‘Ashvagandharishta’ prepared using yeast consortium from Woodfordia fruticosa flowers exhibit hepatoprotective effect on CCl4 induced liver damage in Wistar rats

Ethanopharmacological relevance

Consortium of yeasts sourced from traditionally used Woodfordia fruticosa flowers proved to be beneficial for fermenting Ashvagandharishta. It resulted in faster fermentation, acceptable organoleptic properties and demonstrable hepatoprotective potential in CCl₄ induced hepatotoxicity. To formulate Ashvagandharishta using consortium of yeasts and to investigate its physiochemical parameters. Standardize the formulation with the help of standard withaferin-A and withanolide-A and to evaluate its hepatoprotective potential in CCl₄ induced hepatotoxicity in the rat model.

Material and methods

Ashvagandharishta was prepared using a 5% consortium of yeasts and ascertained its quality through physiochemical and phytochemical investigation. Withaferin-A and withanolide-A was simultaneously estimated by HPLC for standardization. Hepatoprotective potential was evaluated by administering 2.31 and 1.15 ml/kg doses while considering biochemical parameters like serum AST, ALT, ALP and lipid profile. Gene expression study was carried out for the expression of antioxidant and inflammatory genes such as CAT, GPx and proinflammatory gene IL-6. Histopathology of liver was also studied with the help of H&E staining.

Results

Ashvagandharishta was found organolepticaly acceptable with optimized physiochemical parameters. Withaferin-A and withanolide-A in Ashvagandharishta estimated as 0.3711, 0.7426 (%w/v), respectively. In the CCl₄ induced hepato-toxicity model, Ashvagandharishta-2.31 ml/kg dose showed significant decrease in elevated hepatic level of AST(p<0.001), ALT(p<0.01) and ALP(p<0.001). Both doses of Ashvagandharishta showed significant reduction of TG, Cholesterol, VLDL and LDL in serum, with corresponding reduction of (p<0.001) serum-HDL. Ashvagandharishta also showed increased serum protein (p<0.05) and albumin (p<0.01) with decrease in bilirubin (p<0.01). Additionally, Ashvagandharishta administration revealed up-regulation in antioxidant genes such as CAT and GPx in liver with concomitant down-regulation in proinflammatory IL-6gene (p<0.01). Histopathological parameters revealed restoration of normal tissue architecture by both doses of Ashvagandharishta.

Conclusions

Consortium of yeasts from Woodfordia fruticosa flowers showed better fermentation pattern for Ashvagandharishta produced with acceptable organoleptic properties. Hepatoprotection shown by Ashvagandharishta was mainly through prevention of oxidative damage. Up-regulation of CAT and GPx genes and corresponding down regulation of proinflammatory IL6 gene was revealed as possible mechanism of its action.     

Complications of oncologic therapy in the abdomen and pelvis: a review

Cancer therapy has significantly improved in the past few decades with development of various newer classes of cytotoxic chemotherapy as well as novel, molecularly targeted chemotherapy. Similar to chemotherapy, radiotherapy is another important therapeutic option used in the curative and palliative management of various abdominal malignancies. However, both these treatments affect the tumor as well as the normal tissues, leading to significant toxicity. These side effects range from mild to life threatening, and may involve multiple organs. Imaging plays an important role in the early identification of such complications, which may allow more effective patient management. The aim of this article is to discuss and illustrate the wide spectrum of chemotherapy and radiotherapy induced complications in the abdomen and pelvis.     

Symptom screening among HIV-infected pregnant women is acceptable and has high negative predictive value for active tuberculosis

We evaluated tuberculosis (TB) screening among 799 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected pregnant women in India. Eleven (1.4%) had active TB. The negative predictive value of screening using cough, fever, night sweats, or weight loss was 99.3%. Tuberculin skin test and targeted chest radiography provided no substantial benefit. TB symptom screening, as recommended by the World Health Organization, is effective for ruling out TB in HIV-infected pregnant women.     

