Acacia Solution Research Articles

Mechanistic insight into the synergistic role of the dual-surfactant system as a green solvent for deoximation reaction: An experimental and computational analysis

Deoximation reaction is one of the most essential transformations in organic synthesis for the precise chemical manufacturing of carbonyl compounds. Developing catalytic deoximation techniques is highly demanding for environmental protection and minimizing expenses in fine chemical operations. Herein, we have reported an environmentally friendly, low-cost, and sustainable approach for regenerating carbonyl compounds from numerous oxime derivatives using microwave irradiation. The method uses I2 and an aqueous solution ofAcacia auriculiformis as the green solvent. The concentration ofAcacia auriculiformiswas discovered to correlate with the percentage production of carbonyl compounds. However, using the dual-surfactant system deliberately improved the regeneration of carbonyl compounds with up to 82% yield at 60:40 ratio. With DFT analysis and quantum chemical parameters, the chemical reactivity and electronic properties of the surfactant systems were determined. Also, the mechanistic interpretation of the actual reaction in the micellar core is depicted, which is well supported by the computational analysis. Overall, our method is green, low-cost, energy-saving, and avoids using toxic reagents and solvents.

Protective Activity of Chloroform Extract of Gomphrena celosioides Leaves (Amaranthaceae) on Some Biochemical Indices in Aspirin-induced Wistar Rats

The protective activities of Gomphrena celosioides on Aspirin-induced alterations in biochemical markers were investigated in the kidney and liver of Wistar rats. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen concentrations were assessed to determine biochemical alteration in the kidney, while total bilirubin and direct bilirubin concentrations were assessed to determine biochemical alteration in the liver. Four groups of rats were used. In group 1, the control rats were treated with 1% Gum Acacia solution. Group 2 was treated with Aspirin at 200 mg/kg b.w alone. Group 3 was treated with Aspirin at 200 mg/kg b.w and G. celosioides at 500 mg/kg b.w while Group 4 received G. celosioides at 500 mg/kg b.w. All the administration and treatment lasted for 7 days. A significant increase (P < 0.05) in the concentrations of serum creatinine (69.60 ± 4.16 mg/dl), total bilirubin (38.36 ± 5.33 mg/dl), direct bilirubin (15.17 ± 2.22 mg/dl) and blood urea nitrogen (27.05 ± 4.85 mg/dl) was observed in the rats treated with 200 mg/kg b.w aspirin. There was significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the concentrations of creatinine, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and blood urea nitrogen in the rats in group 3 (59.58 ± 2.972 mg/dl, 31.41 ± 6.22 mg/dl, 11.09 ± 1.40 mg/dl, 13.12 ± 0.67 mg/dl) and in rats in group 4 (53.2 ± 1.16 mg/dl, 32.19 ± 3.36 mg/dl, 13.49 ± 4.06 mg/dl, 10.63 ± 3.16 mg/dl) when compared with rats in group 2. While there was no significant (P < 0.05) difference when compared with group 1 (control) (52.20 ± 3.25 mg/dl, 30.75 ± 1.23 mg/dl, 12.46 ± 1.12 mg/dl, 7.29 ± 2.07 mg/dl). The results reveal that G. celosioides can provide significant protection against biochemical alterations in aspirin-treated rats.

Curative impacts of Ethanoic Extract of Laportea aestuans (L) Chew in Aspirin-Induced Ulcerative compromise in Male Rats

