Oral Liquid Preparations Research Articles

The pharmacokinetic study of Saussurea involucrata liquid tonic, a traditional Chinese patent for inflammatory pain, in female rats in breastfeeding period

Saussurea involucrata liquid tonic is an oral liquid preparation indicated for postpartum pain. However, ensuring the safety of postpartum medication is a crucial concern for both mothers and infants. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic characteristics and milk distribution of Saussurea involucrata liquid tonic. The main components of the Saussurea involucrata liquid tonic, rutin, and chlorogenic acid, were profiled using fingerprint analysis. A quantitative method was then established and validated using LC-MS/MS to determine the main components and corresponding metabolites (quercetin, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid) by the gastroenteric tract enzymes and gut microbiota in plasma and milk. After administering single and multiple doses of Saussurea involucrata liquid tonic to female SD rats during breastfeeding, the above-mentioned components appeared in the plasma without accumulation in the body. Additionally, they did not distribute in the milk. These findings indicate that the five components may be the effective substances of Saussurea involucrata liquid tonic, and that it is safe for postpartum medication. This study provides new insights into understanding the effective substances of Saussurea involucrata liquid tonic and the safety study of postpartum medication for natural products and traditional Chinese patent medicines.

Green polymer altered in-situ gel oral liquid sustainable release preparation of vildagliptin suitable for dysphagic diabetic patients: assessment in-vitro & in-vivo

Purpose This work aimed to fabricate alginate based in-situ gelling matrix of vildagliptin improved by calcium and carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) for appropriate adjustment of the onset and duration of action. This easy-to-swallow thickened liquid preparation aimed to improve compliance for dysphagic or elderly diabetic patients. Methods Vildagliptin dispersions containing alginate were fabricated in the presence or absence of calcium chloride to assess the effect of calcium ion, then a matrix containing 1.5% w/v of sodium alginate with calcium was further examined after the addition of CMC with different concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 0.3%. The viscosity, gelling forming property, Differential scanning calorimetry, and in-vitro drug release were assessed before monitoring the hypoglycemic effect of the selected formulation. Results In-situ gel matrixes were fabricated at gastric pH with and without calcium ions. The best formula concerning viscosity and the gel-forming property was achieved with higher CMC concentrations, which in turn decreased the rate of vildagliptin release in stimulated gastric pH. In-vivo results confirmed the extended hypoglycemic effect of the vildagliptin in-situ gelling matrix compared to the vildagliptin aqueous solution. Conclusion This study represents a green polymeric-based in-situ gel as a liquid oral retarded release preparation intended for reducing dose frequency, easier administration of vildagliptin, and improving compliance in geriatric and dysphagic diabetic patients.

Preparation and In-Vitro Evaluation of Floating Oral In- Situ Gel of Montelukast Sodium (Conference Paper) #

There were several goals in this study, the most important of which was to create an oral liquid preparation (Ion sensitive floating oral in situ gel system for sustained delivery of Montelukast Sodium for pediatric patients) that would make administration easier, provide the correct therapeutic dose, and allow the drug to be released more slowly into the digestive tract (GIT) for better control.
 Montelukast Sodium in situ gels at different concentration (w/v) of natural polysaccharides (Gellan gum and sodium alginate) and natural polymer (Pectin) were prepared and characterized in the terms of preparation, viscosity and In vitro release.
 As the concentrations of ion-sensitive gel-forming components (Gellan gum, sodium alginate, and pectin) and gas-generating ingredients increased, the viscosity of formulations in solution (CaCO3). In vitro release study showed that the release of Montelukast Sodium from these gels was characterized by an initial phase of high release (burst effect), followed by a more gradual release in the second phase.
 The oral distribution of Montelukast Sodium using the in situ gel system manufactured by Montelukast Sodium can be seen as a viable strategy for the improvement of therapeutic effects.

