Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

5

Authors: Sulayman Abid*1, Muhammad Asad Saeed1, Saad Touqeer1, Malik Saadullah2

The present study was aimed to investigate the phytochemistry, toxicity and antimicrobial activity of the two plants Breynia disticha and Vernonia elaegnifolia. Tests for all the major secondary metabolites were carried out whereas acute toxicity studies on rabbits and cytotoxic studies on Artemia salina were performed. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were tested using disk diffusion method. The phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins and other important compounds in the two plants. Antibacterial and antifungal activity was found to be present in both plants. Both plants exhibited no toxicity in in-vitro and in-vivo assays. The present work thus proves the medicinal use of the two safe and potent plants.

7

Authors: Rauf-ur-Rehman1, Farzana Nazar1, Abdul majeed1, Nabeela Ameer1

Alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) is produced in the liver and one of its most important function is to protect the lungs from the neutrophils elastase level enzymes, normal level of AAT in the blood is 1.5-3.5gm/ml, when the AAT is up to 60% the lungs function normally but when it drops below 15% patients are likely to develop Emphysema and liver cirrhosis. Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency is heterogeneous genetic disorder due to mutation of chromosome no 14q32.1 (SERPINA1) that leads to the protease anti-protease imbalance. Alveolar And hepatocyte damage were observed causes which is due to the deficiency of Alpha 1 antitrypsin. Disease effects every system of body like respiratory, hepatic and biliary. The aim of study is to evaluate various diseases associated with AATD. Data was collected from internet using sciencdirect.com, googlescholar.com, pubmed.com. The most common associated diseases with alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency are emphysema, asthma, liver cirrhosis and hepatitis depending the deficiency level of AAT. The best treatment is considered the adminstration of anticholinergics and ipratropium bromide improves the lung functions, however use of bronchodilators improves asthmatic attack also vaccination is carried to prevent the Hepatitis and liver cirrhosis.

11

Authors: Tahira Sultana1, Muhammad Farhan Bashir2, Muhammad Imran Qadir2*

Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) is an autoimmune disease and is also called type 1diabetes. It occurs mostly due to CD8+ and CD4+ T lymphocytes which are actually the T-helper cells and very rarely by some virus and drugs which take the β-cells, insulin and proinsulin as its target. Th-cells may also affect by other ways i.e. by secreting the CXCL10 which are also reactive against the β cells. In these patients there is low level of insulin causing high level of glucose also called hyperglycemia. To treat this autoimmune disorder we take some important steps either against the autoimmune responses or in the favor of proliferation of the β-cells or may take steps for the production of the insulin by either ways. There is possibility to give the patients monoclonal antibodies against the causative agents. We can also use the stem cells from pancreas that can grow to the new matured functional islet of langerhan. Moreover replacement of beta cell mass, non-endocrine cell production, antigen-based therapy, pancreatic transplantation, use of immunosuppressive monocyte and control of IDDM by using naturally found CD4 + CD25+, regulator of T lymphocytes, are other approaches. If we come to know the exact mechanism of CXCL10/CXCR3 system it may also be useful for us to treat the disease.

4

Authors: Mehran Idris Khan

Medical Waste produced by health care activities including a wide range of materials, from used syringes and needles to soiled dressings, diagnostic samples, body parts, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, blood, medical devices and radioactive materials. In most developing countries, proper waste management system does not exist. In Pakistan, Government hospitals, no special techniques for waste handling, and due to lack of awareness, hospital staff normally treats all solid wastes carelessly. The present study is to determine the frequency of attitudes and practices of hospital waste management and environmental laws. The study was conducted in the Multan from August, 2016 to September, 2016. The sample was consisted of 100 hospital staff including doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians and class IV employees through convenience sampling. They were interviewed and results were analyzed from the entries in a semi structured Performa. The study concluded that that in spite of all these laws and rules, the implementations, regulation and compliance still low have serious concerns for the environmental and public health due to unawareness, lack of strict hospital management and regular monitoring. There is gap between theory, rules, laws and its practices.

