Background:The presence of phytochemical constitutes has been reported from species of the Compositae (Asteraceae). Hitherto no reports exist on the phytochemical components and biological activity of Lactuca runcinata DC.Objective:The present study was designed to determine the bioactive compounds in the whole plant methanol extract of Lactuca runcinata.Materials and Methods:Phytochemical screening of the entire herb of Lactuca runcinata DC revealed the presence of some bio-active components. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the whole plant methanol extract of Lactuca runcinata was performed on a GC-MS equipment (Thermo Scientific Co.) Thermo GC-TRACE ultra ver.: 5.0, Thermo MS DSQ II.Results:The phytochemical tests showed the presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, phlobatannin, reducing sugars, saponins, steroids, tannins, terpenoids, volatile oils, carbohydrates, and protein/amino acids in methanolic extract of L. runcinata. The GC-MS analysis has shown the presence of different phytochemical compounds in the methanolic extract of Lactuca runcinata. A total of 21 compounds were identified representing 84.49% of total methanolic extract composition.Conclusion:From the results, it is evident that Lactuca runcinata contains various phytocomponents and is recommended as a plant of phytopharmaceutical importance.

A series of novel 1[5”-(2”’-substituted phenyl)-4”,5”’-dihydro isoxazole-3”-yl]-3-[(4 substituted phenyl)imino]1-3-dihydro-2H-indole-2-one were synthesized from different substituted chalconised indole-2,3-dione was prepared from the different chalconised Isatin. The structures of the compounds were elucidated by elemental and spectral (IR, 1H NMR, and MS) analysis. The synthesized compounds were screened for their analgesic activity by the acetic acid induced Writhing method and in vitro antimicrobial activity against the Gram-positive bacteria—Staphylococcus aureus and the Gram-negative bacteria—Pseudomonas auroginosa, Pseudomonas mirabilis, and E. coli by the cup plate agar diffusion method. Compounds 6a1, 6a3, 6b3, and 6b2 were found to be active against bacteria. The compounds 6a1, 6b3, and 6a3 show a significant analgesic activity. Synthesized compounds also screened for anthelmintic activity against Pheretima posthuma. Compounds 6a1, 6b1, and 6b3 show significant anthelmintic activity.

The aim of the present study is to formulate tenofovir loaded gelatin nanoparticles by two step desolvation method for targeted release of drug by varying the concentration of polymer and cross-linking agent. Entrapment efficiency for all the formulations was found to be within 67.32 ± 1.24 % to 92.11 ± 1.13 %. Average particle size of different tenofovir loaded gelatin nanoparticle formulations was found within the range of 294.9 -445.3 nm. In-vitro drug release study for glutaraldehyde cross linked gelatin nanoparticles were found between 67.09 % ± 1.423 -82.41 % ± 1.874 after 8 h of dissolution. F5 (850 mg gelatin, 0.2 ml glutaraldehyde) was considered as the best formulation based on the entrapment efficiency and drug release from nanoparticle core. Kinetics study was performed for all the formulations and best fit model for drug release was determined depending on R squared values. HPMC K15M was used as a bioadhesive polymer as well as a gelling agent. Three different gel formulations were prepared by varying concentration of HPMC K15M and incorporated with the best formulation, F5. Membrane permeation and bio-adhesion study revealed F5B gel (5% HPMC K15M) as an optimum formulation with suitable bioadhesive strength and membrane permeability.

Objective: Tinidazole, a nitroimidazole derivative is having low aqueous solubility which is a major barrier for systemic drug absorption. The aim of the present research was to develop gastro retentive raft forming tablets of tinidazole to achieve prolonged gastric residence time and thus higher bioavailability.Methods: Solid dispersion of tinidazole was prepared by kneading method by using methanol and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Different concentration of sodium alginate and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) was used to formulate a suitable raft forming tablets and then evaluated for drug content, floating lag time, raft strength, raft volume, raft weight, drug release and release kinetics.Results: Fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR) study confirms compatibility between drug and polymer. The floating lag time was found in the range of 40±4 to 60±5 s for all the formulation. Raft strength for all the formulations was within the range from 3.03±0.12 to 5.92±0.06 g. The raft volume for all the formulation was found within the range of 7.37±1.86 to 9.84±2.76 ml. Raft weight was measured after completion of raft formation for each formulation and was found in the range of 5.21±1.17 to 7.88±1.95 g. In vitro dissolution was carried up to 8 h and percentage of drug release was found to vary between 79.71±2.18 to 94.32±1.79 %. Conclusion:It can be concluded that the combination of solid dispersion and raft formation increases the bioavailability of tinidazole in tablet formulation.

Antimicrobial activity of methanolic extracts of plants was screened by disc diffusion assay against four bacteria and four fungal cultures. Streptomycin (10 µg/disc) and nystatin (10 µg/disc) are used as standards for bacteria and fungi respectively. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts was evaluated through micro broth dilution method. The antimicrobial potency of plant extracts was assessed by their zone of inhibition and activity index values. Total activity of extracts was evaluated to quantitatively compare the activity of two plants. Methanolic extract of Cleome gynandra showed maximum antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (IZ-22 ± 0.22 mm, AI-0.917, MIC-0.039 mg/mL, MBC-0.039 mg/mL). Maximum antifungal potential was shown by C. chelidonii against Candida albicans (IZ-25 ± 0.92 mm, AI-1.000, MIC-0.039 mg/mL, MFC-0.039 mg/mL). Both the extracts exhibited good antimicrobial activity with low range of MIC.