Application of HPLC for the simultaneous determination of aceclofenac, paracetamol and tramadol hydrochloride in pharmaceutical dosage form

A simple, precise and accurate reversed-phase liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the simultaneous estimation of aceclofenac (ACF), paracetamol (PCM) and tramadol hydrochloride (TRM) in pharmaceutical dosage form. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a HiQ-Sil™ HS C18 column (250×4.6 mm i.d., 5 μm particle size), kromatek analytical column at ambient temperature. The mobile phase consisted of 40: 60 (v/v); phosphate buffer (pH 6.0): methanol. The flow rate was set to 1.0 mL min⁻¹ and UV detection was carried out at 270 nm. The retention time (t_R) for ACF, PCM and TRM were found to be 14.567 ± 0.02, 3.133 ± 0.01 and 7.858 ± 0.02 min, respectively. The validation of the proposed method was carried out for linearity, precision, robustness, limit of detection, limit of quantitation, speci city, accuracy and system suitability. The linear dynamic ranges were from 40–160 μg mL⁻¹ for ACF, 130–520 μg mL⁻¹ for PCM and 15–60 μg mL⁻¹ for TRM. The developed method can be used for routine quality control analysis of titled drugs in pharmaceutical dosage form.     

Preparation of amorphous carvedilol polymeric microparticles for improvement of physicochemical properties

The aim of the present study was to enhance the physicochemical properties of poorly aqueous soluble carvedilol (CRV) by preparing its microparticles in presence and/or in absence of a hydrophilic carrier. The polymeric microparticles of CRV were prepared with polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 with or without addition of adsorbents like Aerosil^?200 and/or Sylysia^?350 by using spray drying technique. The dissolution profiles revealed that the drug and polymer ratio and colloidal silica both played critical role in solubility enhancement. The spray dried microparticles and drug alone were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), particle size analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). DSC analysis showed that CRV transformed from the crystalline state to amorphous state by spray drying, confirmed by disappearance of its melting peak. The results of the X-ray analysis were in agreement with the thermal analysis data. It did not show characteristic crystalline drug peaks which confirmed that the amorphous form of CRV was present in the CRV loaded microparticles. FTIR analysis demonstrated hydrogen bonding interaction with an absence of significant chemical interaction between CRV and polymer. Spherical microparticles were yielded with smooth surfaces as observed by SEM. All in all, this work reveals that spray drying is a suitable technique for preparation of microparticles with improved physicochemical properties of CRV.     

Probing influence of mesophasic transformation on performance of self-emulsifying system: effect of ion

Self-emulsifying systems are mixtures of oils and surfactants, ideally isotropic, sometimes including cosolvents, which emulsify under conditions of gentle agitation, similar to those which would be encountered in the gastrointestinal tract. The process of self-emulsification has remained the center of attraction for most researchers. Controlled hydration of self-emulsifying systems shows formation of an intermediate gel phase which upon rupture forms an emulsion. Current work was undertaken to understand and explore the microstructural properties of intermediate gel phase which are believed to influence the performance (droplet size) of the final formulation. The effect of additives on microstructural properties of intermediate gel phase has also been investigated. Microstructural elucidation of hydrated samples of intermediate regimes was done by using techniques such as small angle X-ray scattering, differential scanning calorimetry and rheology. Samples from intermediate regimes showed formation of local lamellar structure which swelled with hydration. In the present work, the effect of addition of salt form of naproxen (sodium and potassium) and naproxen (base) on microstructural properties of intermediate regimes was investigated. Systems containing naproxen salts formed larger droplets whereas naproxen base formed smaller ones. Microstructural properties of intermediate lamellar structures were well correlated with performance of the final formulation. The current studies indicate that by controlling the properties of intermediate regimes optimized formulations with desired performance can be tailor-made.     