5

Authors: Ayesha Siddiqua, Abdul Majeed, Muhammad Hanif, Sana Sharif, Sahima Alia

Aim of this study was to determine the awareness amongst Diabetic patients, its risk factors and complications. This was a cross-sectional survey conducted at the outpatient, Diabetic clinic Nishtar hospital, Multan in April of 2014. A structured and close ended questionnaire was administered and 300 patients of different age groups were interviewed about their knowledge regarding awareness of Diabetes Mellitus, complications and risk factors. Of the three hundred patients subjected to the survey, 18% individuals were aware of risk factors while 22% were aware of the complications associated with the disease. This awareness is significantly less in female as compared to male. Prevalence of risk factors and complication is greater in female particularly because of physical inactivity. Majority of patients had inadequate knowledge about Diabetes Mellitus and its associated risk factors. Public awareness and knowledge about disease can be raised by planning and implementing outreach programmes and mass media .Moreover, exercise benefits should be demonstrated in public.

6

Authors: Zafar Iqbal, Tasneem Zafar, Waqas Zafar, Tooba Zafar, Sana Waqas

To evaluate the biomedical and clinical significance of antiphospholipid antibodies in women with repeated spontaneous abortion. Mohi-u-Din Islamci Medical College & DHQ Hospital, Mirpur, AJ & K, from March to December 2013.50 subjects with history of three spontaneous abortions in their first trimester of pregnancy were included in this study & fifty women of corresponding age, with one, more alive babies having no record of any first three months spontaneous abortion were taken as controls. Coagulation tests, platelet count, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were done by standards methods. Antiphospholipid antibodieswere estimated by ELISA method using specific kits. Mean serum antiphospholipid antibodies level was 7.10+3.47 in patients and 6.30+2.02 in controls. The difference in serum level of two groups was significant. Mean platelet count, mean prothrombin time & activated partial thromboplastin time revealed no significant difference between patients and controls. It is concluded that there is a strong association of antiphospholipid antibodies in the patients having recurrent spontaneous abortions so there is a strong need of including this test in the primary screening of such disease in the pregnant women who have history of previous repeated spontaneous abortion.

9

Authors: Muhammad Farhan and Mehvish Perveen

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were initially introduced as antidepressants, and their potential as anxiolytic has been observed in the treatment of social phobia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder Escitalopram is therapeutically active S-enantiomer of citalopram. It is a commonly prescribed Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs are the latest generated antidepressants having the selective mechanism of action towards 5-Hydroxytryptamine (Serotonin; 5-HT) without affecting any other unwanted effects on other neurotransmitters. Escitalopram is very selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor; it blocks the serotonin transporters without producing any significant effect on other monoamines transporters. Evidences suggest that escitalopram is efficient in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorders (GAD). The present study was designed to determine the effects of repeated administration of escitalopram on locomotor activity and anxiolytic behavior of animals in animal model. Rats were administered orally with escitalopram (5 mg/kg) daily for 7 days. This study showed anxiolytic activity produced on repeated administration of drug in light dark transition test. As compared to control animals, activity in activity box was higher and activity in open field was smaller in escitalopram administrated animals. These information support clinical discoveries that escitalopram is a powerful, very much endured SSRI with anxiolytic-like impacts.

2

Authors: Muhammad Imran Qadir, Mamoona Yasmeen

For the betterment of mankind, scientists are trying to overcome all factors that hinder our economy and health. For this purpose they form genetically modified animals or organisms that have required characteristics, improved productivity, better health of animals and production of human required products. In genetic engineering, transgenesis is a process by which we improve genome of an organism. In whole world, people have different views about genetically modified animals. To know these views in our society, a research was conducted. For this purpose, 100 people of Multan, Pakistan were selected. Results showed that our society agrees with this fact that GM farm animals serve our economy but at the same time they don’t want to ignore their harmful effects.

