Aim: The objective of the study was to develop chitosan nanoparticles of the drug rivastigmine and to study the effect of polysorbate 80 coating on its biodistribution. Results: Chitosan nanoparticles containing rivastigmine were prepared by spontaneous emulsification. The mean size of the particles was 47 ± 4 nm. ζ potential analysis demonstrated a positive charge for the particles and coating with polysorbate 80 slightly reduced the surface charge of the particles. A biphasic release pattern was observed for the release of drug from the nanoparticles. Release of the drug from nanoparticles was diffusion controlled and the mechanism of drug release was Fickian. Conclusion: The biodistribution studies demonstrated that coating of nanoparticles with 1% polysorbate 80 altered the uptake of nanoparticles by different organs.

Methanolic, chloroform and diethyl ether extracts of leaves of Indian medicinal plant Adhatoda vasica Linn. were pharmacologically validated for its immunomodulatory properties in experimental animals. Oral administration of extracts at a dose of 400 mg/kg in adult male Wister rats significantly increased the percentage neutrophil adhesion to nylon fibers (P<0.001). It extracts were also found to induce Delayed Type Hypersensitivity reaction by sheep erythrocytes (P< 0.001). The observed results at different doses were significant when compared to control groups. These findings suggested that the extracts of this plant, A. vasica Linn positively modulates the immunity of the host.

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