Powder Capsules Research Articles

A comparative clinical study to evaluate the effectof premedication with Ibuprofen, Tramadol and combination of Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen on success of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in patients with Asymptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis.

Introduction: Aim of this study was to evaluate the effective of premedication and to determine the difference between non steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs and centrally acting opioids like tramadol on success rate of inferior alveolar nerve block in patients with asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis.Methods: This double blind clinical study was conducted on 60 patients with asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis in first or second mandibular molar with normal periapical radiographic findings. Three medications i.e., ibuprofen (600mg), tramadol (50 mg) and combination of ibuprofen (400 mg) + acetaminophen (325) were compared and lactose powder capsules were taken as placebo. All patients received IANB and teeth were examined with a cold pulp test using endofrost. Then, endodontic access cavity preparation was initiated. In case of pain during treatment, patients were asked to rate their pain on the visual analog scale.Results: The tramadol group showed significantly higher success rates but ibuprofen and combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen groups were not significant with placebo (p>05). No Significant differences were there regarding sex of the patients.Conclusion: Premedication with tramadol increased the success rate of IANB.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.16(3) 2017 p.370-374

The moringa industry in the Philippines: status, challenges and opportunities

Moringa is one of the world's most useful trees and in the Philippines almost all parts of the plant are used for food and traditional medicine. Various research and development efforts are currently focused on food fortification to utilize the nutritional value of moringa and its medicinal potentials. For the past 10 years the moringa industry in the Philippines has grown significantly as research and development efforts have focused on this crop. Moringa leaves and seed oil are the major raw materials used in the food and nutrition industry, in cosmetics and herbal medicine. The leaf powder is mainly used for food fortification as ingredient of bread, noodles, juices, milk and tea, while the leaf powder capsule is mostly used as food supplement and herbal medicine. Moringa oil is predominantly used in cosmetics and personal health care products such as shampoo, soap, perfumes and skin care. More new moringa-based products are being developed by more than 20 food and cosmetic industries in the Philippines. In spite of the growing moringa industry there is a shortage of good quality fresh and dry moringa raw materials. The supply of moringa powder is inadequate and unstable and can be attributed to a scarcity of seed and planting materials. There is no stable and commercial moringa oil industry due to limited seed supply. The moringa industry in the Philippines is slowly being developed with the assistance of the government and private sectors. The next step is to develop a national program for the industry. There are gaps that need to be addressed. Establishing good agricultural practices and stringent regulations to guarantee the quality and stability of moringa products is top priority. Addressing the great demand for planting materials is another major challenge. The opportunities of moringa-based products seem bright and key players are aiming to penetrate the international market.

Ball indentation on powder beds for assessing powder flowability: Analysis of operation window

The characterisation of bulk behaviour of cohesive powders is very important in processing of particulate solids, e.g. for reliable powder flow out of storage vessels. For filling and dosing of small quantities of powders in capsules and for dispersion in dry powder inhalers, the interest is on the behaviour of loosely-compacted powders in small quantities and under very low applied loads. Furthermore at the early stages of drug development, the quantity of the powder available is often very small and the traditional bulk testing methods are neither possible nor applicable. In this work we evaluate a method to infer powder flowability by ball indentation. This technique provides a measure of flow resistance which can be related to the unconfined yield stress. It can be applied at very low loads and requires only a small sample quantity, typically a few mm3. The operational window in the ball indentation method in terms of minimum sample size, penetration depth and indenter properties (such as size, shape, friction and Young's modulus) has been analysed and reported here.

Choice of Eye Care Giver in A Rural Community of Ebonyi State Nigeria

Background: The Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki Nigeria was formulating a primary eye care plan for Igbeagu Development Centre as part of the comprehensive primary health care plan for the development centre. Objectives: To assess the choice of eye care giver by the people of Nchokko in Igbeagu development centre in Izzi LGA of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Methodology: This is a total population study. Respondents were visited in their households and interviewed using the interviewer- administered questionnaire design. Results: There were 402 respondents of which 269 (68.9%) reported ever having eye symptoms. The common eye complaints were: red eye 135 (50.2 %), eye trauma 56 (20.8%), reduced vision 56 (20.8%), itching 5 (1.9%) and others 17 (6.3%). Majority (183 or 68.0%) practiced self-medication, 84 (31.2%) visited eye clinics while 2 (0.7%) did nothing. Respondents used eye drops 71.5% and ‘capsule powder’ 8.2%, from patent medicine shops; and also sugar water (8.2%), urine (3.3%), Breast milk (2.2), ‘Holy water’ (1.1%) and unspecified other (8.2%). Some of the respondents 98 (24.4%) used spectacles, of which only 24.5% were prescribed. The rest (75.5%) were procured without prescription. Conclusion: The residents in Nchokko community were found to resort to self medication more than orthodox eye care services. Higher educational level and male gender influenced choice of orthodox eye care. Recommendation: It is recommended that health education campaigns be carried out in this community with a view to discouraging self medication and increasing the utilisation of the available orthodox eye care services.

