A Nano-Pharmaceutical Formula of Quercetin Protects from Cardiovascular Complications Associated with Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is closely associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases. We recently developed a nano-preparation of the flavonoid quercetin (QU) in a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS). The latter comprised a mixture composed of pumpkin seed oil, D-α-Tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1,000 succinate and polyethylene glycol. The QU SNEDDS preparations exhibited a considerably higher bioavailability compared with the standard quercetin suspension. Here, we investigated whether the quercetin loaded SNEDDS could offer better protection compared with the standard formulation against cardiovascular complications of MetS in rats. MetS was induced by high fructose, high salt and high fat diet for 12 weeks while the nano-preparation or the standard suspension of quercetin was orally administered for the last 6 weeks. Compared to little effect for the standard quercetin suspension (MQ), the treatment of MetS rats with the quercetin loaded SNEDDS (MNQ) virtually abolished the depressant effect of MetS on contractility index (control, 114 ± 4; MetS, 92 ± 3; MQ, 100 ± 2; MNQ, 114 ± 6 1/s) and rate of rise in left ventricular pressure (dP/dtmax) (control, 8,171 ± 274; MetS, 6,664 ± 135; MQ, 6,776 ± 108; MNQ, 7,498 ± 303 mmHg/s). Likewise, the prolongation by MetS of electrocardiographic markers of arrhythmogenesis (QTc, JT, and Tpeak-to-Tend intervals) and concomitant rises in dicrotic notch pressure were preferentially reversed by quercetin nano-preparation. On the other hand, the rises in the isovolumic relaxation constant (Tau, denotes diastolic dysfunction), blood pressure, pulse pressure, and difference between systolic and dicrotic pressure (SDP difference) were equally improved by the two preparations of quercetin. Additionally, no differences were noted in the ability of the two quercetin preparations in abrogating the elevated oxidative (MDA) and inflammatory (TNFα) markers in cardiac tissues of MetS rats. Histopathological, microscopical signs of necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and vascular congestion in MetS hearts were more markedly inhibited by the nano-preparation, compared with the standard preparation of quercetin. In conclusion, the quercetin loaded SNEDDS is evidently more advantageous than the standard preparation of the drug in alleviating functional and histopathological manifestations of cardiac damage incited by MetS.

Randomized Trial of Dilute Betadine Soak and Scrub for Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery

Category: Lesser Toes; Midfoot/Forefoot; Other Introduction/Purpose: There is no consensus as to which skin antiseptic technique is most effective at reducing bacterial load prior to orthopaedic foot and ankle procedures. The purpose of this study is to determine if the addition of a dilute betadine soak and scrub to a standard preparation with alcohol and chlorhexidine decreases positive bacterial culture rates from the hallux nailfold. Methods: In this prospective, randomized controlled trial, 242 subjects were randomized to one of two groups. The control group received only a standard skin antiseptic preparation with alcohol and chlorhexidine, while the intervention group received a three-minute dilute betadine soak and scrub followed by the standard preparation with alcohol and chlorohexidine (Figure 1). Immediately before skin incision, culture swabs were taken from the hallux nailfold of both groups. Results: Of the 257 subjects enrolled and randomized, 242 (94.2%) completed the study, satisfying the a priori sample size requirement of 242 subjects. There were no crossovers between groups. There were no differences in baseline characteristics between groups (p>0.05 for each). There was no difference in the bacterial growth rate between groups (26.8% growth in the intervention group versus 26.9% growth in the control group, p=0.991). Conclusion: The hallux nailfold is one of the most difficult to sterilize areas prior to orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery. This randomized controlled trail found no benefit to adding a three-minute dilute betadine soak and scrub to a standard skin preparation with alcohol and chlorohexidine.

Preparation and Standardization of Jatyadi Ghrita Rectal Suppository

Jatyadi Ghrita is a very well known formulation used for wound healing, anorectal disorders like fissure, fistula or any chronic wound. These wound healing properties of Jatyadi ghrita can be used in modern dosage form like suppository, suppositories are used to improve local effect of Jatyadi ghrita because of its easy application and minimum local discomfort. These suppositories are made by fusion or melt method by using cocoa butter as a base, and melted mixture of both are poured into molds and after cooling suppositories are collected from molds and stored in fridge. Temperatures plays major role in preparation of this fusion or melt method suppositories. An attempt has been made for preparation and standardization of Jatyadi ghrita suppositories. Standard Preparation method and Visual examination, melting point, liquefaction time of suppositories are studied under this project.

In house & Marketed Preparation of Hingwashtak Churna, A Polyherbal Formulation: Comparative Standardization and Measures

Background: Hingwashtak Churṇa is a polyherbal Ayurveda based classical formulation used to cure certain digestive disorders. We have attempted to prepare and standardize this preparation comparing it with standard preparation to ensure its quality. Objective: The current research was aimed at the preparation of Churna in house and to compare it with the marketed formulation on all the standard norms while standardizing it. Materials and Methods: The Churna was prepared in-house according to The Ayurvedic Formulary of India. The Churna was comparatively evaluated along with its marketed preparation based on the evaluation of external features, physical constants, and physico-chemical parameters. Results: The scientific findings were found to be comparable and suitable enough for the evaluation of Churṇa. Conclusion: Ayurvedic medicine, HW has been standardized using the various parameters and can be incorporated while developing the pharmacopoeial standards.