Effective delivery of quality markers in alcohol precipitation of Pudilan Xiaoyan Oral Liquid

Taking Pudilan Xiaoyan Oral Liquid as a demonstration, the effective delivery of quality markers in alcohol precipitation of Chinese medicine oral liquid preparations was studied. With the transfer rates of adenosine, corynoline, cichoric acid, baicalin, and wogonin as evaluation indexes, the effect of the density of concentrate before alcoholic precipitation, volume fraction of ethanol, stirring speed, temperature of concentrated solution, stirring time, alcohol concentration, alcohol precipitation time, alcoholic precipitation temperature, alcohol addition rate, and the pH of concentrate on the alcohol precipitation process was investigated by Plackett-Burman trial design, thus obtaining the key factors that influenced the alcohol precipitation process. The key factors were further optimized by Box-Behnken design to determine the optimal alcohol precipitation conditions. When the density of concentrate before alcoholic precipitation was 1.12 g·mL~(-1), the pH of concentrate was 6.86, and the alcohol concentration was 50.00%, the transfer rates of baicalin and wogonin were 91.86% and 87.78%, respectively. When the density of concentrate before alcoholic precipitation was 1.13 g·mL~(-1), the concentration of alcohol was 74.50%, and the alcoholic precipitation temperature was 17.0 ℃, the transfer rates of adenosine, corynoline, and cichoric acid were 85.95%, 71.62% and 83.19%, respectively. The method of optimizing alcohol precipitation techniques and determining the parameters of Pudilan Xiaoyan Oral Liquid by response surface methodology is reasonable and feasible, which provides guidance and experience for the effective delivery of quality markers in Chinese medicine oral liquid preparations.

Antidiarrheal activity of the extracts of Valeriana jatamansi Jones on castor oil-induced diarrhea mouse by regulating multiple signal pathways

Ethnopharmacological relevanceValeriana jatamansi Jones, a traditional medicine, is used for various medicinal purposes worldwide. This species is popular for its gastro-protective properties and has been verified to exert antidiarrheal effects. Qiuxieling mixture, an oral liquid preparation used to treat diarrhea in children in clinical practice, was extracted from V. jatamansi Jones.Aim of the study: Although Qiuxieling mixture has a good preventive effect on diarrhea children, the disgusting smell makes it intolerable. Therefore, we extracted odorless products from V. jatamansi Jones and Qiuxieling mixture. The present study is aimed to investigate the protective effects of two ethanolic extracts of V. jatamansi Jones and Qiuxieling mixture against castor oil-induced diarrhea and their possible mechanisms in mice. Materials and methodsThe two extracts of V. jatamansi Jones and Qiuxieling mixture were detected by HPLC. A castor oil-induced diarrheal model was used to evaluate the antidiarrheal effects. The expression of Occludin in the small intestine was measured by IHC. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of proteins related to the oxidative stress and GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis signaling pathways. ELISA was used to detect the expression of IL-6 and IL-1β in the small intestine of mice with diarrhea. ResultsThe two extracts of V. jatamansi Jones and Qiuxieling mixture dose-dependently reduced the diarrhea index and the diarrhea rate, delayed the onset of diarrhea, and decreased the weight of the intestinal content. Meanwhile, they reversed the decreased expression of Occludin and restored the activity of Na+-K+-ATPase in the intestines of diarrheal mice. In addition, they reversed the depletion of GSH, attenuated the activation of the ERK/JNK pathway, promoted the Nrf2/SOD1 signaling pathways, and decreased the release of ROS in the intestines of diarrheal mice. Moreover, they suppressed GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis by downregulating the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway. ConclusionsThe two extracts of V. jatamansi Jones and Qiuxieling mixture exerted protective effects on castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice through a variety of mechanisms, including antioxidant stress, restoration of tight junctions between intestinal mucosal cells and regulation of the GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis pathway.

Taste masking of oral pregabalin liquid preparation by using ion exchange resins

The purpose of this study was to use cation exchange resins to mask Pregabalin's unpleasant taste. Dowex-50, a crosslinked polystyrene backbone, was employed. DRCs were synthesised in batches with drug-to-resin ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3. The optimal drug-to-resin ratio as well as the time required for maximum complexation were discovered. In this work, an attempt was made to develop a taste-masked Pregabalin solution using a simple, rapid, and cost-effective flavour masking approach, such as complexation among ion exchange resin, that could be acceptable to industries. To mask the flavour, researchers used a combination of ion-exchange resins such as doshion P 542, Tulsion 344, Indion 234, Indion 204, and Kyron T 114, as well as formulation into a solution. The generated suspensions were tested for taste, drug content, particle size, viscosity, sedimentation volume, drug release, and accelerated stability. Kyron T 114 has been shown to effectively disguise the drug among the various resins. The newly developed formulation also has the benefit of simplifying the manufacturing process and being cost-effective. According to drug release studies, the entire medicament was released within 20 minutes.