Imaging of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: State of the art

Significant advances in imaging technology have changed the management of pancreatic cancer. In computed tomography (CT), this has included development of multidetector row, rapid, thin-section imaging that has also facilitated the advent of advanced reconstructions, which in turn has offered new perspectives from which to evaluate this disease. In magnetic resonance imaging, advances including higher field strengths, thin-section volumetric acquisitions, diffusion weighted imaging, and liver specific contrast agents have also resulted in new tools for diagnosis and staging. Endoscopic ultrasound has resulted in the ability to provide high-resolution imaging rivaling intraoperative ultrasound, along with the ability to biopsy via real time imaging suspected pancreatic lesions. Positron emission tomography with CT, while still evolving in its role, provides whole body staging as well as the unique imaging characteristic of metabolic activity to aid disease management. This article will review these modalities in the diagnosis and staging of pancreatic cancer.     

Quality evaluation of functional chicken nuggets incorporated with ground carrot and mashed sweet potato

This study was envisaged to evaluate the effect of ground raw carrot (0%, 5%, 10% and 15%) and mashed sweet potato (0%, 5%, 10% and 15%) as functional ingredients on the quality of chicken meat nuggets. The products were evaluated for physicochemical quality, proximate composition, nutritive value, sensory quality as well as color and texture profile analyses. Additions of either raw carrot or mashed sweet potato represent an improvement in the nutritional value and have some beneficial effects due to the presence of dietary fibers and β-carotene. They were also found to be effective in sustaining the desired cooking yield and emulsion stability. Treated samples showed lower (p > 0.05) protein, fat and ash contents but higher (p < 0.05) moisture content than control. There were differences among the nugget samples with respect to sensory qualities, and control samples as well as samples with 10% added carrot/sweet potato had higher overall acceptability scores. Hunter color values (L*, a* and b* values) were higher (p < 0.05) for both the formulated products, while their textural parameters were nearly unchanged. In conclusion, carrot and sweet potato at 10% added level have greater potential as good source of dietary fibers and β-carotene and may find their way in meat industry.     

Comparative and chemical proteomic approaches reveal gatifloxacin deregulates enzymes involved in glucose metabolism

Gatifloxacin has been associated with increased risks of hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic side effects. In order to understand the molecular mechanism of gatifloxacin induced deregulation of glucose metabolism, a combination of comparative and chemical proteomic approaches were employed using yeast as a model system. Differential protein expression studies using two dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry reveal that gatifloxacin deregulates the expression of key enzymes involved in glucose metabolism. Furthermore, affinity chromatography and LC-MS(E) analysis led to identification of enolase, as one of the key gatifloxacin binding proteins. Fluorescence spectrometric studies confirmed that the gatifloxacin indeed binds to enolase. Role of enolase in regulation of gatifloxacin induced dysglycemic effect is discussed.     

Metabolic characterization of Withania somnifera from different regions of India using NMR spectroscopy

Withania somnifera (L.) Dun. (Solanaceae), known as Indian ginseng, is one of the most popular medicinal plants in India. Considering the importance and common use of this plant, it is necessary to investigate its holistic metabolite profile. However, with existing analytical methods which are based on TLC and HPLC?UV (or MS), it is difficult to obtain information of the whole range of compounds appropriately. In this study, the metabolic characterization of Withania somnifera leaves, stems, and roots collected in six different regions in India was performed using 1H NMR spectroscopy followed by principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA). Of the parts of Withania somnifera analyzed in this study, the leaf was found to have the widest range of metabolites, including amino acids, flavonoids, lipids, organic acids, phenylpropanoids, and sugars, as well as the main secondary metabolites of the plant, withanolides. The 1H NMR spectra revealed the presence of two groups of withanolides: 4-OH and 5,6-epoxy withanolides (withaferin A-like steroids) and 5- OH and 6,7-epoxy withanolides (withanolides Alike steroids). The ratio of these two withanolides was found to be a key discriminating feature of Withania somnifera leaf samples from different origins.