Objective: The present study was aimed to develop a simple, sensitive and precise high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the simultaneous estimation of curcumin and piperine and to implement the developed method for the estimation of curcumin and piperine in the nanoparticulate formulation.Methods: Method development was performed using various solvent, buffer-solvent ratios, at different flow rates for adequate separation of both drugs. The developed method was validated in accordance with the international conference on harmonization (ICH) guidelines. The developed method was implemented to estimate the amount of curcumin and piperine in the nanoparticulate formulation.Results: Chromatographical conditions were optimized, and the best chromatographical conditions with adequate resolution for curcumin and piperine was achieved using enable C18G reverse phase column, using a mobile phase combination of acetonitrile and phosphate buffer (pH 3)in a ratio of 70:30 v/v at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. The detection was monitored at a wavelength of 360 nm. The retention time of curcumin and piperine was found to be 7.2 min and 8.5 min respectively. Conclusion:The developed analytical method is simple, precise, and reproducible and thus can be used for simultaneous estimation of curcumin and piperine in pharmaceutical formulations.

Objective: The present study was aimed at preparing stable lyophilized curcumin loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). The optimized lyophilized curcumin loaded NLCs were characterized and evaluated for various quality control parameters. Methods: The optimized curcumin loaded NLCs were prepared by modified hot emulsification using precirol ATO 5 (PRE), capmul MCM C8 EP (CAP) as solid and liquid lipids, respectively. The combination of tween 80 (T80) and solutol HS 15 (SHS) were used as an emulsifier. The NLCs dispersion was lyophilized into powder form to improve the thermodynamic stability of the formulation. The lyophilized curcumin loaded NLCs were evaluated for particle size, size distribution, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency (EE), drug loading, assay, in vitro drug release, crystallinity and surface morphology studies. Results: The optimized lyophilized curcumin loaded NLCs have a mean particle size of 286.2±11.5 nm with a size distribution of 0.288±0.011, a zeta potential of 0.247±0.025 mV with high entrapment of 98.20±1.53 % and drug loading of 2.50±0.21 %. The X-ray diffraction and endothermic peaks confirmed the maximum encapsulation of curcumin in lipid matrices. The particles were spherical with smooth surface morphology. In vitro release studies showed sustained release for up to 24 h. The cytotoxicity against human lung cancer line A-549 for curcumin-loaded NLCs was confirmed with positive control adriamycin (ADR). Conclusion: Curcumin-loaded NLCs prepared had a nanosize particle distribution with maximum entrapment efficiency. Dispersion stability was increased by the lyophilisation process. The solid lyophilized powder is reconstituted for oral delivery.

Objective: The principle objective of the present research work was to improve the bioavailability of curcumin (CUR) by decreasing its particle size. Nanosuspension (NS) of CUR was prepared using poloxamer-188 (P188) as a surfactant. The prepared NSs were characterized for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, drug loading, saturation solubility, and drug release kinetic studies. Methods:Components required for NS preparation, such as solvent, anti-solvent and surfactant were screened. Precipitation high-speed homogenization (HSH) method was used for the preparation of NS using selected components. Evaluation of NS for particle size, PDI, drug loading, saturation solubility and in vitro drug release was done. Pharmacokinetic studies of the NS in sprague dawley (SD) rats were performed. Results:The particle size, PDI and zeta potential of the optimized formulation was 596.5±5 nm, 0.233±0.010 and-23±2 mV respectively. The pH of all the formulations was in the range of 5-6 which is acceptable when related to drug stability. The optimized formulation showed an increase in saturation solubility in water and phosphate buffer pH 6.8 when compared to plain CUR suspension (S). Results of pharmacokinetic studies indicated that Cmax and AUC0-6 Conclusion: CUR NS was prepared using P188 as the stabilizer. Amongst various stabilizers screened P188 rendered a stable NS with the particle size in nano range. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed the better performance of CUR NS as compared to plain CUR S.were increased 8 and 10 times respectively from plain CUR S to CUR NS.

Vaccines represent a useful contribution to the branch of biotechnology as they supply protection against various diseases. However, the major hurdle to oral immunization is the digestion of macromolecule antigenic protein within the stomach due to extremely acidic pH. To address this issue, scientist Arntzen developed the theory of edible vaccines (EVs). EVs are developed using the genetic engineering technology in which the appropriate genes are introduced into the plants using various methods. This genetically modified plant then produces the encoded protein which acts as a vaccine. Owing to its low cost, it will be affordable for developing countries like India. EVs are developed to treat various diseases such as malaria, measles, hepatitis B, stopping autoimmunity in type-1 diabetes, cholera, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), HIV, and anthrax. This review comprises mechanism of action, methods of development, candidate plants, applications, and clinical trials of EVs.