Effects of Complementary Combination Therapy of Korean Red Ginseng and Antiviral Agents in Chronic Hepatitis B.

Chronic hepatitis B management is commonly targeted at reducing viral replication. However, the currently available antiviral therapies are associated with some problems, including resistance and numerous adverse effects. Ginseng has been reported to be effective for treating viral infections such as influenza and human immunodeficiency virus. However, there are currently few studies on the effects of ginseng in chronic hepatitis B. Thus, this study investigated the effects of ginseng together with antiviral agents in chronic hepatitis B. This was a prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial, and single-center study. Thirty-eight patients were enrolled. The control group (n = 19) was administered antiviral agents alone. The experimental group (n = 19) was administered antiviral agents along with Korean Red Ginseng powder capsules (each dose is 1 gram (two capsules), a one-day dose is 3 grams). The baseline characteristics did not differ between the two groups. Differences in several non-invasive fibrosis serologic markers (type IV collagen, hyaluronic acid, transforming growth factor-β) and in the hepatitis B virus DNA levels were compared between the groups. The non-invasive fibrosis serologic markers were further decreased in the experimental group, with significant differences after treatment observed for hyaluronic acid (p = 0.032) and transforming growth factor-β (p = 0.008), but not for type IV collagen (p = 0.174). This study suggests the possibility of Korean Red Ginseng as a complementary therapy for chronic hepatitis B.

Pengaruh Bawang Merah (Allium Cepa, L.) Terhadap Penurunan Kadar Kolesterol Darah Pada Penderita Hiperlipidemia Di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Karangnongko Kabupaten Klaten

Abstract: Cholesterol Blood, Red Onion (Allium Cepa, L.), Hyperlipidemia. Changes in lifestyle, diet, and advances in technology may lead to a decline in physical activity in the community, resulting in the occurrence of energy imbalance. Hyperlipidemia was a condition to an increase in cholesterol and or triglyceride serum upper limit of normal. Onion (Allium cepa, L) contains quercetin in high enough levels can reduce total cholesterol. This study used a sample of onion powder capsules that aims to determine the effect of onion (Allium cepa, L.) to decrease blood cholesterol levels in patients with hyperlipidemia. This research is a pre-experimental design, wherein the treatment group was given capsules of onion (Allium cepa, L.) using a randomized experimental design pretest-Post test Group Design. This study uses the Shapiro Wilk normality test with the sample amounted to 31 people. Based on the results of non-parametric Wilcoxon statistical test showed that cholesterol levels before taking capsules red onion ranged between 226 mg/dl and 370 mg/dl with an average of 281.7 mg/dl. While cholesterol levels after consuming capsules onion ranged between 129 mg/dl and 400 mg/dl with an average of 273.7 mg/dl. The value of p = 0.737 (α ˃ 0.05) means that there is not a statistically significant effect capsule onion powder to decrease cholesterol levels.

Fracture resistance of immature teeth filled with mineral trioxide aggregate, bioaggregate, and biodentine

Objective:The purpose of this study was to evaluate fracture resistance of teeth with immature apices treated with coronal placement of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), bioaggregate (BA), and Biodentine.Materials and Methods:Forty-one freshly extracted, single-rooted human premolar teeth were used for the study. At first, the root length was standardized to 9 mm. The crown-down technique was used for the preparation of the root canals using the rotary ProTaper system (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) of F3 (30). Peeso reamer no. 6 was stepped out from the apex to simulate an incompletely formed root. The prepared roots were randomly assigned to one control (n = 5) and three experimental (n = 12) groups, as described below. Group 1: White MTA (Angelus, Londrina, Brazil) was prepared as per the manufacturer's instructions and compacted into the root canal using MAP system (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and condensed by pluggers (Angelus, Londrina, Brazil). Group 2: The canals were filled with DiaRoot-BA (DiaDent Group International, Canada). Group 3: Biodentine (Septodont, Saint Maur des Fosses, France) solution was mixed with the capsule powder and condensed using pluggers. Instron was used to determine the maximum horizontal load to fracture the tooth, placing the tip 3 mm incisal to the cementoenamel junction. Mean values of the fracture strength were compared by ANOVA followed by a post hoc test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:No significant difference was observed among the MTA, BA, and biodentine experimental groups.Conclusion:All the three materials tested, may be used as effective strengthening agents for immature teeth.

Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) Waste and Alginate as a Matrix for the Encapsulation of N Fertilizer

In the present work, the recycling of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) industrial byproducts into urea-containing capsules is described as an environmentally friendly strategy for nitrogen release into the soil. Yerba mate is an infusion traditionally drunk in various countries of South America. An extensive physical characterization of the capsules is reported: scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-rays analysis (EDX), water gain and hygroscopicity, texture properties, measurement of water absorbency, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR). The capsule matrix had a yerba mate powder content ranging from 30% to 77%. Nitrogen release from the capsule-fertilizer and the capsule degradation were studied using soil (∼pH 7.50). All of the results indicate that yerba mate powder capsules with urea, as an example of an environmental friendly fertilizer, may be expected to have wide applications for the sustainable development of modern ...

To study the efficacy and tolerability of fenugreek seed powder as add-on therapy with metformin in patients of type-2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Fenugreek, an ancient herb has been known for its culinary and medicinal value in Indian Subcontinent. Its seeds, rich in fibers and phytochemical compounds, have been investigated for their hypoglycemic and multiple benefits. This study was thus undertaken to assess the anti-hyperglycemic effect of fenugreek seeds in patients of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) as add-on therapy with metformin. Methods: An open-labelled comparative study of 12 weeks duration was conducted on patients (randomly divided in 2 groups of 30 each) of Type 2 DM. Group 1 was given metformin 500 mg twice a day while group 2 was given 500 mg of metformin along with fenugreek seed powder capsule,1 gm thrice a day. Weekly evaluation for fasting and post-prandial blood sugar was done. HbA1c estimation was done at the beginning and at the end of the study. Student’s t-test (paired and unpaired) was applied for statistical analysis. Results: After 12 weeks of treatment, there was significant fall in fasting, as well as postprandial blood sugar and HbA1c levels in group 1 and group 2. However this improvement was statistically more significant in group 2 when compared to group 1. Conclusions: This study shows the beneficial effects of fenugreek seeds on glycemic profile in patients of Type 2 DM and can be used as an add-on therapy with metformin in management of Type 2 DM.

Abstract B152: Clinical pharmacokinetics of an improved tablet formulation of ONT-380 in HER2+ metastatic breast cancer patients

