.

171-176

Authors: A J Majumdar, A K Parashar and N K Jain

The unfolding development in the field of medical sciences have revolutionized the research in the field of advanced drug delivery. Sustained release or controlled release of drug delivery systems are designed to achieve a prolonged therapeutic effect by continuously releasing medication over an extended period of time after administration of a single dose. These products have been formulated for oral, injectable, and topical use. Several desirable therapeutic advantages can be achieved by using controlled released systems. Since the frequency of drug administration is reduced, patient compliance can be improved. The blood level oscillation characteristic of multiple dosing of conventional dosage forms are reduced, because a more even blood level is maintained. A less obvious advantage, implicit in the design of sustained release forms, is that the total amount of drug administered can be reduced; thus maximizing availability with a minimum dose.

180-185

Authors: Nidhi Jain and A K Pathak

Type 2 diabetes has become a global epidemic. Modern medicines, despite offering a variety of effective treatment options, can have several adverse effects. Ayurveda, a science that uses herbal medicines extensively, originated in India. From ancient times, some of these herbal preparations have been used in the treatment of diabetes. This paper reviews the accumulated literature for two Indian herbs that have antidiabetic activity and that have been scientifically tested. The name of these herbs, are Cucurbita maxima and Legenariasiceraria have been reported to be beneficial for treating type 2 diabetes. Mechanisms such as the stimulating or regenerating effect on beta cells or extra pancreatic effects are proposed for the hypoglycemic action of these herbs.