5

Authors: Yousef A. Taher, Amel M. Hamza, Awatef M. Samud, Jamal S. Elmezogi

Matricaria chamomilla L. (Asteraceae) is a well-known plant in most ancient traditional medicine and highly used for the cure of numerous medical disorders, insomnia included. Using a sleep disturbed model, pentobarbital sodium and ether induce loss of righting reflex were applied for the evaluation of hypnotic and narcosis effects respectively. In the present study, the methanol extract of Matricaria chamomilla flower, at the intraperitoneal (IP) dose 300 mg/kg, showed considerable restful effect and significantly potentiate the hypnotic effect of pentobarbital sodium, both the latency to sleep and duration time, with a decrease value of 31.9% (P<0.001) and increase values of 53.3% (P<0.01) respectively. On the contrary, the Matricaria chamomilla flower methanol extract did not prolong the narcosis effect induced by ether. These findings indicate that Matricaria chamomilla methanol extract, at the dose used has a potential sedative-hypnotic effect as well as providing a scientific evidence for its traditional use as a sleep inducer.

6

Authors: Ambreen Aleem, Muqeet Wahid

Stoppage of bleeding from damaged blood vessels is hemostasis, an essential factor to be checked before any surgical process. Hence blood test is a routine test for hospital prior to surgeries. The study was aimed to assess the distribution of blood groups and to check gender-based relationship among the blood groups, bleeding and clotting time. The study was conducted in the department of pharmacy, BZU. The available data of 122 students of 1st year of Pharm. D was analysed in every required aspects i.e. sex, age, ABO and Rh blood groups, bleeding and clotting times. The standard antisera (A, B, & D) were used to determine the blood group, Duke Method and Capillary tube method were used to find out bleeding and clotting time respectively. Finally, all the parameters were compared and analysed statistically. In the present study, it is found that B blood group is more prevalent in both the sexes than O, A and AB. Clotting time is found to be significantly higher in O and B blood groups in females and males respectively, whereas Bleeding time was found to be greater than others in AB blood group in females and ‘O’ blood group in males but the values are not significantly different from each other. In females, the values of bleeding and clotting time are slightly greater than in males, may be because of hormonal differences. Various cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases are associated with the blood groups, so people can take preventive measures according to their blood groups.

7

Authors: Amna Jaffar, Muhammad Imran Qadir

World Health Organization (WHO) reported that developed and developing, both countries are suffering from childhood obesity. Childhood obesity has increased nationally and internationally. This can be reduced by focusing on prevalence, cancer association with obesity, risk factors and preventive measures of worldwide childhood obesity. Vitamin D and calcium both are inversely associated with obesity in children. So, supplementation of both micro-nutrients is warranted in childhood obesity. Some natural products in the form of diet are also helpful in reduction of obesity namely; prebiotics, probiotics and fatty acids.

9

Authors: S Ashutosh Kumar, Manidipa Debnath, D. Vimala

The present study aimed to develop and validate the simultaneous estimation of phenylephrine HCl, chlorpheniramine maleate and dextromethorphan HBrintablet dosage forms. A gradient reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method with ultraviolet detection at 220 nm has been developed for the simulataneous determination of phenylephrine HCl, chlorpheniramine maleate and dextromethorphan HBrin pharmaceutical dosage forms (Syrup). Good chromatographic separation was achieved by using a stainless steel analytical column, the Hypersil BDS C8column(4.6 X 250 mm; 5 μm). The system was operated at 25 ± 2°C using a mobile phase consisted of HPLC grade water (composed of TEA and 1-octane sulfonic acid sodium salt) (pH adjusted to 3.2 using orthophosphoric acid) and acetonitrile, mixed at gradient mode, manitained flow rate at 1.0 mL/minute. The slope, intercept, and correlation coefficient were found to be y = 34306x -11042 (r2= 0.999) for phenylephrine HCl, y = 35874x -13101 (r2= 0.999) for chlorpheniramine maleate anddextromethorphan HBry = 25516x -26579 (r2 = 0.999),respectively. The proposed method was validated for its specificity, linearity, accuracy, and precision. The method was found to be suitable for the quality control of phenylephrine HCl, chlorpheniramine maleate and dextromethorphan HBr simultaneously in a bulk drug samples as well as in a formulations.