Abstract Background: ONT-380 is an orally active, reversible small molecule HER2 kinase inhibitor with nanomolar potency and 500-fold selectivity compared to EGFR. In a Phase 1 single agent study using a powder-in-capsule formulation, ONT 380 was well tolerated and provided clinical benefit to patients with HER2+ disease with minimal EGFR-related toxicities. ONT-380 is currently being evaluated in two phase 1b combination studies in patients with HER2+ advanced metastatic breast cancer using an improved tablet formulation. Methods: The pharmacokinetics of an amorphous dispersion tablet formulation of ONT-380 were evaluated in two open-label phase Ib dose range finding combination studies. In the first study, ONT-380 pharmacokinetics were determined on cycle 1 day 1 and cycle 2 day 1 (steady state) in patients co-administered ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1). The pharmacokinetics of DM1 were also evaluated at these same time intervals. In the second study, ONT-380 pharmacokinetics were studied in patients co-administered capecitabine. For this study, drug pharmacokinetics of ONT-380 were measured at cycle 1 day 14 to measure ONT-380 levels when co-administered with capecitabine, and at cycle 1 day 21 to measure ONT-380 pharmacokinetics after cessation of capecitabine administration. In addition, the pharmacokineitics of capecitabine and its catabolites/metabolites DFCR, DFUR, 5FU, and FBAL were also evaluated for potential drug-drug interactions with ONT-380. Results: Pharmacokinetics of ONT-380 were determined for patients treated at 300 mg BID and 350 mg BID tablets. Drug levels at both doses were well above the level corresponding to &amp;gt;90% inhibition of HER2 based on cellular potency assays. At steady state, ONT-380 half-life was 4-7 h and time to Cmax was approximately 2 h. The tablet formulation displayed reduced AUC variability (CV ∼ 30%). In the T-DM1 combination study, ONT-380 dosed at 300 mg BID yielded a steady state mean Cmax of 802 ng/ml, and a mean AUC_daily of 10207 h*ng/ml. In the capecitabine combination study, ONT-380 dosed at 300 mg BID yielded a steady state mean Cmax of 781 ng/ml and a mean AUC_daily of 9998 h*ng/ml. At 350 mg BID, the mean Cmax remained relatively unchanged while the mean AUC_daily increased proportionally compared to the 300 mg BID dose. The pharmacokinetics of ONT-380 alone or in combination with T-DM1 or capecitabine were very similar suggesting that there was no drug drug interactions between ONT-380 and these therapeutics. The pharmacokinetics of DM1 and capecitabine and its catabolites/metabolites were also similar to published literature values. Conclusion: At steady state, the drug exposure for ONT-380 at the MTD dose of 300 mg BID indicated the newly improved tablet formulation resulted in approximately two-times greater drug bioavailability compared to the old powder-in-capsule (PIC) formulation. Citation Format: Alex C. Vo, Luke Walker, Diana Hausman, Scott Peterson. Clinical pharmacokinetics of an improved tablet formulation of ONT-380 in HER2+ metastatic breast cancer patients. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2015 Nov 5-9; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2015;14(12 Suppl 2):Abstract nr B152.

Fecal microbiota transplantation in gastrointestinal diseases: what practicing physicians should know.

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is one of the most commonly reported nosocomial pathogens in the United States and Europe, with recent CDI-associated mortality in the United States approaching 30 000 deaths annually. Antibiotics remain the preferred treatment for CDI; however, a minority of patients experience numerous relapses and are treated with restoration of the bowel microbiota, termed fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). FMT involves the introduction of a fecal suspension from a healthy donor into the gut of the infected patient to cure the CDI and replace depleted components of the gut microbiota. FMT is particularly effective and safe in curing CDI, using a colonoscope or enema to deliver 1 to 2 infusions. Given that 6425 CDIs were reported in Poland in 2014, practicing physicians should understand the benefits and limitations of FMT in CDI as this novel therapy has rapidly advanced to the level of the "standard-of-care" status in Australia, the United States, and many parts of Europe. FMT has been administered either as a suspension in saline, a highly refined liquid product which can be frozen, as lyophilized powder in capsules, and as an encapsulated spore preparation. The ultimate products to reach the market will be shaped by the indications approved by regulatory bodies. At present, the fecal suspension in saline remains the treatment of choice to terminate relapsing and severe CDI, which we will review here. The use of FMT for non-CDI indications, such as inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome, is likely to increase. At present, these indications remain in the domain of research institutions.

An exploratory, randomized, parallel-group, open-label, relative bioavailability study with an additional two-period crossover food-effect study exploring the pharmacokinetics of two novel formulations of pexmetinib (ARRY-614).

BackgroundPexmetinib (ARRY-614) is a dual inhibitor of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and Tie2 signaling pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndromes. Previous clinical experience in a Phase I dose-escalation study of myelodysplastic syndrome patients using pexmetinib administered as neat powder-in-capsule (PIC) exhibited high variability in pharmacokinetics and excessive pill burden, prompting an effort to improve the formulation of pexmetinib.MethodsA relative bioavailability assessment encompassed three parallel treatment cohorts of unique subjects comparing the two new formulations (12 subjects per cohort), a liquid oral suspension (LOS) and liquid-filled capsule (LFC) and the current clinical PIC formulation (six subjects) in a fasted state. The food-effect assessment was conducted as a crossover of the LOS and LFC formulations administered under fed and fasted conditions. Subjects were divided into two groups of equal size to evaluate potential period effects on the food-effect assessment.ResultsThe geometric mean values of the total plasma exposures based upon area-under-the-curve to the last quantifiable sample (AUClast) of pexmetinib were approximately four- and twofold higher after administration of the LFC and LOS formulations, respectively, than after the PIC formulation, when the formulations were administered in the fasted state. When the LFC formulation was administered in the fed state, pexmetinib AUClast decreased by <5% compared with the fasted state. After administration of the LOS formulation in the fed state, pexmetinib AUClast was 34% greater than observed in the fasted state.ConclusionThese results suggest that the LFC formulation of pexmetinib may achieve greater exposures with lower doses due to the greater bioavailability compared to the PIC, and remain unaffected by coadministration with food.