Toxicity of Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are being reported with its diverse effect in the host resulting in ulcerations. Ulceration was induced orally using aspirin. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were used for this study (120-150g). Rats were divided into 6 groups with each group containing 4 rats. Rats were pre-treated orally with cimetidine, a reference drug. Group 1 rats orally received 1% gum acacia solution as the control group, Group 2 rats orally administered 25 mg/kg aspirin and served as the ulcerated, untreated group, rats in groups 3 and 4 were pre-treated orally with 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg respectively for 3 days while rats in groups 5 and 6 were pre-treated orally with 50 mg/kg cimetidine and 50 mg/kg catechin respectively for 3 days. The result of this study shows that the ulcerated, untreated rats showed increased concentrations of The result of this study shows that the ulcerated, untreated rats showed increased concentrations of acid output, pepsin activity with a concomitant decrease in pH values, and mucin content compared to control group but pre-treatment with different doses, cimetidine and catechin reversed these observations. Activities of superoxide oxidase were decreased in the ulcerated, untreated group with a concomitant increase in lipid peroxidation concentration but pre-treatment with different doses, cimetidine and catechin reversed these observations. In conclusion, the ethanoic extract of L. aestuans can be said to be used therapeutically agaisnt aspirin-induced gastric ulcer which is due to the presence of bioactive compounds in the plant.
 as an anti-ulcerogenic agent against aspirin-induced gastric ulcer which is due to the presence of phytochemicals in the plant.
 Keywords: Ulcerations, bioactive compounds, oxidative stress, superoxide dismutase, aspirin

Effect of Extracts of Kigelia Africana Fruit and Sorghum Bicolor Stalk on the Biochemical Parameters of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes and its complication continue to remain a concern in the world population despite the introduction of various hypoglycemic agents. Biochemical changes remain the major observable, clinical, and pathological factors as a derangement in the levels of these parameters increase the risk of developing complications. Although herbal extracts for the treatment of diabetes have been scientifically validated, the scientific interaction and alteration of the biochemical parameters due to the administration of this herbal product are not thoroughly investigated in this region. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effect of the extract of Kigeliaafricana and Sorghum bicolor stalk on the biochemical parameters of diabetic-induced rats. A total of eleven groups containing five rats per group of randomly selected Alloxan-induced Diabetes Healthy Wistar rats of both sexes were used in the study, with one serving as the control group, another serving as glibenclamide treated group, and the remaining nine, extract treated groups. After the overnight fast, the control group received a dose of 0.5 ml of 2% w/v acacia solution. Glibenclamide treated group received 600 μg/kg body weight (bwt) glibenclamide. In contrast, the other nine groups received specified doses (125, 250, and 500mg/kg bwt) of Kigeliaafricana and Sorghum bicolor extracts singly and in a mixture of ratio 1:1, respectively. After receiving the specified doses once a day orally for 30 days, the rats fasted overnight, and 5 ml of blood collected via cardiac puncture into heparinized and fluoride bottles. The samples were spun and separated for biochemical profiles (plasma glucose, lipid profile, liver function test, and electrolytes urea and creatinine) using a commercially prepared kit with outlined procedures. The result showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) of plasma glucose level in the extract-treated rats, with a remarkable increase in untreated diabetic rats compared to the control. A significant reduction (p < 0.01) in the plasma levels of triglyceride and LDL-Chol was also observed in all treated groups at various doses of extracts compared to control with HDL-Chol values marginally increased in all extract-treated groups. Urea and creatinine showed a significant decrease (p < 0.01) in all treated doses except the lowest when compared to the control, while all the electrolytes parameters (Na+, K+, Cl- and HCO3-) show no significant difference (p > 0.05) across the groups when compared to the control. Liver function showed no significant differences in all parametersexcept for the noticeable decreasing effects on AST and ALT values compared to the control. The extracts and their mixture exhibited antidiabetic and hypolipidaemic activities and cardiovascular benefits due to their considerable lowering effects on total cholesterol, LDL-Chol, triglycerides, and increase in the HDL-Chol levels. The observed biological actions may be due to the presence of different phytocomponents present in the plant extracts. There is, therefore, a need to determine which of the active constituents has the main antidiabetic and hypolipidaemic effect for their optimal usage.