Key technologies in dosage form design of Chinese medicinal liquid preparations: application of component solubility and solubilization technology

Modern liquid forms of Chinese medicine(CM), such as oral liquid, are similar to traditional decoction, but there are deficiencies in the selection and design of the dosage form, and the solubility of the pre-preparation material is critical. The property system for Chinese medicinal materials(CMMs) was established according to the previous research. The present study established the dosage form design strategy of oral liquid preparations of CM with the solubility as the core, and pointed out the relationship between the saturated volume of component(V_(i-n)) and daily dosage of preparation(V_d) was the key to the dosage form design. To be specific, the prescription can be designed into liquid preparation directly when V_(i-n)≤V_d, while V_(i-n)>V_d, the suitable solubilization technologies are needed. At present, the available solubilization technologies include the addition of excipients such as solubilizers/cosolvents, pH adjustment of the solution, and synergistic solubilization of intermediates and components for the preparation of pharmaceuticals. As reported, the polysaccharides of CM have shown great potential in the solubilization of insoluble components of CM, and they have certain prospects as a new solubilizing excipient.

FORMULASI SEDIAAN SIRUP EKSTRA ETANOL DAUN ILER (Coleus atropurpureus (L.) Benth) DAN UJI AKTIVITAS MUKOLITIK SECARA IN VITRO

Syrup is an oral liquid preparation containing sakarosa. The study aimed to test whether iler leaf extract (Coleus atropurpureus (L.) Benth) could be formulated as a syrup preparation then tested for physical properties and mucolytic activity. The experimental method used to test the mucolytic activity of iler leaf extract syrup in vitro is to measure the viscosity of duck egg whites added to the test solution every 15 minutes, namely at the 0th, 15th, 30th, 45th and 60th minutes. Testing of mucolytic activity was carried out on iler leaf extract syrup with concentrations of 3%, 4.5% and 6%, positive control of acetylcysteine 0.2% and negative control of aquades. The results showed that iler leaf extract syrup at concentrations of 3%, 4.5% and 6% can be formulated as syrup preparations and is able to significantly decrease the viscosity of duck egg whites compared to negative control.

Development of a Hospital Compounded, Taste-Masked, Temozolomide Oral Suspension and 5-Year Real-Life Experience in Treating Paediatric Patients.

The development of oral pediatric forms by pharmaceutical companies is still insufficient. In fact, many drugs used in paediatric oncology, such as temozolomide, are not labeled and adapted for paediatric use. Temozolomide (TMZ) is an alkylating agent used as the standard of care for many adult and pediatric brain tumours, such as neuroblastoma, glioblastoma and medulloblastoma. The present study was carried out to propose a suitable and palatable formulation of the oral liquid preparation of TMZ. The suspension is composed of TMZ suspended in SyrSpend SF pH 4, as well as TMZ crystallization stabilizing agents and sweetening agents. To reach this formulation, several taste-masking agents were evaluated. Here, we describe the method of preparation of the formation as well as the monocentric population treated with the formulation over a 5–year period. A 20 mg/mL TMZ suspension was developed. TMZ suspension is stable for 6 weeks, stored between 2 and 8 degrees, protected from light, and compatible with nasogastric tubes. Thirty-eight patients participated in the palatability study and choose cola flavour, and 104 patients were treated in Gustave Roussy with the developed suspension; no unexpected event was reported. To conclude, we propose here a new TMZ liquid formulation which is stable for at least 6 weeks and well-tolerated with extensive feedback.