Relative bioavailability of a prototype oral solution of the Aurora A kinase inhibitor alisertib (MLN8237) in patients with advanced solid tumors

Alisertib (MLN8237) is an investigational, oral, small-molecule, selective inhibitor of Aurora A kinase. Phase I/II studies of powder-in-capsule (PIC) and enteric-coated tablet formulations of alisertib have determined the recommended phase II dose and have demonstrated anti-tumor activity. This phase I relative bioavailability study characterized the pharmacokinetics of a prototype oral solution (OS) of alisertib (developed for patients unable to swallow solid dosage forms) in reference to the PIC formulation in adult cancer patients. A safety evaluation was undertaken first following a 3+3 design (OS starting dose, 15 mg). The relative bioavailability of alisertib OS vs. PIC was then evaluated following single dose administration of alisertib OS 25 mg and PIC 50 mg, using a 2-way crossover study design. The relative bioavailability (geometric mean dose-normalized AUCinf ratio) of alisertib OS vs. PIC formulation was 1.26 (90% confidence interval (CI): 1.09-1.47 (OS, n=17; PIC, n=18 evaluable patients)). These results support a distinguishable difference in bioavailability of alisertib between the two formulations (lower bound of 90% CI>1), with an estimated 26% higher total systemic exposure with alisertib OS vs. PIC. Alisertib absorption from OS was faster than from PIC, with a shorter median tmax (OS, 1 hour; PIC, 2 hours) and a geometric mean dose-normalized Cmax ratio (OS vs. PIC) of 1.90 (90% CI: 1.52 - 2.37). These findings inform the starting dose of alisertib OS to support further clinical evaluation of alisertib in patients unable to swallow solid dosage forms.

Study on the preparation of DHA algal oil microcapsule powder using Whey Isolate Protein as main wall material

The DHA algae oil and compound wall materials were used to prepare DHA algae oil the micro capsule powedr through emulsification,homogeneous,spray drying process.Taking 50% DHA algae oil as core material,whey protein isolate as the main wall material,the surface oil as index,the single factor experiment and the BoxBehnken design method were used for the DHA algae oil the micro capsule powder formula optimization.According to the influencing factors and the regression equation between response value of the best DHA algae oil the micro capsule powder formula: 31.5% whey protein isolate,arabic gum 11%,lactose 5%,core material DHA algae oil35%,1.76% casein,monoglycerides 2.14%,maltodextrin 13.6%. Prediction of DHA algae oil microcapsule powder surface oil was 0.34%,after three parallel experiments,test value of 0.28 lower than the industry standard 1.0%,the embedding rate could reach 98.78%,the fuel load was 35%. So this research was feasible,and had a certain reference to the production practice.

Effect of Fuzhenghuayu compound on hepatocyte expression of Nrf2 in a mouse model of hepatic fibrosis