Evaluation of the comparison of anti-depressant effects of oral fluoxetine and riluzole in albino rats by using the forced swimming test model

Background: Depression is a group of disorders results from a combination of multiple etiologic factors- genetic, biochemical, psychodynamic and socio-environmental. A depression consists of following clinical features as sadness, apathy, changes in sleep pattern, impaired concentration, feeling of shame or guilt and thoughts of dying or death. Fluoxetine and riluzole both are used for the treatment of depression in human being. Fluoxetine is SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and riluzole is anxiolytic and mood stabilizer.Methods: Healthy male albino rats weighing between 150-200 grams were taken for the present study. Study animals were divided into three groups randomly with each group consisting of ten animals. Drugs were powdered with help of mortar and pestle and mixed in gum acacia solution. Appropriate volume of the freshly prepared solution was administered orally daily between 9 am to 10 am to all animal as per their individual body weight. Group A administered 1ml of 0.9% normal saline orally and serves as control group. Group B administered 0.4 mg of fluoxetine orally. Group C administered 2 mg of riluzole orally. Animals were evaluated for antidepressant activity using model- forced swimming test.Results: The results in the forced swimming test were assessed by duration of immobility in last 4 minutes of total 6 minute test duration. Antidepressant activity is indicated by the reduction in the duration of immobility i.e. lesser the duration more the efficacy. The results have been expressed as mean±standard deviation of duration of immobility in seconds during 6 minute period.Conclusions: There was significant difference in antidepressant activity of fluoxetine with antidepressant activity of riluzole. Riluzole showed antidepressant activity after two weeks of starting the drugs.

EFFECTIVENESS OF N-ACETYLCYSTEINE ON TITANIUM DIOXIDE NANOPARTICLES- INDUCED IMMUNOTOXICITY IN ADULT ALBINO RATS

Background: Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a white pigment that can be used in paints, coatings, plastics, papers, inks, medicines, pharmaceuticals, food products, cosmetics, and toothpaste. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) have been reported to elicit various adverse cellular effects including oxidative stress and DNA damage. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant and free radical scavenger used to combat oxidative stress-induced damage in various tissues. Aim of the Work: is to study the toxic effects of TiO2 NPs oral administration and the protective role of NAC on the immune system of adult male albino rats. Thirty adult male albino rats were divided into 4 groups: Group I subdivided into: Subgroup (A): negative control. Subgroup (B): positive control received 1 ml of 5% gum acacia solution by oral gavage once daily. Group II: gavaged orally 100 mg/kg NAC once daily. Group III:gavaged orally 1200 mg/kg titanium dioxide nanoparticles (1/10 LD 50) in 1ml of 5% gum acacia solution as a solvent once daily. Group IV: gavaged orally (100 mg/kg NAC then 1200 mg/kg TiO2 NPs once daily. After 6 weeks rats from each group and subgroup were subjected the following biochemical parameters: Tumor necrosis factor alpha and CBC with differential count. The rats were sacrificed and spleen was dissected and subjected to histopathological examination. Cell suspension from the spleen was examined to determine the extent of DNA damage through DNA extraction and gel electrophoresis. Conclusion: TiO2 NPs induced time dependent toxic effects and DNA damage in the spleen and administration of NAC with TiO2 NPs offers protection against their damaging effect. Recommendation: it is recommended to increase public awareness about health impact of TiO2 nanoparticles through nonessential drug additives, food colors, toothpastes etc.to limit their ingestion.

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBAL TABLETS CONTAINING NYCTANTHES ARBOR-TRISTS LEAVES

Objective: To formulate arthritic pain relieving tablets and evaluation of tablets.
 Methods: The preparation of dry powder of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis leaves, 1% Acacia solution, 1%HPMC-10 solution, 1% Sodium alginate solution. The wet granulation method was used for the formulation of herbal tablets.
 Results: Based on the pre-formulation study, the flow property of granules was good. The physical parameters of compressed tablets color were Greenish white for F1 and F3 batch, Dark greenish-white color for F2batch. The weight variation test, hardness, thickness, friability and disintegration time for F1 batch was found to be [497±5%, 3.3±0.17, 4.00±0.005, 0.81%, 28] respectively, For F2 batch [506±5%, 3.13±0.01, 3.66±0.023, 1.43%, 25] respectively, For F3 batch [502.5±5%, 3.13±0.01, 3.96±0.001, 1.8%, 32] respectively.
 Conclusion: The formulated herbal tablets were used to manage arthritic pain. Based on the results, it is concluded that the formulation and evaluation of herbal tablets were good.