The present study was aimed at preparing stable dry adsorbed nanoparticles (DANs) of silymarin loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). The prepared silymarin loaded NLCs and DANs were characterized for various quality parameters. Silymarin loaded NLCs were prepared by a modified hot melt emulsification ultra-sonication method using glyceryl monostearate (GMS), capmul MCM C8 EP (CAP) and gelucire 50/13 (G50/13) as solid lipid, liquid lipid and surfactant respectively. For better stability, NLC dispersion was converted into DANs by adsorbing them onto some suitable carriers. NLCs and DANs were characterized for particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, drug loading, assay, thermal behavior, crystallinity and morphological study. The optimized NLCs have a mean particle size of 206.1±012.5 nm (size distribution of 0.249±0.058), a zeta potential of -32.5±1.2 mV with high entrapment of 95.60±0.45% and drug loading of 1.90±0.08%. The X-ray diffraction and endothermic peaks confirmed the maximum encapsulation of active in lipid matrices. The particles were spherical with smooth surface morphology. In-vitro release studies showed sustained drug release for up to 24 h. Ex-vivo permeation in the presence and absence of lymphatic blocker indicates the uptake of silymarin loaded NLCs by the lymphatic route. Silymarin loaded NLCs prepared had a nanosize distribution with high entrapment efficiency. The ex-vivo permeation study for optimized NLC formulation exhibited the lymphatic uptake of active. Dispersion stability was increased by preparing the DANs. The solid dry powder is used for oral reconstitution and can be further converted into tablets or filled into capsules.

Although herbal drugs are known to elicit their response quite slowly but they are now overtaking allopathic medicine owing to its high cost, side effects, drug resistance and development of tolerance. This article spots some light on an obscured herbal drug named Urena lobata Linn (Malvaceae) for its antimicrobial activity and also provides some pharmacognostic studies of the drug.

The Trans ungual drug delivery (TUDD) system involves the delivery of drugs through the hard keratinized nail plate. Topical treatment is ideal for treating nail diseases because it has localized effects, resulting in fewer systemic side effects and perhaps better adherence. Conventional formulations have failed to promote nail adhesion and medication absorption due to the nail's highly keratinized hydrophilic nature, which obstructs drug absorption. Systemic therapy has several side effects and a high rate of recurrence, whereas surgery is painful and invasive. As a result, there is a definite need to design an efficient TUDD system that allows antifungals to penetrate the nail and reach the infection site at a sufficient concentration and for a longer period of action to eliminate the infection. The system also avoids the oral toxicity of drugs. Several techniques, including physical, chemical, and mechanical, are employed to increase medication penetration over the nail plate. To increase nail adherence, therapeutic action, and bioavailability, several innovative formulation techniques are being researched, including the use of penetration enhancers in traditional dosage forms (gel, solution), novel dosage forms such as films, nail lacquer, and nanotechnology.

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop the diallyl disulphide (DADS) liposomal dispersion and further the dispersion was to formulate into gel. Methods: The DADS liposomal system was developed using thin film hydration method. 32 factorial design was employed to study the effect of various factors to obtain the optimized liposomal system. Further, it was converted to gel using suitable gelling agent. The optimized liposomal system and gel formulations were evaluated for various parameters. The optimized gel was evaluated for its in-vitro antifungal efficacy. The stability studies for gel were carried as per International conference on harmonisation (ICH) guidelines. Results: The optimized liposomal system was having vesicle size of 208.6nm, % entrapment was 91.7±1.16% and loading was 11.12±0.23%. % drug permeation was 61.10±0.85%. The zeta potential showed moderate stability. The optimized DADS liposomal gel showed satisfactory results. Ex-vivo permeation studies showed that DADS liposomal gel possesses sustained release and drug retention study proved better retention of DADS from liposomal gel than conventional gel in skin. The stability studies showed DADS liposomal gel was stable for 30 days at 25℃/60%RH, 40℃/75%RH and refrigeration (5±3℃). Conclusion:  The results from the present study show that the sustained release profile of optimized DADS liposomal gel. The retention of DADS from liposomal gel was more than from conventional gel which helps in better pharmacological activity with least side effects. Keywords: Diallyl disulphide (DADS), liposomal gel, permeation, sustained release and antifungal activity.