To investigate the effect of Fuzhenghuayu compound (FZHc) on expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in hepatocytes under conditions of hepatic fibrosis using a mouse model. Mice were randomly assigned to a control group and a hepatic fibrosis model group. The control group was further divided into three subgroups for use as normal controls (A1), mineral oil-treated controls (A2), and FZHc-treated controls (A3); the hepatic fibrosis model group was administered carbon tetrachloride (CC14 dissolved in mineral oil and injected intraperitoneally) and further divided into four subgroups for use as 6-weeks models (B1), 10-weeks models (B2), low-dose (L)-FZHc models (C1), and high-dose (H)-FZHc models (C2). The FZHc (capsule powder diluted with double-distilled water to 0.1 g/mL) was administered via gastric perfusion to groups A3, C1, and C2 starting at week 7 of the experiment. At the end of week 6 and 10, hepatic specimens were collected and evaluated for degree of hepatic fibrosis and inflammation using routine haematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to measure the hepatocyte expression of Nrf2, NAD(P)H quinine oxidoreductase 1 (Nqol), a-smooth muscle actin (a-SMA) and fibronectin (FN). Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to measure Nrf2 mRNA expression. Western blotting was used to detect Nrf2 and Nqol total protein expression and Nrf2 nuclear translocation. F test, LSD test and ridit test were used for statistical analyses. Compared with the B2 group (ridit value: 0.09), the model groups treated with FZHc showed significantly lower degrees of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis for both the low (C1 group, ridit value: 0.32) and high doses (C2 group, ridit value: 0.40) (F =82.927, P less than 0.05). In addition, compared with the B2 group, the model groups treated with FZHc showed significantly decreased expression of a-SMA and FN proteins, with a dose-dependent trend (by immunohistochemistry: C 1 group at the end of 10 weeks, F =77.421, 118.262, P less than 0.05; C2 group, P =0.002, 0.013) and significantly increased expression of Nrf2 and Nqol proteins (by immunohistochemistry:C1 and C2 groups at the end of 10 weeks, F =182.537, 75.615, P less than 0.05 and by westen blotting: F =45.664, 127.673, P less than 0.05), which also showed a dose-dependent trend (C2 group, P =0.000, 0.014; 0.005, 0.014). Western blotting also indicated that the amount of nuclear transported Nrf2 was higher in the C1 and C2 groups at the end of 10 weeks (vs. B2 group, F =94.787, P less than 0.05), and the amount of nuclear transported Nrf2 was significantly higher in the C2 group (vs. C1 group, P =0.044). Nrf2 mRNA expression was significantly higher in the C1 group than in the B2 group (F =3230.105, P less than 0.05), and the C2 group had more substantially increased expression (P =0.001); there was no statistical difference found between groups B1 and B2 (P =0.094). Fuzhenghuayu compound increased the expression of Nrf2 mRNA and protein under conditions of hepatic fibrosis in mice and stimulated Nrf2 nuclear transport, as well as increased expression of the Nrf2 target gene Nqol that is known to suppress activation of hepatic stellate cells and decrease the deposition of FN. Therefore, Fuzhenghuayu compound may ameliorate hepatocyte injury in hepatic fibrosis in mice by exerting an antihepatic fibrosis effect.

Screening of Terpene Lactones and Flavonoid Glycosides in &lt;i&gt;gingko biloba&lt;/i&gt; Capsule by UPLC- Orbitrap High Resolution MS, with Emphasis on Isomer Differentiation

In present study, a method basing on accurate mass and fragmentation pattern was designed to screen the terpene lactones and flavonoids in the methanol extract of <i>Ginkgo biloba</i> capsule powder. An UPLC with a hybrid linear ion trap – orbitrap mass spectrometer (UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap Elite) was used. The chromatographic analysis of the sample was performed on a C<SUB>18</SUB> column (100 × ID, particle size 1.9 μm) with gradient elution using methanol and water with 0.10% formic acid. Mass spectrometry was performed in the negative ESI mode. By comparison the accurate mass, element composition and fragment pattern, twenty-six compounds were identified, including 5 ginkgo terpene lactones (bilobalide, ginkgolide A, B, C and J) and 21 flavonoid glycosides. The major glycosides identified included: kaempferol-3-<i>O</i><i>-</i>glu-glu-rha, kaempferol-7-<i>O</i>-rutinoside, isorhamnetin-3-<i>O</i>-rutinoside, kaempferol-3-<i>O</i> -rha-glu, quercetin-3-<i>O</i>- glucoside, kaempferol-3-<i>O</i>-rha-glu-coumaroyl and -methoxymyricetin-3-<i>O</i>-rutinoside. The structural isomers were differentiated through the characteristic ions obtained from their MS/MS spectra. In addition, a compound 3,5,-trihydroxyflavone-3-<i>O</i>-glucoside, which was not reported in <i>G. biloba</i> before to our knowledge, was identified in the extract. The fragmentation pathways and characteristic product ions of flavonoid glycosides were shown and summarized for the rapid identification. The developed method was proved to be useful and precise for fast qualitative analysis of flavonoid compounds in mixture.

Extract-filter-shoot liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry for the analysis of vitamin D2 in a powdered supplement capsule and standard reference material 3280.