The Possible Protective Role of N-Acetyl Cysteine against Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Intestinal Toxicity in Adult Male Albino Rats

Introduction: With extensive applications of nanoparticles including titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) in different fields, many adverse effects may threat both environmental and medical health. Aim of this work: To evaluate the role of n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) against TiO2 NPs intestinal toxicity in adult albino rats. Material and methods: Fifty adult male albino rats were classified into five groups. Group I: negative control received regular diet and water. Group II: positive control administered 1ml of 5% gum acacia solution once a day. Group III: gavaged orally with NAC (100 mg/kg). Group IV: orally gavaged with TiO2 NPs (1200 mg/kg) once a day. Group V: orally gavaged once daily with TiO2 NPs (1200 mg/kg) and NAC (100 mg/kg). After 6 weeks, all rats were weighed and blood sample were submitted to estimate serum level of citrulline. Then parts of ileum from all rats was dissected and subjected to interleukin 6 (IL6), interleukin 10 (IL10) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) estimation, histopathological examination and determine the extent of DNA damage by gel electrophoresis. Results: The results revealed that TiO2 NPs induced significant decreases in body weight, and serum level of citrulline with significant increases in IL6, TNF-α and significant decrease IL10 in tissues of ileum. These were associated with histopathological changes in the ileum and DNA damage detected by gel electrophoresis. Co-administration of NAC with TiO2 NPs provided protection against these changes. Conclusion: TiO2 NPs exposure causes inflammation in ileum with DNA damage and administration of NAC offers protection against its damaging effects.

Encapsulation of essential oil in emulsion based edible films prepared by soy protein isolate-gum acacia conjugates

Emulsions containing essential oils (EOs) of oregano (OG-EO), lemon (LM-EO), fruit of Amomum tsaoko Crevost et Lemaire (ACL-EO) or grapefruit (GF-EO) were used as dispersed phase and aqueous solution of soy protein isolates-gum acacia (SPI-GA) conjugates was used as continuous phase to produce edible films. The viscosity, oil droplet size distribution, zeta (ζ)-potential, storage and loss moduli and microstructure of film forming emulsions were affected by the type or nature of the EOs used. The microstructure, glass transition temperature (Tg), tensile strength, elongation at break, water vapor permeability, surface hydrophobicity, electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, disulfide bonds, antioxidative and antibacterial properties as well as the release pattern of EO from the EO containing films were affected by the nature of the EO used. Among these films, the film containing GF-EO showed the best water vapor barrier properties, the highest tensile strength and Tg compared to the films prepared from other EOs. The films containing LM-EO and OG-EO showed the highest radical scavenging activity and antibacterial activity, respectively. The release profiles of EOs from their respective films were fitted well by Peppas model.

Amelioration of Titanium Dioxide nanoparticles induced injury on the cerebellum of the adult mice by a hydromethanolic root extract of Withania Somnifera

