Articles

About Authors:
Raj Mukherjee^*, Koyel Sen, Dr. Ketousetuo Kuotsu^**
* Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University.
** Assistant Professor,
Department of Pharmaceutical Technology,
Jadavpur University.
* rajmukhrje@gmail.com

Abstract:
“Paclitaxel” is a potent mitotic inhibitor acting as anti-neoplastic agent, obtained as complex diterpins, termed “Taxanes” from the barks of Taxus breufolia (Pacific Yew). The oral bioavailability of the drug varies around 6-7% and has a strong protein binding capacity altering between 89% - 98%. Most of these drugs have a central role in metastatic ovarian and breast carcinoma, along with advanced head and neck cancer, small cell lung cancer, esophageal adenocarcinoma, hormone refractory prostate cancer, Kaposi’s Sarcoma and also in the prevention of recurrent narrowing of Coronary Stents. Paclitaxel mainly functions by improvising enhanced stabilization of microtubule polymers during cell division and binds specifically to the beta-tubulin subunits, thus antagonizing disassembly of the key cytoskeletal protein, producing abnormal arrays of microtubules throughout the cell cycle.  Due to the poor aqueous solubility there is a need for the development of alternative formulations of paclitaxel with improved solubility and at the same time devoid of major toxic effects. Various approaches employed so far include cosolvents, emulsions, micelles, liposomes, microsphere nanoparticles, cyclodextrins, pastes, and implants. All these formulations have been prepared with specific aims to enhance bio-stability and  reduce the basic toxic effects of Paclitaxel including low blood count, hair loss, peripheral neuropathy, anthralgias , myalgias, nausea, vommiting,  mouth sores and various hypersensitivity reactions . The drug undergoes extensive CYP-mediated hepatic metabolism (majorly CYP2C8 with specific contributions from CYP3A4), and not more than 10% of a unit dose is excreted in the urine intact. We have tried to answer the probable mechanisms of Paclitaxel and how it can be made more bio-available in order to enhance its anti-cancer activities. Our review revealed the active ingredients that are co-administered with paclitaxel did not improve its functions but blocked the pathways that decreased the function of paclitaxel, since P-glycoproteins itself reduces the accumulation of paclitaxel and might use it as a substrate.

About Authors:
Kaushal Chovatiya, D.R. Mundhada
Agnihotri College of Pharmacy, Wardha,
Maharashtra, India.

Abstract:
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Conventional cancer therapies cause serious side effects and, at best, merely extend the patient’s lifespan by a few years. Cancer control may therefore benefit from the potential that resides in alternative therapies. The demand to utilize alternative concepts or approaches to the treatment of cancer is therefore escalating. There is compelling evidence from epidemiological and experimental studies that highlight the importance of compounds derived from plants “phytochemicals” to reduce the risk of colon cancer and inhibit the development and spread of tumors in experimental animals. More than 25% of drugs used during the last 20 years are directly derived from plants, while the other 25% are chemically altered natural products. Still, only 5-15% of the approximately 250,000 higher plants have ever been investigated for bioactive compounds. The advantage of using such compounds for cancer treatment is their relatively non-toxic nature and availability in an ingestive form. An ideal phytochemical is one that possesses anti-tumor properties with minimal toxicity and has a defined mechanism of action. As compounds that target specific signaling pathways are identified, researchers can envisage novel therapeutic approaches as well as a better understanding of the pathways involved in disease progression. Plant derived compounds have played an important role in the development of several clinically useful anticancer agents. Several anticancer agents including taxol, vinblastine, vincristine and topotecan are in clinical use all over the world. A number of promising agents such as combrestatin, betulinic acid and silvesterol are in clinical or preclinical development.An attempt has been made to review some medicinal plants used for the prevention and treatment of cancer and recent state of development of anticancer drugs regarding Natural Products.

About Authors:
Manoj,
Shekhawati College of Pharmacy,
Dundlod

1) Introduction:
Packaging can be defined as an economical means of providing presentation, protection, identification information, containment, convenience and compliance for a product during storage, carriage, display and until the product is consumed. Packaging must provide protection against climatic conditions biological, physical and chemical hazards and must be economical. The package must ensure adequate stability of the product throughout the shelf life.¹

About Author: Ambrish Singh
B.Pharma, M.Tech (Biotech)
Anna University,
Chennai

Abstract
Products which degrade upon disposal by the action of living organisms are called 'biodegradable products”. They can be broken down into their constituent natural elements and be absorbed by the environment. There has been a lot of progress in the production of biodegradable products from biopolymers such as starch, cellulose, lactic acid, glycolic acid etc. Biopolymers have a vast range of applications in the production of eco- friendly products such as bioplastics, biopots, biodegradable medical devices, biodegradable implants and drug delivery systems. Using biodegradable products is very important for making the environment “Green”. Advanced techniques in biotechnology have been used to produce genetically modified organisms. These genetically modified organisms are used in the production of biopolymers. Biopolymers help to produce biodegradable products in large quantities at a very low cost. Therefore focusing research in these areas will help to completely avoid the usage of non biodegradable products in future.

About Authors: Rakesh Verma
Seth G.L. Bihani S.D. college ,
sri ganganagar

1. Introduction
The discovery of a variety of pharmaceuticals in surface, ground, and drinking waters around the country is raising concerns about the potentially adverse environmental consequences of these contaminants. Minute concentrations of chemicals known as endocrine disruptors, some of which are pharmaceuticals, are having detrimental effects on aquatic species and possibly on human health and development.

About Authors:
Ankit Kumar Jhangta,
M.Pharm
Kumaun Univ. Nainital

ABSTRACT
Mobile telecommunication technology became commercially available about 20-30 year ago in different countries around the world commencing with europian countries. Telecommunication Industry has grown by leaps and bound over the last decade. Thus any health hazard from these devices promises  to have large epidemiological impact as more than half of the population are mobile users.The key aim of this paper is to scientifically and objectively review data suggesting or refuting a relationship between mobile phone usage and brain tumours.

About Authors:
Mithun NM*, Dr.Shashidhara S¹
Dept. of Pharmacognosy,
Government college of pharmacy,
Bangalore

Abstract: Eclipta alba (L.) is small branched annual herbaceous plant with a long history of traditional medicines uses in many countries especially in tropical and subtropical regions. The herb has been known for its curative properties and has been utilized as antimytotoxic, analgesic, antibacterial, antihepatotoxic, antihaemorrhagic, antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, immunomodulatory properties and it is considered as a good rejuvenator too. Recent studies showed an antivenom property & corrosion pickling inhibitor action on mild steel in hydrochloric acid. A wide range of chemical compounds including coumestans, alkaloids, thiopenes, flavonoids, polyacetylenes, triterpenes and their glycosides have been isolated from this species. Extracts and metabolites from this plant have been known to possess pharmacological properties. This contribution provides an comprehensive review on ethnomedicinal uses, chemical composition, and the pharmacological profile as medicinal plant. Particular attention is given to antihepatotoxic, analgesic, antioxidant , antihyperglycemic, antiaggresive, wound healing properties and insecticidal effects presented in this review such that the potential use of this plant either in pharmaceutics or as an agricultural resource can be evaluated.