12

Authors: Ogunwa T.H., Adeyelu T.T., Fasimoye R.Y., Oyewale M.B., Ademoye T.A., Ilesanmi O.C.,Awe O.B., Ajiboye S.A., Oloye O.B.1, Sholanke D.R.

Clerodenrum volubile is an important locally used medicinal plant. It is one of the essential herbs,nature has provided for mankind to be consumed as spices, vegetable and is also used in the treatment of diseases. Qualitative phytoconstituent screening of the plant revealed the presence of steroids, flavonoids, tannins, saponinsand phenolic compound while chalcones, alkaloid and anthraquinone were absent. Quantitative phytochemical evaluation showed values of 8.29±1.26mg/g rutin equivalent for flavonoids, 3.53±0.05mg/g gallic acid equivalent for phenol, 3.97±0.03mg/g tannic acid equivalent for tannins and 13.67±1.27% for saponin per dry weight. As it is imperative to extend research work on therapeutic effects of the arsenal of plants,nature has given to us in Africa,so as to obtain a cure for various diseases attacking human’s health, antioxidant properties of the plant was evaluated. Antioxidant models used include iron chelating, DPPH(2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical, superoxide ion, hydrogen peroxide, ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical, hydroxyl radical scavenging activities and ferric ion reducing properties. The obtained IC50(concentration of an inhibitor where the response (or binding) is reduced by half) values against DPPHradical were 141.342 and 120.349µg/mL for Clerodendrum volubile and trolox respectively. The chelating effect of the plant extract at 50% inhibition was close to that of ascorbic acid (standard) with 134.34 and 131.19µg/mL concentration respectively. Overall, the aqueous extract of the plant showed antioxidant potential which was close to the effects exerted by known standard antioxidants (ascorbic acid, trolox and EDTA). The plant could hence provide natural antioxidants which are needed to combat numerous free radical-mediated diseases and complications such asaging, cancer and atherosclerosiswhich are linked with oxidative stress.

4

Authors: Maryum Khan, Muhammad Tauqeer Ajmal

Asthma is exaggerated response of immune system which is a leading cause of death in the third world. Main causes of asthma are allergy, smoking, drugs like NSAID (Aspirin) and family history. Objective of study was to check the prevalence of asthma in different age groups and its impact on socioeconomical behaviors of the peoples of southern Punjab, by developing a questionnaire. Incidence of asthmatic attack in the age group of 20 to 60 years was more than in age group of 20 years, furthermore the incidence was found to be more common in females as compare to males. The smokers were at more risk to develop the disease as compared to the nonsmokers.

5

Authors: Zeeshan Masood, Muhammad Tayyab Ansari, Sharjeel Adnan, Muhammad Asad, Muhammad Farooq, Mueen Ahmad

A rapid, simple and sensitive spectrophotometric method has been developed for the determination of metronidazole in pharmaceutical pure and dosage forms. The method depends on alkaline hydrolysis of metronidazole releases the nitro group as nitrite ion and yielded nitrite ions can be used to give a colored complex that absorbs maximally at 505 nm. Beer’s law is obeyed in the concentration ranges 9-100 g/ml with molar absorptivity of 1.14 ×103 L mole-1 cm-1. The proposed method is precise, accurate and specific for the quantitative determination of drug in bulk and dosage forms. The results of analysis of commercial formulations and the recovery study of metronidazole suggested that there is no interference from any excipients, which are present in pharmaceutical formulations of metronidazole. Statistical comparison of the results was performed with regard to accuracy and precision using student’s t-test and F-ratio at 95% confidence level. There is no significant difference between the reported and proposed methods with regard to accuracy and precision.