Montelukast microsuspension with hypromellose for improved stability and oral absorption

Oral montelukast (MTK) is prescribed to treat asthma or rhinitis, and is clinically investigated as new medication in the treatment of Alzheimer's dementia. Herein, in order to better patient's compliance, microsuspensions (MSs)-based oral liquid preparations of montelukast (MTK) were formulated with polymeric suspending agents including hypromellose (HPMC), and those drug-polymer interaction, physicochemical stability, dissolution, and in vivo pharmacokinetic profile was evaluated. When amorphous MTK particle was suspended in aqueous vehicle, it was readily converted into crystalline form and grown into aggregates, drastically lowering dissolution rate. However, the addition of HPMC polymer markedly suppressed the crystal growth, providing both improved drug stability and profound dissolution profile. Raman spectrometry denoted the inter-molecular hydrogen boding between MTK particle and HPMC polymer. The crystal growth or dissolution profile of MSs was markedly affected by pharmaceutical additives (sucrose or simethicone) in the preparations or storage temperature. The optimized HPMC-based MS exhibited over 80% higher bioavailability, compared to marketed granule (Singulair®) in rats. Therefore, novel MTK-loaded MS can be a promising liquid preparation, bettering oral absorption and patient's compliance.

Novel risperidone orally disintegrating minitablets for pediatric use: patient acceptance and dose adjustment

Objective Risperidone is a potent psychotropic agent has been approved for symptomatic treatment of irritability in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. However, its bitter taste and dose adjustment of liquid dosage forms are a main hurdle for patient acceptance. Significance Thus, this recent study investigate the formulation of taste masked risperidone orally disintegration minitablets (ODMT) as a way of enhancing patient acceptance. Methods Taste masked risperidone hydrogenated castor oil or Cetyl alcohol based granules were prepared using a simple melt granulation technique in different drug to lipid ratios; drug release, bitterness score of the prepared granular formulations were evaluated. DSC was also performed to detect the possible drug lipid interaction. The selected lipid-based granules were further compressed into ODMT formulations. Bitterness score was assessed by gustatory sensation test and results were compared to marketed liquid formulations of risperidone. Results All the prepared ODMT formulations showed high content uniformity, with minimum dose fluctuation compared to marketed oral liquid preparations. Conclusion In conclusion, risperidone lipid-based granules could be formulated in different ratios by simple techniques and commonly used excipients into taste masked risperidone ODMT with accurate and flexible doses suitable for pediatric use with high taste preference and acceptability.

Investigation of the Physical, Chemical and Microbiological Stability of Losartan Potassium 5 mg/mL Extemporaneous Oral Liquid Suspension.

Extemporaneous oral liquid preparations are commonly used when there is no commercially available dosage form for adjustable dosing. In most cases, there is a lack of stability data to allow for an accurately assigned shelf life and storage conditions to give greater confidence of product safety and efficacy over its shelf life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical, chemical and microbiological stability of an extemporaneous oral liquid suspension of losartan potassium, 5 mg/mL, used to treat paediatric hypertension in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin, Ireland. The losartan content of extemporaneous oral suspensions, prepared with and without addition of water, was measured by UV and confirmed by HPLC analysis. Suspensions were stored at 4 °C and room temperature (RT) and were monitored for changes in; pH, colour, odour, re-dispersibility, Total Aerobic Microbial Count, Total Yeast and Mould Count and absence of E. coli. Results showed that suspensions prepared by both methods, stored at 4 °C and RT, were physically and microbiologically stable over 28 days. Initial losartan content of all suspensions was lower than expected at 80–81% and did not change significantly over the 28 days. HPLC and NMR did not detect degradation of losartan in the samples. Suspensions prepared in water showed 100% losartan content. The reduced initial losartan content was confirmed by HPLC and was related to the acidic pH of the suspension vehicle. Physiochemical properties of the drug are important factors for consideration in the selection of suspension vehicle for extemporaneous compounding of oral suspensions as they can influence the quality, homogeneity and efficacy of these preparations.