Introduction: Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles have potential risks to human health. They were able to enter brain to be detected in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum and hippocampus. Withania somnifera (WS) improve rotenone induced damage in cerebellum.Aim of the work: To study the effects of oral administration of TiO2 nanoparticles on the cerebellum and the protective role of hydromethanolic root extract of WS (Egyptian Ashwaghandha).Material and Methods: Seventy five adult male albino mice were divided into five groups (N=15): group 1 (control), group 2 (gum acacia group), and group 3 (WS root extract group) recieved orally hydromethanolic WS root extract (500 mg/kg) once daily, group 4 (TiO2 nanoparticles group) recieved orally TiO2 nanoparticles (150 mg/ Kg), dissolved in gum acacia solution once daily, group 5 (TiO2 nanoparticles + WS root extract group). After sixty days, Sections from the cerebellum were prepared and stained with HandE, Cresyl violet stain as well as Immunohistological stains for nNOS, iNOS, eNOS and GFAP. Morphometrical and statistical analyses were performed.Results: In TiO2 nanoparticles group, cerebellum showed disrupted purkinje cells with marked degenerative changes, decreased Nissl granules in Purkinje cells, vacuolations in all layers of the cerebellar cortex and dilated congested capillaries in white matter. The number of the Purkinje cell were decreased while GFAP positive astrocytes were increased. Decreased nNOS immunostaining in cortical layers, while the iNOS immunostaining increased and increased eNOS immunostaining in capillary endothelial cells were detected. Administration of the hydromethanolic WS root extract improved the altered cerebellar morphology with significant statistical improvement in purkinje cell and astrocyte count.Conclusion: TiO2 nanoparticles oral administration induced toxic effects and WS contains active ingredients that counteract these effects.

Histopathological Effects of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles and The Possible Protective Role of N-Acetylcysteine on The Testes of Male Albino Rats.

BackgroundTitanium dioxide (TiO2) is a white pigment which is used in paints, plastics, etc. It is reported that TiO2 induces oxidative stress and DNA damage. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been used to fight oxidative stress-induced damage in different tissues. The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxic effects of orally administered TiO2 nanoparticles and the possible protective effect of NAC on the testes of adult male albino rats.Materials and MethodsIn this experimental study, 50 adult male albino rats were classified into five groups. Group I was the negative control, group II was treated with gum acacia solution , group III was treated with NAC, group IV was treated with TiO2nanoparticles, and group V was treated with 100 mg/kg of NAC and 1200 mg/kg TiO2nanoparticles. Total testosterone, glutathione (GSH), and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were estimated. The testes were subjected to histopathological, electron microscopic examinations, and immunohistochemical detection for tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Cells from the left testis were examined to detect the degree of DNA impairment by using the comet assay.ResultsTiO2nanoparticles induced histopathological and ultrastructure changes in the testes as well as positive TNF-α immunoreaction in the testicular tissue. Moreover, there was an increase in serum MDA while a decrease in testosterone and GSH levels in TiO2nanoparticles-treated group. TiO2resulted in DNA damage. Administration of NAC to TiO2- treated rats led to improvement of the previous parameters with modest protective effects against DNA damage.ConclusionTiO2-induced damage to the testes was mediated by oxidative stress. Notably, administration of NAC protected against TiO2’s damaging effects.

Green synthesis, growth and catalytic activity of silver nanoparticles

A facile green synthesis of silver nanoparticles has been developed using ascorbic acid and gum acacia as reducing agent and stabilizing agent, respectively. The present work is mainly concerned with understanding the role of reducing and stabilizing agents in the growth of silver nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles fabricated by using ascorbic acid in a gum acacia solution show faster growth rate and exhibit a rod- and thread-like structure with an average diameter of 40–54 nm, while silver nanoparticles prepared using gum acacia as both reducing and stabilizing agent show slower growth rate, having a pseudo-spherical shape with an average diameter of 11–15 nm. The rod- and thread-structured nanoparticles exhibit a surface plasmon resonance band at 645 nm, while the pseudo-spherically shaped particles show absorbance at 424 nm. The silver nanoparticles showed a face-centered cubic crystal system as predicted from the X-ray diffraction pattern. The impact of structural variation on the catalytic properties of silver nanoparticles was also demonstrated in this work. The catalytic activity of silver nanoparticles fabricated by using the green approach was demonstrated by using methylene blue dye. The pseudo-spherical silver nanoparticles exhibit greater catalytic activity as compared to the rod- and thread-shaped silver nanoparticles.

Antidiabetic and hypolipidemic activities of hydroethanolic root extract of Uvaria chamae in streptozotocin induced diabetic albino rats.