6

Authors: Mehreen Jabeen , Umair Jillani, Bashir Ahmad Chaudhary, Muhammad Uzair

Phyla nodiflora (Verbenaceae) has been used in folk medicine for various ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, knee joint pain, gonorrhea, and irritation of internal hemorrhoids, cardiopathy, hepatitis and fever. It is known to have various biological activities such as antimicrobial, antitumor, antiinflammatory, antidiabetic, antimelanogenesis, hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects. Phyla nodiflora is a common ingredient of herbal tea used for the treatment of inflammation, menstrual disorders, and infectious disease. In the present study the plant has been completely reviewed for detection and isolation of secondary metabolites and biological activities which will facilitate the scientists to plan for future studies.

7

Authors: Sana Sharif, Nazar Mohammad Ranjha, Abdul Majeed, Ghulam Abbas, Muhammad Tuqeer Ajmal, Sana Hassan, Basma Aftab, Musaddique Hussain, Rauf ur Rehman

Tuberculosis is a worldwide health problem affecting one third of world’s population and Pakistan is no exception. In this study, we used a structured and close-ended questionnaire to collect data about sociodemographic prevalence of tuberculosis, its risk factors, multiple drug resistance tuberculosis and clinical characterization of tuberculosis from Nishtar Hospital Multan, Pakistan. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease, affecting young people and females more commonly in Pakistan. Urbanization, illiteracy, poverty, family history of TB, associated immunosuppressive disorders, smoking and alcohol consumption are major factors of tuberculosis. Multiple drug resistance tuberculosis is also an emerging problem.

8

Authors: Hira Rafi, Muhammad Farhan

Stress is a complicated condition that effects on person’s mental and physical health, and it is the precursor of other psychological disorders mainly depression. Serotonin (5-Hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) is well known to have hypo function in unpredictable chronic mild stress whereas, unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) has produced the most steady and continuous results of anhedonia and learned helplessness particularly in rats. The stress-induced depressive like behavior can be reversed by many antidepressants such as SSRIs. Selective serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is mostly prescribed antidepressant that can deplete neurochemical and behavioral deficits. The present study was designed to investigate whether repeated administration of dapoxetine at dose (1.0 mg/kg) could reverse the behavioral deficits induced by UCMS in rat model of depression. UCMS induced behavioral deficits. Locomotive activity in familiar environment (home cage), novel (open field) environment and anxiolytic behavior in light/dark activity box were greater in unstressed group than stressed group. The inhibition of serotonin reuptake at pre-synaptic receptors by repeated dapoxetine administration is mainly the mechanism involved and discussed. This particular study may assist in novel approach for understanding the interaction between stress and behavioral functions and extending the therapeutic use of dapoxetine.

12

Authors: Mughisa Munir , Muhammad Hanif, Nazar Muhammad Ranjha

Dendrimers are the valuable additives in different routes of drug administration and are the most successful agents, because dendrimers provide greater biocompatibility, water solubility and bioavailability. In this review, synthesis structures, method of preparation have been discussed. Interaction mechanisms between dendrimer molecules and active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), like simple encapsulation and covalent conjugation and the recent applications of dendrimers have also been focused. Divergent method of poly amidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers is found to be more applicable as compare to convergent method and PAMAM are also considered as ideal carriers for drug delivery because of large variety of surface groups, high aqueous solubility, and their unique architecture.

4

Authors: Maria Manan, Liaqat Hussain*, Hira Ijaz, Bushra Nawaz, Muhammad Hanif

Alkaloids, tannins, saponins, steroids, terpenoids and flavonoids distribution in n-hexane and aqueous-methanolic extract of kalanchoe laciniata was assessed and compared. The present study was carried out to study the phytochemical constituents of Kalanchoe laciniata. Aqueous-methanol and n-hexane were the solvents used for the extraction of the plant. Phytochemical analysis was carried out on both extracts, indicated that n-hexane extract constitutes tannins, terpenoids while the aqueous methanolic extract contains saponins, tannins, terpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides and anthraquinones.