Quality and Toxicity Assessment of some Oral Liquid Herbal Formulations (Agbo) consumed in Abuja, Nigeria

Aim: To evaluate the microbiological quality and toxicity potential of commonly consumed oral herbal liquid preparations (Agbo) in some areas of Abuja, Nigeria. Methods: Herbal liquid preparations (Agbo) were collected from different locations of the Municipal Area of Abuja, Nigeria. Samples were analyzed for elemental content using Flame method of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (FAAS). Microbiological quality assessment was determined by suitability and sterility testing and the contaminants were characterized to genera level. A number of the samples (20 %) were subjected to in vitro hemolysis testing using mammalian (goat) blood. Results: Minerals like Chromium (Cr) and Manganese (Mn) were found to be absent, while Calcium (Ca), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), Magnesium (Mg), Lead (Pb) and Zinc (Zn) were detected at variable concentrations. Some samples (11 %) contained Lead (Pb) above WHO permissible limit. Samples (60 %) were found to be contaminated with Bacillus, Staphylococci, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas, Salmonella and Proteus in addition, Microsporum, Rhizopus, Aspergillus and Yeast were also found. In vitro hemolysis showed that 50 % of the samples had hemolysis values above 50 % and one (1) of the samples had a considerably high value (> 100 %) revealing the substantial extent of red blood cell lysis due to these Agbo preparations. Conclusion: This study is a pointer to the potential harm that consumption of Agbo can cause especially because it is purported to be safe and regularly consumed in liberal amounts.

Improvement of compliance of Pudilan Xiaoyan Oral Liquid based on comprehensive analysis of bad taste of traditional Chinese medicine oral liquid preparation

From "good efficacy with a bad taste" to "good efficacy with no bitterness" and then to "good efficacy with a good taste" is the only way to develop oral liquid preparations of traditional Chinese medicine, and "good medicine is beneficial to disease" is the only way for the development of oral liquid preparations of traditional Chinese medicine. Based on the analysis of the causes, the sources of bitterness, the formation principles and their solutions of traditional Chinese medicine oral liquid preparations, we explored the causes of the bad taste and the material basis of bitterness of Pudilan Xiaoyan Oral Liquid, and applied the solutions in improving the taste of Pudilan products. The overall taste of Pudilan Xiaoyan Oral Liquid was improved by modifying the original product taste, enhancing the process and changing the dosage form, which improves the compliance of the patients who take the medicine, and better serve the clinical medication.

P51 Evaluating propranolol preparations for use in infantile haemangioma

AimTo evaluate oral liquid formulations of propranolol and to select the optimal preparation for use in Infantile Haemangioma.MethodFour oral liquid preparations of propranolol were considered:A – an alcohol-free suspension prepared as a ‘special’ (the current treatment of choice)B and C – generic solutions available in four different strengthsD – a French solution not marketed in the United Kingdom (UK)Preparations were evaluated against six criteria:Licensing statusEase of purchaseShelf lifeExcipientsEase of dosingCostResultsLicensing status: Preparation A is unlicensed and should not be used if a licensed product is suitable. Preparations B and C are licensed in children but not for Infantile Haemangioma. Preparation D has a European license for Infantile Haemangioma.Ease of purchase: Preparation A is made to order but has a short lead time. Preparations B and C are available from wholesalers. No current importer for Preparation D was found.Shelf life: The licensed preparations have 2–3 years shelf life. Preparation A has a 1 month shelf life.Excipients: All excipients were considered. Aspartame, ethanol, maltitol, methylhydroxybenzoate, propylhydroxybenzoate, propylene glycol, saccharin sodium and Sunset Yellow can all cause adverse effects. The excipient most likely to cause problems was propylene glycol. This is eliminated by both renal excretion and liver metabolism but, in infants, these processes are immature and accumulation occurs with resultant toxicity. Preparation A contains no propylene glycol and can be used in children of all ages. Levels in Preparations B and C are safe for use in children over 1 month.1 The propylene glycol content of Preparation D could not be ascertained. Preparation B contained ethanol. Levels were below safety limits2 but ethanol competes with propylene glycol for metabolism via alcohol dehydrogenase increasing the risk of propylene glycol toxicity.Ease of dosing: Dose volumes were calculated for a neonate (3.5 kg), a 6 month-old (7.6 kg) and a 1 year-old (9 kg). All preparations with strengths between 1 mg/ml and 3.75 mg/ml gave suitable dose volumes. Doses for Preparation D are expressed as propranolol base. In the UK, doses are expressed as propranolol hydrochloride. This could be confusing and lead to prescribing or dispensing errors.Cost: Preparation A was more expensive than B or C. The cost of Preparation D could not be established.ConclusionsAlthough Preparation D is licensed for Infantile Haemangioma, its use would be complicated by difficulties in obtaining supplies, likely cost and the risk of confusion between propranolol base and hydrochloride when prescribing and dispensing. Preparations B and C are suitable for use in children over 1 month of age. Preparation C is recommended because it contains less propylene glycol and no alcohol. Preparation A should only be used in children under 28 days. Using Preparation C instead of Preparation A gives the benefits that a licensed preparation is used, dispensing delays are reduced and costs are reduced.ReferencesEuropean Medicines Agency Committee for Human Medicinal Products (CHMP). Background review for the excipient propylene glycol, EMA/CHMP/334655/2013. [Internet]. 2014 [cited 30.3.19.]. Available from: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/report/background-review-excipient-propylene-glycol-context-revision-guideline-excipients-label-package_en.pdfEuropean Medicines Agency Committee for Human Medicinal Products (CHMP). Questions and Answers on Ethanol in the context of the revision of the guideline on ‘Excipients in the label and package leaflet of medicinal products for human use’ (CPMP/463/00), EMA/CHMP/507988/2013. [Internet]. 2014 [cited 30.3.19.]. Available from: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/scientific-guideline/questions-answers-ethanol-context-revision-guideline-excipients-label-package-leaflet-medicinal_en.pdf