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder of multiple aetiology characterised by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. It is a global epidemic ravaging both developed and developing countries. The situation will worsen if nothing is done urgently. In fact, the need to identify natural products with antidiabetic potentials is of great importance as supported by several research efforts all over the world, in search of antidiabetic plant based products that are safe and efficacious. Available literatures show that several phytochemicals with antidiabetic properties have been identified in certain plants amongst which include Uvaria chamae. The potentials of Uvaria chamae as an antidiabetic and hypolipidemic drug-candidate are thus tested.MethodsDiabetes mellitus was experimentally induced after the rats were fasted overnight by administering intraperitoneally, 60 mg/kg streptozotocin. After 72 h, the rats with plasma glucose levels >200 mg/dl were classified as diabetic. A total of six groups containing five rats per group were used. One group of diabetic rats was untreated. Three diabetic groups, each were treated orally with 100, 250 and 400 mg/kg body weight of the extract. Another diabetic group was treated with insulin (0.5 IU/kg) subcutaneously. The control received 0.5 ml (2% solution) of acacia orally. The treatment was for 8 days. The effects of the extract on weight, plasma glucose and other biochemical parameters were evaluated using standard procedures.ResultsThe diabetic rats treated with the extract showed significant reductions (p < 0.05) in weight, plasma glucose levels, low density lipoprotein and cholesterol compared with the control. The 100, 250 and 400 mg/kg body weight of the extract showed maximum glucose reduction of 85.16, 81.50 and 86.02% respectively. Histologically the pancreas of the diabetic rats treated with the extract, showed clusters of variably sized regenerated islet of Langerhans within sheets of normal exocrine pancreas, while the pancreas of diabetic rats treated with insulin showed no islet of Langerhans.ConclusionThe study showed that Uvaria chamae caused weight loss and has good hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities that may reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

In vitro antioxidant, hypoglycemic and oral glucose tolerance test of banana peels

Banana fruit is claimed to have antidiabetic effects despite its high calorie content, and its peels also contain vital phytoconstituents including gallocatechin. Previously banana pulp has been studied for antihyperglycemic effects, and in the present investigation antihyperglycemic effect of ethanolic extract of inner peels of Musa sapientum (EMS), Musa paradisiaca (EMP), Musa cavendish (EMC) and Musa acuminata (EMA) fruit was evaluated using oral glucose tolerance test in normoglycemic rats. In vitro antioxidant study was conducted using DPPH, H2O2 radical scavenging assay and ferric reducing power assay. Wistar rats were divided into fourteen groups and twelve groups received different doses of aforementioned extracts, while control group received gum acacia solution and remaining group received standard drug, glimepiride. All the rats received glucose load at a dose of 2g/kg body weight. Groups treated with EMC and EMA showed significant decrease in glucose level (p<0.01) at 150min as compared to control group. In hypoglycemic study, only EMP 500mg/kg, p.o. treated group revealed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in glucose level at 120min, while other groups did not show any sign of hypoglycemia. In glucose tolerance test, animals treated with EMC and EMA depicted dose dependent antihyperglycemic effect at 150min while EMS and EMP showed significant reduction in plasma glucose at higher doses. In a similar fashion, EMA i.e. M. acuminata demonstrated highest antioxidant activity followed by EMC against DPPH radical. In ferric reducing power and H2O2 scavenging assay, EMA demonstrated maximal antioxidant activity when compared with other extracts.

Effect of Tribulus terrestris on Haloperidol-induced Catalepsy in Mice.

