Pharmaceutical Sciences articles list

Growth of brushite crystals on glass slide: a simple and inexpensive in vitro model to evaluate natural antiurolithiatic drugs

The kidney contains mineral deposits in various phases of calcium salts, such as calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate. Calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate (CaHPO4.2H2O) / brushite is a stable form of calcium phosphate, which exists in the form of kidney and bladder stones. The study aimed to explore the possible morphological features of brushite crystals. The study was carried out on a glass slide under a microscope to observe the growth patterns of these crystals. For this purpose, a drop of gel medium (sodium meta silicate solution + 1M orthophosphoric acid solution) at pH 4.99-5.09 was placed in the middle of a glass slide and converted into a gel. A 1M calcium chloride drop was added to form the gel adequately. The glass slide was observed under a microscope till it was completely dried. Calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate was formed as elementary needles, needle clusters, an assemblage of needles with platy crystals, plates with spatial branches, radiating assemblage of platy crystals, star shape crystals and tetragonal bipyramidal. The Current study provides brushite crystallisation phases on glass slides for the first time. It may also be used as a model to evaluate prophylactic management against renal stones through in vitro assessment of crystal growth and aggregation inhibition and modulation of developing or developed crystals by using different natural products. However, it was a preliminary study with no quantitative or statistical analysis.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Ethnopharmacology- drug discovery from treasure house of ancient wisdom

Ethnopharmacology is an information exchange and understanding about people's use of plants, fungi, animals, microorganisms and minerals to discover a a wealth of helpful therapeutic agents and explore their toxic potential passed On by oral tradition or in written documented form Materia medica. This study area provides a scientific backbone for developing active therapeutics based on the traditional medicine of various ethnic groups. It is the interdisciplinary scientific exploration of biologically active agents traditionally employed or observed by man. The broad spectrum Of this domain covers social (anthropology), chemical (chemistry), biological (botany, biochemistry, microbiology) and pharmaceutical sciences (pharmacognosy, pharmacology and clinical therapeutics). Many valuable drugs of today (e.g., atropine, ephedrine, tubocurarine, digoxin and reserpine) have been used by studying indigenous remedies. Chemists continue to use plant-derived drugs (e.g., morphine, taxol, physostigmine. quinidine and emetine) as prototypes in their attempts to develop more effective and less toxic medicines. Currently, USP and BP contain many active ingredients/excipients from natural sources. Its objectives include the preservation of indigenous medical knowledge to understand the pharmacological basis Of herbal medicine; scientific study of indigenous drugs to contribute in the long run to promote or improve primary health care in regions of study; search for pharmacologically unique principles from existing indigenous remedies; finding a valid reason to guard the rainforests or to engage in conservation; establish gene banks and libraries of plant extracts for future biological evaluation: well-established germplasm banks for essential crops. Ethnopharmacology can be an innovative and powerful discovery engine for newer, safer, and more affordable medicines from the treasure house (traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples) of ancient wisdom.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Secondary metabolites-god gifted arsenal for plants

Plant secondary metabolites refer to various chemical compounds that plants produce. Still, they are not directly involved in essential growth processes like primary metabolites (such as sugars, amino acids, and lipids). The term "secondary metabolite" has generated controversy, as it implies these compounds are of minor importance to plants. "Special metabolites" may be a more suitable term. These metabolites protect plants from both abiotic and biotic stress. The vast diversity of plant secondary metabolites showcases plants' incredible adaptability and versatility, providing an arsenal of chemical tools to defend against herbivores, protect from pathogens, attract pollinators and seed dispersers, adaptability and thrive in environmental interactions. Plants can, therefore, survive under less-than-ideal conditions. The profound impact of plant secondary metabolites highlights the intricate relationship between plants and humanity, opening doors to innovative applications with far-reaching implications.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

‹ First  < 4 5 6