Comparison of three galenic forms of lamivudine in young West African children living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Background Few pharmacokinetic data were reported on dispersible tablets despite their increasing use. One hundred fifty HIV-infected children receiving lamivudine were enrolled in the MONOD ANRS 12,206 trial. Three galenic forms were administered: liquid formulation, tablet form and dispersible scored tablet. Method HIV-infected children <4 years old were enrolled in the MONOD ANRS 12,206 trial designed to assess the simplification of a successful 12-months lopinavir-based antiretroviral treatment with efavirenz. Lamivudine plasma concentrations were analysed using nonlinear mixed effects modelling approach. Results One hundred and fifty children (age: 2.5 years (1.9–3.2), weight 11.1 (9.5–12.5) kg (median (IQR)) were included in this study. Over the study period, 79 received only the syrup form, 29 children switched from syrup form to tablet 3TC/AZT form, 36 from syrup to the orodispersible ABC/3TC form and two from the 3TC/AZT form to the orodispersible ABC/3TC form. The 630 lamivudine concentrations were best described by a two-compartment model allometrically scaled. Galenic form had no significant effect on 3TC pharmacokinetic. Conclusion This trial provided an opportunity to compare three galenic forms (liquid formulation, tablet form and dispersible scored tablet) of lamivudine in the target population of young HIV–1-infected children. Galenic form had no significant effect on lamivudine pharmacokinetics.

Development of Garcinia kola capsules

Garcinia kola usually referred to as "bitter cola" is a tree found in the rainforests. Many studies have revealed the properties of its seeds: antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hepato-protective, antidiabetic, antioxidant. In the West Region of Cameroon these seeds are mainly used against nausea and vomiting; unfortunately, the generalization or the widening of the use of these seeds encounters some problems: the production is seasonal (June to September), the plant only grows in a small area (the departments of Moungo and Mbam and Inougou), the long storage of the seeds is not possible (they harden quickly and become unfit for consumption). The non-toxicity of these seeds having already been demonstrated by Udenze et al in 2012, in this study we wanted to develop a galenic form that is easy to produce and likely to help better use this resource by circumventing these difficulties. Garcinia kola seeds purchased in the city of Bafia, were cleaned, crushed and dried for 2 days at the temperature of 30°C and finally ground. The powder obtained was used to prepare capsules. The powder, calibrated through a 125 sieve, was homogeneous and had a residual humidity of 4%; its flavonoid content was 28 mg quercetin equivalent per gram. The capsules contained 400 mg of seed powder and titrated 3 mg quercetin equivalent of flavonoids per unit. They have responded favorably to the pharmacotechnical tests recommended by the European Pharmacopoeia 5th edition and appear to be able to allow the use of Garcinia kola seeds everywhere and in any season.

Characterizing the Dynamic Taste and Retro-Nasal Aroma Properties of Oral Nutritional Supplements Using Temporal Dominance of Sensation and Temporal Check-All-That-Apply Methods

Orally Disintegrating Tablets (ODTs) are used to restore the nutritional status of people suffering from swallowing pathologies such as dysphagia. ODTs are consumed without water intake and are easily swallowed. The main active compounds of ODTs are vitamins and minerals. These nutrients can have a bad taste or aftertaste, which can be masked by sweetening or flavoring. To ensure the effectiveness of masking strategies and to prescribe a product to patients with acceptable sensory qualities, it is essential to perform a precise and complete sensory characterization of these ODTs. Temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) and temporal check-all-that-apply (TCATA) methods were chosen to characterize the temporal sensory perceptions during the consumption of four ODTs varying in galenic forms and flavoring because of their particularly acute temporality in flavor perception. The ODTs presented common and individual sensory properties, mainly related to their galenic form and to the nature of the active ingredients. The use of a nose-clip to stop retro-nasal airflow showed that flavoring had a minimal impact on the sensory taste qualities of the ODTs. A comparison between the TDS and TCATA results indicates that these tests are capable of providing complementary information on the dynamic sensory qualities of the products studied. Although results were generally similar for both methods, TDS showed a greater number of differences in sensory taste attribute, whereas TCATA was more discriminating. These methods allowed for a better understanding of the evolution of sensory perceptions of these ODTs during their consumption, which could help to optimize masking strategies and develop new products with acceptable sensory properties.

