July 2012

About Authors:
Mubarak Patel^*, Suresh. V. Kulkarni,
Department of Pharmaceutics,
Sree Siddaganga College of Pharmacy,
B. H. Road, Tumkur-572102, Karnataka, India.
*patel.mubarak2@gmail.com

ABSTRACT:
The purpose of the research work was to prepare and evaluate the microspheres of metoclopramide hydrochloride as a model drug by solvent evaporation method with carbopol and HPMC polymers in various proportions. A total of six formulations were prepared i.e. F1, F2, F3, F4, F5 and F6. The microspheres were evaluated for micromeritic properties, particle size, % yield, Drug content and Drug release. The size or average diameter of prepared microspheres were recognized and characterized by scanning electron microscopic methods. Microspheres were found discrete, spherical and free flowing. They ranged in particle size from 45.6- 52.2 μm. Metoclopramide hydrochloride release from these microspheres was slowed, extended and depended on the type of polymer used. The formulation F2 and F5 showed consistent drug release for up to 12 h time period. Among all the formulations, F2 contains carbopol 934 and F5 containing HPMC showed the reproducible results with best release profile and good surface morphology. Release data were analyzed based on Highuchi kinetics and Korsmeyer/Peppa’s equation and all the selected formulations showed good fit to Peppa’s equation. The work has demonstrated that among all the formulations of microspheres, particularly those of formulation F2 are promising candidates for the sustained release of metoclopramide hydrochloride in the gastrointestinal tract.

At Roche, 80,000 people across 150 countries are pushing back the frontiers of healthcare. Working together, we’ve become one of the world’s leading research-focused healthcare groups. Our success is built on innovation, curiosity and diversity, and on seeing each other’s differences as an advantage. To innovate healthcare, Roche has ambitious plans to keep learning and growing – and is seeking people who have the same goals for themselves.

The Virus Research Center (VRC), Pune came into existence in 1952 under the joint auspices of the ICMR and the Rockefeller Foundation, as a part of the global programme of investigations on the arthropod-borne group of viruses.

About Authors:
Neha Sharma^*, Dr. Rajinder Kaur
Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan
* nehabtc@gmail.com

Abstract:
Main source of sugar has long been cane sugar with beet sugar contributing a very less percentage. But these sugars alongwith sweetening qualities have been found to contribute calories, which can lead to various chronic diseases. Stevia rebaudiana is one such medicinal plant which have made possible to offer consumers the sweet taste without calories. Stevia alongwith sweetner offers anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-yeast, cardiotonic, diuretic and hypoglycaemic properties. Hence there is need to study this medicinal plant to promote this natural sweetener and create product awareness. Its genetic diversity study provides better knowledge of the herb and hence its production and so that it can be used more and more by the pharmaceutical industries to serve the mankind.

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National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) was founded by Sir Robert McCarrison in the year 1918 as ‘Beri-Beri’ Enquiry Unit in a single room laboratory at the Pasteur Institute, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu. Within a short span of seven years, this unit blossomed into a "Deficiency Disease Enquiry" and later in 1928, emerged as full-fledged "Nutrition Research Laboratories" (NRL) with Dr. McCarrison as its first Director.

The Kerala Public Service Commission is a body created by the Constitution of India.

April 2012

About Authors:
S.R.Edwin Singh^*
Department of Pharmaceutics, Seshachala College of Pharmacy,
Tirupathi – Chennai High way,   Puttur-517 583, 
Chittoor (dist), A.P., India.

Abstract:
This article aims to review the recent developments in the buccal adhesive drug delivery systems to provide basic principles to the young scientists, which will be useful to circumvent the difficulties associated with the formulation design. The Rapid developments in the field of molecular biology and gene technology resulted in generation of many macromolecular drugs including peptides, proteins, polysaccharides and nucleic acids in great number possessing superior pharmacological efficacy with site specificity and devoid of unwanted and toxic effects. The oral cavity is highly acceptable by patients.  The mucosa is relatively permeable with a rich blood supply, it is robust and shows short recovery times after stress or damage.  The virtual lack of Langerhans cells makes the oral mucosa tolerant to potential allergens. Buccal drug delivery leads direct access to the systemic circulation through the internal jugular vein bypasses drugs from the hepatic first pass metabolism leading to high bioavailability. Buccal route is an attractive route of administration for systemic drug delivery. Buccal bioadhesive films, releasing topical drugs in the oral cavity at a slow and predetermined rate, provide distinct advantages over traditional dosage forms for treatment of many diseases.