Haloperidol, an antipsychotic drug, leads to the development of a behavioural state called catalepsy, in which the animal is not able to correct an externally imposed posture. In the present study we have attempted to evaluate the anticataleptic effect of Tribulus terrestris on haloperidol-induced catalepsy in albino mice. Mice were allocated to four groups, each group containing six animals. Both, the test drug, Tribulus terrestris and the standard drug trihexyphenidyl were uniformly suspended in 1% gum acacia solution. Catalepsy was induced in mice with haloperidol (1.0 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). The first group received the vehicle (10 ml/kg, orally), the second group received trihexyphenidyl (10 mg/kg, orally) and the remaining two groups received Tribulus terrestris (100, 200 mg/kg, orally). The animals were assessed after single and repeated dose administration for ten days, 30 min prior to haloperidol, using standard bar test. The result of the present study demonstrates Tribulus terrestris has a protective effect against haloperidol-induced catalepsy, which is comparable to the standard drug used for the same purpose. Our study indicates Tribulus terrestris can be used to prevent haloperidol-induced extrapyramidal side effects.

Surface tension, adsorption, and wetting behaviors of natural surfactants on a PTFE surface

The adsorption kinetics and wetting behaviors of three plant‐based natural surfactants (Reetha, Shikakai, and Acacia) on the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) surface are reported in this study. Adsorption studies of these surfactants on PTFE surface show the equilibrium adsorption time is approximately 15 min, and Langmuir‐type isotherm fits well for all three surfactants. The contact angle measurements show that the value achieved by Reetha and Acacia solutions are close (∼109°), but that is low in the case of Shikakai (98.13°). Although, comparing the adsorption densities of the surfactants at PTFE–water and air–water interfaces, it has been found that adsorption densities at the PTFE–water interface are low for all three surfactants than that of air–water interface. The alcohol–Shikakai mixed solutions show nonideal behavior of surface tension reduction through a strong interaction between alcohol and Shikakai molecules, which in turn, show lower surface tension and contact angle values than that of ideal. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 655–663, 2015

Modulating Roles of Ethanolic Roots Extract of Crossopteryx febrifuga on Blood Glucose, Lipid Profile, Glycosylated Haemoglobin and Cytoarchitectural Changes on Pancreatic Beta Cells in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Aim: The study investigated the modulating roles of ethanolic roots extract of Crossopteryx febrifuga (CF) for its antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, glycosylated hemoglobin effects and cytoarchitectural changes on pancreatic beta cells in alloxaninduced diabetic rats Study Design: Experimental diabetes using animal models. Methodology: Twenty- Five (25) male albino rats were randomly divided into five (5) experimental groups: control, diabetic, standard drug (glibenclamide 10 mg/kg body wt) and C. febrifuga (375 and 500 mg/kg bwt) treated diabetic groups The animals in four out of five groups were fasted for 18 h and were made diabetic by injecting with a single dose of alloxan (ALX) 150 mg/kg, Diabetic rats 5 per group received graded doses (375 and 500 mg/kg bwt) of the extracts and glibenclamide 10 mgkg-1 for 15days. Blood was collected on days 0, 5, 10 and 15 for glucose estimation. Lipid profile was measured using DiaSys Kits from Germany which utilized the colorimetric method. Insulin Assay was measured using Monobind Insulin Microplate Elisa test while HbA1C was analyzed by Biosystem Kits (Barcelona Kits, Spain) using chromatographic method. Twenty (20) male albino rats were randomly distributed to four groups; I, II, III and IV with each consisting of five animals received 20% (w/v) glucoseorally at a dose of 0.5ml /100 g bwt. After 30 min, the animals received extracts as follows: Group I, C. febrifuga (500 mg/kg bwt); Group II, C. febrifuga (250 mg/kg bwt); Group III, C. febrifuga (100 mg/kg bwt); Group IV, 0.5 ml (2% w/v) acacia solution and served as control. Blood glucose levels were then monitored at 30, 60, and 120 min. intervals and reported as the average glucose level of each group. Results: A significant reduction in postprandial sugar level was observed after 60min in all treatments. Diabetic rats without treatment showed significant increases (p<0.05) in the levels of blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein LDL-cholesterol while the high density lipoprotein HDL-cholesterol level were significantly decreased (p<0.05) compared to normal rats. In addition, the diabetic rats treated with the CF and glibenclamide showed significant decrease (p<0.05) in blood glucose, TG and LDL- cholesterol levels and a significant decrease (p<0.05) in HDL-cholesterol level compared to diabetic untreated rats. There were significant reductions (p0.05) in low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels and significant increase (p0.05) in the treated diabetic group compared to the negative control. Apart from these, cytoarchitectural changes also revealed the protective nature of the ethanolic roots extract of Crossopteryx febrifuga against alloxan induced necrotic damage of pancreatic tissues. Conclusion: The ethanolic roots extract of Crossopteryx febrifuga modulated hyperglycemic by potentiating insulin release from the beta cells of pancreas and ameliorated dyslipidaemia.