Medicines Acceptability in Hospitalized Children: An Ongoing Need for Age-Appropriate Formulations

Although knowledge on medicine acceptability remains fragmented, this multi-faceted concept has emerged as a key factor for compliance in pediatrics. In order to investigate the acceptability of medicines used in the University Medical Centre Ibn Sina (CHIS) of Rabat, Morocco, an observational study was conducted. Using a multivariate approach integrating the many aspects of acceptability, standardized observer reports were collected for 570 medicine intakes in patients up to the age of 16, then analyzed on a reference framework. Tablets appeared to be well accepted in children greater than 6 years old, but were crushed/dissolved for 90% of the 40 children aged from 3 to 5, and 100% of the 38 patients younger than 3. Moreover, the prescribed dose was fully taken for only 52% and 16% of these younger children, respectively. Despite this, tablets represented 24% of evaluations in children from 3 to 5 and 20% in infants and toddlers. Oral liquid preparations appeared to be better accepted than tablets in preschoolers, but not for those under 3. Overall, these findings highlight the lack of suitable alternatives for the younger children, especially for formulations of antiepileptics, antithrombotic, and psycholeptic agents in the local context.

PIH55 A MULTIVARIATE APPROACH TO EXPLORE THE DRIVERS OF MEDICINE ACCEPTABILITY IN PEDIATRICS

Medicine acceptability influences compliance in pediatrics and is thus crucial to ensuring treatment effectiveness. Different observer reports have been used to assess the many aspects of acceptability such as palatability, swallowability, alterations of the intended use, or devices usability. Herein we used a multivariate approach to investigate the drivers of this multi-faceted concept. Observers reported several behaviors describing acceptability for many medicine uses in pediatrics. A medicine fully taken without any negative reaction might appear well accepted. But what if the caregiver needed to mix the medication with food to mask its aversive taste, rewarded the child, and required a long time to administrate the mixture ? Multivariate analysis (multiple correspondence analysis and clustering) allowed simultaneous consideration of observations for numerous references from the wide spectrum of patients and products on the global market. More than 1.6k observer reports were collected in France, England, Norway, and Morocco. Our data driven approach provided an acceptability reference framework: a 3D-map summarizing the different users behaviors, with two clusters discriminating positively and negatively accepted areas. Using this tool, acceptability variations due to changes among characteristic of either user and product, were objectively demonstrated. For examples, antibiotics formulated as oral liquid preparations appeared well-accepted in older children but less so in toddlers (≤2y.), the barycenters of the respective evaluations were positioned in the positively and negatively accepted areas, respectively. Antibiotics flavored with lemon seemed adequate for boys, while not for girls. Furthermore, antibiotics provided with oral syringes appeared better accepted than those provided with measuring spoons. These few examples highlight the need for well-designed medicines and suitable prescriptions to reach adequate acceptability. Using this judgement criterion, medicine features that best fit user characteristics could be studied. This methodology is similarly used to better grasp medicine acceptability in the elderly.