An "extract-filter-shoot" method for the analysis of vitamin D2, ergocalciferol, in a dry powdered dietary supplement capsule containing rice flour excipient and in a National Institute of Standards and Technology standard reference material 3280 is reported. Quantification of vitamin D2 was done by atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry using selected ion monitoring, two transitions of selected reaction monitoring, and extracted ion chromatograms from full scans. UV detection was used for the quantification of Vitamin D2 in the dry powder capsule, whereas interfering species rendered UV detection unreliable for standard reference material 3280. Average values for standard reference material 3280 ranged from 8.27 ± 0.58 to 8.33 ± 0.57 μg/g using internal standard calibration and response factor approaches, compared to the previous National Institute of Standards and Technology internal value for vitamin D2 of 8.78 ± 0.11 μg/g, and the recently updated reference value of 8.6 ± 2.6 μg/g. The powdered supplement capsule was found to contain 28.19 ± 0.35 to 28.67 ± 0.90 μg/capsule for a capsule labeled to contain 25.00 μg. The triacylglycerol composition of the rice flour excipient in the powdered supplement capsule determined by atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry is also reported.

Antibiotic Efficacy of Cinnamon (Cinnamon zeylanicum) against Urinary Pathogens in Type II Diabetic Men

The antibiotic efficacy of cinnamon (Cinnamon zeylanicum) powder on type-2 male diabetic subjects was investigated. A total of 24 type-2 male diabetic subjects were randomly assigned into experimental and control group. The experimental group consumed 1 g cinnamon powder capsule daily for a period of 45 d. Antimicrobial activity of cinnamon powder was evaluated against pathogens causing urinary tract infection before and after supplementation and compared against standard antibiotics. Urine culture examination indicated Escherichia coli as the most predominant pathogen causing urinary tract infection. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of cinnamon extract was found to be 0.452 μg whereas the MIC of erythromycin and tetracycline were 10 μg and 30 μg, respectively. The supplementation of cinnamon capsule did not have any effect on gram-negative bacteria.

Mycelial antineoplastic activity of Agaricus blazei.

Basidiocarp of Agaricus blazei (=Agaricus brasiliensis; =Agaricus subrufescens) is used as teas or capsules due to its antineoplastic effect but there are few reports of using mycelium for this purpose. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antineoplastic activity on sarcoma 180 cells implanted in mice of two forms of preparation of the mycelium from two A. blazei strains grown in culture medium with different concentrations of isolated soy protein. Mycelia were grown in Pontecorvo medium with different concentrations of isolated soybean protein (ISP). Mycelial hot water extract, moistened mycelial powder, hot water extract of green tea, Ifosfamida(®) (ifosfamide drug), and saline solution were administered daily by gavage in mice with sarcoma 180 cells to evaluate antineoplastic activity. It was concluded that antineoplastic activity was the same for both strains, except when used as moistened mycelial powder, which rules out the use of mycelial powder in capsules. Mycelial hot water extract had high antineoplastic activity with lower metabolic demand on the spleen and maintenance of normal blood parameters. Mycelial growth in different ISP concentrations had the same antineoplastic activity. Also the vegetative mycelium was as effective as the basidiocarp for sarcoma 180 tumor inhibition. Green tea was as effective as mycelial hot water extract.

Effect of Neem oil and Haridra on non-healing wounds.

Background:In Ayurveda, Vrana (wound) has stated as tissue destruction and discoloration of viable tissue due to various etiology. In Sushruta Samhita, Sushruta described Vrana as a main subject. Most commonly Vrana can be classified into Shuddha and Dushta Vrana (chronic wound/nonhealing ulcers). Among the various drugs mentioned for Dushta Vrana, two of them, Neem (Azadirechta indica A. Juss) oil and Haridra (Curcuma longa Linn.) powder are selected for their wide spectrum action on wound.Aim:To compare the effect of Neem oil and Haridra in the treatment of chronic non-healing wounds.Materials and Methods:Total 60 patients of wounds with more than 6 weeks duration were enrolled and alternatively allocated to Group I (topical application of Neem oil), Group II (Haridra powder capsules, 1 g 3 times orally) and Group III (both drugs). Duration of treatment was considered until complete healing of the wound, whereas 4th and 8th week were considered for assessment of 50% healing. Wound size was measured and recorded at weekly intervals. Wound biopsy was repeated after 4 weeks for assessment of angiogenesis and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis.Results:After 8 weeks of treatment, 50% wound healing was observed in 43.80% patients of Group I, 18.20% patients of Group II, and 70.00% patients of Group III. Microscopic angiogenesis grading system scores and DNA concentration showed highly significant effect of combined use of both drugs when compared before and after results of treatment (P < 0.001).Conclusion:Topical use of Neem oil and oral use of Haridra powder capsule used in combination were found effective for chronic non-healing wounds.