The ameliorative effect of ascorbic acid and Ginkgo biloba on learning and memory deficits associated with fluoride exposure.

Chronic exposure to fluoride causes dental and skeletal fluorosis. Fluoride exposure is also detrimental to soft tissues and organs. The present study aimed at evaluation of the effect of Ginkgo biloba and ascorbic acid on learning and memory deficits caused by fluoride exposure. Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n=6). Group 1 control. Groups 2 to 5 received 100 ppm of sodium fluoride over 30 days. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were further treated for 15 days receiving respectively 1% gum acacia solution, 100 mg/kg body weight ascorbic acid, and 100mg/kg body weight Ginkgo biloba extract. After 45 days, all animals were subjected to behavioural tests. The results showed that fluoride affected learning and memory. Fluoride causes oxidative stress and neurodegeneration, thereby affecting learning and memory. Ascorbic acid and Ginkgo biloba were found to augment the reversal of learning and memory deficits caused by fluoride ingestion.

Characterization of Freeze-Dried Core–Shell Nanoparticles Prepared via Gelatin–Acacia Complex Coacervation: A Study on Particle Formation upon Freezing

Core–shell nanoparticles were prepared using a technique based on complex coacervation, and their characteristics were investigated after subsequent freeze drying. An oil-in-water emulsion was stabilized with a gelatin–acacia solution, and the pH of the solution was adjusted to a selected value with acetic acid. The solutions were frozen at a selected freezing rate and subsequently freeze dried. This is a strategic approach to produce particles upon freezing in order to tune their properties by controlling the processing parameters. It was found that particles with mean diameters in the range of 100–400 nm were successfully prepared under all of the selected conditions; however, the size distributions were highly dependent on the values of the variables employed. The efficiency of encapsulation of β-carotene dissolved in the oil phase was significantly affected by the specific processing parameters. Interestingly, the ratio between the surface and inner loads could be tuned by selecting the appropriate conditions. Furthermore, the freezing protocol affected the mass transfer properties of the shell membranes at certain pH values. Complexation of the gelatin and acacia during freezing was confirmed using in situ small-angle X-ray scattering analysis (SAXS) with oil-free gelatin–acacia solutions. A structural change on freezing of the solution was detected at a subzero temperature, and the structural features were found to be dependent on the acidity of the solution and the cooling rate during freezing.

Assessment of analgesic and antipyretic activity of traditional formula used in the treatment of seasonal infections

Traditional treatments and medicines are the main sometimes the only source of health care for millions of people living in rural areas of developing countries. The aim of the present study is to investigate the analgesic and antipyretic activity of individual plant extracts and poly-herbal formula [PHF] made in to liquid dosage form of three different doses in albino rats. The plant materials were extracted in boiling distilled water for six hours, filtered, concentrated and dried. The aqueous extracts were prepared in to poly-herbal liquid dosage form by using water, glycerol mixture and acacia 2% in three different preparation of varying extract doses.1ml of above preparations orally fed for investigation. Pentozocine and paracetamol was used as standard drugs respectively. For individual plants the extracts were suspended in 2% acacia solution and performed. The results of analgesic and anti-pyretic activity of PHF 1 and PHF 2 showed significant results (P&lt;0.01 and P&lt;0.05 respectively) and PHF3 did not show any significant results. In the individual plant extracts slightly significant activity (P&lt;0.05) was observed.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v2i9.16075 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, August 2013, 2(9): 143-147