Diversity and Endogenous Knowledge of Aphrodisiac Plants in South and Central Benin

Background: The use of aphrodisiac plants is a very common and ancient practice in Africa. This study, conducted in central and southern Benin, aimed to document endogenous knowledge related to flora, valorization, promotion and conservation of plants species used for aphrodisiac purposes.Methods: Data were collected using ethnobotanical and market surveys from 134 people followed by observations.Results: A total of 138 aphrodisiac plants species were recorded, including 72 from Center Benin and 20 from South Benin while 46 species were common to both areas. These species belong to 124 genera from 59 families mostly represented by Fabaceae (14.49%), Euphorbiaceae (8.76%), and Poaceae (4.38%). The predominant biological type was Phanerophytes (57.25%). The chorological analysis identified a dominance of Sudano-Guinean (26.09%), Pantropical (24.64%) and Guinea-Congolian species (19.57%). Aphrodisiac plants were used for 220 recipes to treat eight affections from which the common was sexual weakness (88.80%). Roots (33.12%) and leaves (20.13%) were the most used parts. The maceration (44.76%) and oral route (88.11%) were the main galenic form and the main mode of administration, respectively.Conclusion: This flora represents a raw material for subsequent phytochemical characterization to identify new aphrodisiac properties, leading to produce Improved Traditional Medicines against sexual disorders.

Bioaccessibility and Pharmacokinetics of a Commercial Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Extract

There are few studies about the pharmacokinetics of the low-molecular mass carotenoids crocetin or crocin isomers from saffron (Crocus sativus L.). None has been performed with a galenic preparation of a standardised saffron extract. The aim of the present research work was to study the effect of in vitro digestion process on the main bioactive components of saffron extract tablets and the corresponding pharmacokinetic parameters in humans. Pharmacokinetics were calculated collecting blood samples every 30 min during the first 3 h and at 24 h after administration of two different concentrations (56 and 84 mg of the saffron extract) to 13 healthy human volunteers. Additionally, an in vitro digestion process was performed in order to determine the bioaccessibility of saffron main bioactive compounds. Identification and quantification analysis were performed by HPLC-PAD/MS. Digestion resulted in 40% of bioaccesibility for crocin isomers, whereas, safranal content followed an opposite trend increasing about 2 folds its initial concentration after the digestion process. Crocetin in plasma was detected in a maximum concentration (Cmax) in blood between 60 and 90 min after oral consumption with dose-dependent response kinetics, showing that crocin isomers from galenic preparation of saffron extract are rapidly transformed into crocetin. The results showed that this tested galenic form is an efficient way to administer a saffron extract, since the observed crocetin Cmax was similar and more quickly bioavailable than those obtained by other studies with much higher concentrations of crocetin.

Usages Et Vulnerabilite De Pterocarpus Santalinoides L'her. Ex De (Papillionoidae), Une Plante Utilisee Dans Le Traitement Des Gastro-Enterites Dans Le Sud Du Benin

In West Africa, rural populations depend heavily on woody plant resources to satisfy particular nutritional and therapeutic needs. This study was conducted in South of Benin to identify local knowledge about Pterocarpus santalinoides, and its vulnerability level. Investigations were made using an interview guide followed by observations. 180 professionals were interviewed. It appears from the study that the "African teak" is known as 10 local designations. The species is sought in many areas of use (African medicine, food medicine, carpentry, art, energy and well-being). On medicinal plan, leaves, bark of the trunk and roots are solicited alone or in association with others to treat especially the symptoms related to gastroenteric (diarrhoea, dysentery, vomiting and abdominal cramps). Decoct is the main galenic form adopted for the treatment of these conditions. Considering all the sectors, all its vegetative organs are used. Degree of uses of various organs of this plant is the main causes of its vulnerability. Vulnerability index (Iv) is equal to 2.4. The species is thus identified as vulnerable. It is urgent for its users to adopt a sustainable management approach, in order to preserve African teak.

Inclusion of marbofloxacin in PMMA orthopaedic cement

SummaryThis in vitro experimental study investigated the feasibility for marbofloxacin, a veterinary fluoroquinolone antibiotic, to retain its antibacterial activity after its inclusion in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement. The assays were conducted on gelose cultures of various types of bacteria isolated from canine spontaneous osteomyelitis. The efficiency of the antibiotics was assessed by using an antibiogram method. Resistance of marbofloxacin to the temperature observed during PMMA polymerization, antimicrobial effect of galenic, useful concentrations and comparison with gentamicin (reference antibiotic for this use) were evaluated. Marbofloxacin retained its antimicrobial activity after being heated to high temperatures reached during polymerization. The more effective galenic form to incorporate into the PMMA monomer was the marbofloxacin powder and the appropriate concentration was 1/40°. In this experiment, marbofloxacin included in PMMA showed a good antimicrobial activity; however this activity was lower than gentamicin added to PMMA on Gram + and Pseudomonas bacteria.Therefore, it seems useful to incorporate marbofloxacin to PMMA cement to treat, or to prevent, osteomyelitis associated with marbofloxacin sensitive bacteria.Nevertheless, the development of a marbofloxacin-PMMA cement requires further evaluation, especially pharmacological, biomechanical and clinical.