6

Authors: Muhammad Imran Qadir, Hina Kanwal

Cerebral vascular disease occurs at the arteries of brain due to the less supply of blood. Stroke is mostly caused by cerebral vascular disease and it is also a common cause of vascular dementia due to reduced oxygen supply and blood flow to the brain. In industrialized countries, neurologic disability is most frequently caused by cerebeovascular disease. Individuals with cardiovascular disease, diabetes and high blood pressure etc are at higher possibility for cerebral vascular disease. After malignancy and heart disease, cerebral vascular disease is the third leading of death and estimated that an average 500,000 new stroke occurred in each year. Advance techniques such as carotid endarterectomy, magnetic resonance imaging, angiography and single photon emission computed tomography etcare used for management of cerebral vascular disease.

8

Authors: Asma Mumtaz, Muhammad Zabta Ch and Syed Nisar Hussain Shah

Solanum nigrum (SN) commonly known as “Makoo” frequently available in most of the areas of Pakistan, is well reputed in the indigenous system of medicine for its medicinal use in liver disorders. The present study was aimed to evaluate its traditional use in liver diseases using in-vivo model of rabbits. The crude methanolic extract of the aerial parts of the Solanumnigrum (SN.CEA) was investigated for its hepatocurative and hepatoprotective activities in Paracetamol intoxicated (2g/Kg) rabbits. Rabbits were divided into three groups, normal control (saline treated) hepatotoxic control (Paracetamol treated) and remaining one was hepatotoxic treated with the SN.CEA (400 mg/kg) for 6-12 days. Similarly, for hepatoprotective effect rabbits were divided in 3 groups; one serving as control another as hepatotoxic and last one as treated with SN.CAE. Group 2nd and 3rd were intoxicated with Paracetamol at 6th day of the treatment with SN.CEA. Increased serum transaminases (sGOT and sGPT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels along with raised sleeping span and blood clotting time were observed in hepatotoxic rabbits. In both cases (hepatocuration and hepatoprotection) SN.CEA caused significantly reduction in all the above serum markers for liver functioning and caused significant reduction in the sleeping time of treated rabbits vs hepatotoxic untreated group. These data suggests that the presence of hepatocurative and hepatoprotective constituents in Solanumnigrium rationalizes its medicinal use in liver dysfunction.

11

Authors: Nazar Mohammad Ranjha, Muhammad Hanif, Zunaira Afzal, Ghulam Abbas

Objective of the present work was to synthesize hydrogels of acrylic acid/polyvinyl alcohol (AA/PVA) by free radical polymerization by using glutaradehyde (GA) as crosslinkers. The hydrogels were evaluated for swelling, diffusion coefficient and network parameters like the average molecular weight between crosslink’s, polymer volume fraction in swollen state, number of repeating units between crosslinks and crosslinking density by using Flory-Huggins theory. It was found that the degree of swelling of AA/PVA hydrogels increases greatly within the pH range 5-7. The gel fraction and porosity increased by increasing the concentration of AA or PVA. Increase in degree of crosslinking, decreased the porosity and inverse was observed in gel fraction. Selected samples were loaded with metoprolol tartrate. Drug release was studied in USP hydrochloric acid solution of pH 1.2 and phosphate buffer solutions of pH 5.5 and 7.5. Various kinetics models like zero order, first order, Higuchi and Peppas model were used for in vitro kinetic studies. The results showed that the drug release followed concentration dependent effect (First order kinetics) with non-Fickian diffusion. FTIR and SEM used to study the structure, crystallinity, and morphology of prepared and drug loaded hydrogels respectively.