The first generation antihistamines penetrate the blood brain barrier and also possess anticholinergic properties; this has led to the development of a second generation of H 1 -antagonists such as terfenadine, cetirizine and astemizole (1). A common feature of the first generation compounds includes two aryl or heteroaryl rings linked to an ali-

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Microspheres (MS) of Ketorolac Tromethamine (KT) for oral delivery were prepared by complex coacervation (method-1) and simple coacervation (method-2) methods without the use of chemical cross–linking agent (glutaraldehyde) to avoid the toxic reactions and other undesirable effects of the chemical cross-linking agents. Alternatively, ionotropic gelation was employed by using sodium-tripolyphosphate (Na-TPP) as cross linking agent. Chitosan and gelatin B were used as polymer and copolymer respectively. All the prepared microspheres were subjected to various physico-chemical studies, such as drug-polymer compatibility by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and Fourier Transform Infra Red Spectroscopy (FTIR), surface morphology by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), frequency distribution, encapsulation efficiency, in-vitro drug release characteristics and release kinetics. The physical state of drug in the microspheres was determined by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray powder Diffractometry (XRD). TLC and FTIR studies indicated no drug-polymer incompatibility. All the MS showed release of drug by a fickian diffusion mechanism. DSC and XRD analysis indicated that the KT trapped in the microspheres existed in an amorphous or disordered-crystalline status in the polymer matrix. It is possible to design a controlled drug delivery system for the prolonged release of KT, improving therapy by possible reduction of time intervals between administrations.

Ganoderma lucidum, commonly referred to as Lingzhi or Reishi, is a basidiomycete rot fungus which has been used for centuries in East Asia for promotion of good health and longevity. The main bioactive components of G. lucidum can be broadly grouped into polysaccharides and triterpenes. The anticancer properties of G. lucidum have been proved in both in vitro and in vivo studies using human and murine cell lines. Various pharmacological activities have been reported such as, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, cardioprotective, immune modulatory, antioxidant, anticancer, etc. Regardless of polysaccharides and triterpenes have been used for treatment of different types of cancers the mechanism by which they exert their anticancer effect remains undefined. The aim of this paper is to summarise the treatment of various cancer with respect to various mechanisms that have been suggested for the anticancer properties of polysaccharides and triterpenes extracted from G. lucidum.

Abstract. Microspheres of tramadol hydrochloride (TM) for oral delivery were prepared by complex coacervation method without the use of chemical cross-linking agents such as glutaraldehyde to avoid the toxic reactions and other undesirable effects of the chemical cross-linking agents. Alternatively, ionotropic gelation was employed by using sodium-tripolyphosphate as cross-linking agent. Chitosan and gelatin B were used as polymer and copolymer, respectively. All the prepared microspheres were subjected to various physicochemical studies, such as drug-polymer compatibility by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy, frequency distribution, drug entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release characteristics and release kinetics. The physical state of drug in the microspheres was determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). TLC and FTIR studies indicated no drug-polymer incompatibility. All the microspheres showed initial burst release followed by a fickian diffusion mechanism. DSC and XRD analysis indicated that the TM trapped in the microspheres existed in an amorphous or disordered-crystalline status in the polymer matrix. From the preliminary trials, it was observed that it may be possible to formulate TM microspheres by using biodegradable natural polymers such as chitosan and gelatin B to overcome the drawbacks of TM and to increase the patient compliance.