1. Arugula- The Green Solution for Diabetics and Cholesterol

    M K Shaheer*, A Finose, K M Shafi and K M Hashim

    Abstract: Eruca vesicaria sativa globally known as Arugula belongs to the family of Brassicaceae is a salad food supplement commonly used in Middle East along with the high fat content foods. In this background the current investigation thoroughly studied about the diabetics and cholesterol status of both the regions and also studied the importance of the Arugula by performing phytochemical and clinical observations.The Flavanoids/Phenolics Ratio was calculated for the plant. Nitric oxide assay and DPPH scavenging activity of the plant was calculated to determine the antioxidant potential of the plant.LCMS analysis was performed for methanol,chloroform and petroleum ether extracts of the plant and five compounds[Cynidin, Reservitol, Sorbitol, Camphene and Quercetin] having antidiabetic and anticholesterol activity was studied using PASS software.

    Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Eruca vesicaria sativa, F/P Ratio, PASS.

    Pages: 179 – 183 | Full PDF Paper

  2. Pharmaceutical Excipients of Marine and Animal origin: A Review

    Sriaandhal Sabalingam1, W. J. A. Banukie N. Jayasuriya*

    1,2. Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.

    Abstract: This article gives an overview of natural, marine and animal derived compounds which are used as excipients in pharmaceutical preparations. Pharmaceutical excipients are inactive substances, used to formulate dosage forms and play a multi role in pharmaceutical formulations. The use of marine and animal derived excipients to deliver active pharmaceutical ingredients have been limited by the development of synthetic materials. However, advantages offered by these excipients are being cheap, freely available and biocompatible. Marine polysaccharides are abundant in sea and have a low extraction cost. Marine and animal excipients have a diverse pharmaceutical application such as fillers, binders, film coating agents, colorants, flavoring agents, encapsulating agents and lubricating agents. Even though they produce diverse pharmaceutical application, their use is limited due to consumer’s religious beliefs and some toxicity problems.

    Keywords: Marine excipients, animal excipients, lactose, gelatin, alginate, chitosan.

    Pages: 184 – 196 | Full PDF Paper