Efficacy of a commercial herbal formula in chicken experimental coccidiosis

BackgroundCoccidiosis represents a serious threat to the poultry industry, affecting production and causing high morbidity, mortality and significant costs resulting from treatment and prophylaxis. In-feed anticoccidials have been used for decades for managing avian coccidiosis and were very effective until drug resistance emerged. The use of natural remedies has become a promising alternative in combating coccidiosis in chickens. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to assess the efficiency of a commercial herbal formula (H), as oral liquid preparations, in experimental chicken coccidiosis.MethodsTwo independent controlled battery experiments (BE1 and BE2) were designed and the product was tested in 3 different formulas (H1, H2 and H3): H1 contained a propylene glycol extract of Allium sativum and Thymus serpyllum; H2 contained Origanum vulgare, Satureja hortensis and Chelidonium majus; and H3 contained Allium sativum, Urtica dioica, Inula helenium, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Rosmarinus officinalis, Chelidonium majus, Thymus serpyllum, Tanacetum vulgare and Coriandrum sativum. Chickens were divided into five groups for each BE as follows: (i) uninfected untreated control (UU1, UU2); (ii) infected untreated control (IU1, IU2); (iii) infected treated with amprolium (ITA1, ITA2); and (iv, v) two experimental groups infected treated with H1 (ITH1) and H2 (ITH2) formulas in the BE1 and with H3 (ITH3-5 and ITH3-10) formula in the BE2. The chickens from infected groups were challenged with 5000 (BE1) and 50,000 (BE2) sporulated oocysts of Eimeria spp. (E. acervulina, E. tenella and E. maxima), respectively. The anticoccidial efficacy was assessed by recording the following: oocysts output (OPG), lesion score (LS), weight gain (WG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and anticoccidial index (ACI). Additionally, polyphenolics and flavonoids (caffeic-chlorogenic acid, apigenin, kaempferol, luteolin, quercitin, quercitrin) from herb extracts found in H3 formula were determined by the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method.ResultsH1 and H2 reduced the WG, and increased the FCR and OPG compared with controls. H1 reduced the duodenal lesions, whilst H2 reduced the caecal lesions, compared with control. H3 decreased the OPG of Eimeria spp., reduced the total lesion score and improved the zootechnical performance (weight gain and feed conversion ratio). According to ACI value, H1 and H2 had no efficacy on Eimeria spp. infection, but H3 had good to marked anticoccidial effect, the ACI being slightly greater in the group ITH3-5. According to the results of LC-MS/MS, the concentration of polyphenols in H3 formula was the highest, the sum of chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid being 914.9 µg/ml.ConclusionsH3 formula is a promising natural anticoccidial and field trials are recommended in order to validate the obtained data.

Comparative Evaluation of Sugar based Versus Sugar Free Oral Liquid Preparation in Medicare

Comparative Evaluation of Sugar based Versus Sugar Free Oral Liquid Preparation in Medicare

One-step ionic liquid-based ultrasound-assisted dispersive liquid\u2013liquid microextraction coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography for the determination of pyrethroids in traditional Chinese medicine oral liquid preparations

In this study, a simple one-step ionic liquid-based ultrasound-assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction technique was coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography for the analysis of four pyrethroids in three kinds of traditional Chinese medicine oral liquid preparations: simotang oral liquid, kangbingdu oral liquid, and huaji oral liquid. The extraction parameters were examined to improve extraction efficiency. The optimum extraction conditions were 50 μL of 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate utilized as the extraction solvent and 800 μL of acetonitrile applied as the dispersive solvent. The extraction was assisted by ultrasonication for 8 min. The limits of detection for the four pyrethroids were within 0.007–0.024 mg L−1, and the limits of quantitation ranged between 0.023 and 0.080 mg L−1. The accuracy of the pyrethroid determination ranged from 80.1 to 106.4%. It was indicated that the proposed ionic liquid-based ultrasound-assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction method had an easy operation and was accurate and environmentally friendly. This approach has potential for the analysis of pyrethroids in traditional Chinese medicine oral liquid preparations.