Professional Documents
Culture Documents
ISSN No:-2456-2165
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF FIGURES
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
nm - Nano metre
mm - Milli metre
µg - Micro gram
Chapter – IV
Summary and Conclusion
References
ABSTRACT
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Pharmaceutical denotes any substance or compound that provide medicinal or health
benefits. It is majorly used for curing a wide range of diseases. It is called as a
multidisciplinary field which gained numerous dimensional roles in curing the disease. It deals
with understanding the depth of molecular level for designing the drug. Traditional medicine
serves as the lifesaver when compared with the modern medicine [1]. Plants and its
therapeutical compound possess to be effective in preventing the disease and one of the
advantages over the traditional medicine is it doesn’t accelerate the disease for ex: deleterious
effect of the drug. Tylophara is a genus of the family Asclepiadaceae consisting of about 60
species being widely distributed throughout the world. Tylophora species are slender perennial
climber and commonly known to occur in Africa, Asia, Australia and Oceanic Islands [2]. The
plant name “Tylophora” is made up of Two ancient Greek words wherein “Tylos” stands for
“knot” while “phoros” stands for “bearing”. Tylophora indica commonly known as “antmool”
is one of the most medicinally important species of the Tylophora genus. Tylophora indica is
well distributed in the plains, forest and hilly tracks of southern and eastern India, occurring
up to an altitude of 900 m. The climber being indigenous to Inida inhabits sub-Himalayan tract
up to an elevation fo 1260 m extending from Uttar pradesh to Meghalaya. It is an endangered
perennial woody medicinal climber. It possesses long, fleshy, and knotty roots and long and
twinning stem that grows up to 1.5 m [3].
C. Pharmaceutical nanotechnology
Pharmaceutical nanotechnology represents the revolutionary opportunities to fights against
threat full disease like cancer, diabetes mellitus, and neurodegenerative diseases etc., [11]. The
activities of active compound in plants are being researched to understand its complexity for
in further developing them into therapeutic formulations. Phyto-therapeutics requires a
D. Nanovesicles
There are numerous drug delivery and drug molecule targeting systems, such as nano
polymers, nano vesicles such as liposomes, micelles are currently utilized with the aim to
minimize the drug degradations upon administration and to prevent from undesirable side-
effects due to over/under load of active molecules in the cell and increase drug bioavailability
etc. Nanovesicles are one type of nano delivery agents.
A nanovesicle is a lipid bilayer rolled up into a spherical shell which is enclosing a small
amount of liquid and separating it from the external environment (which is usually aqueous) and
usually ranges in the size of 1 to 100 nanometres.
Nanovesicles like other vesicles are formed based on the molecular self-assembly process.
They can be developed based on both the top- down (larger to smaller) and bottom-up (smaller
to larger) approaches.
The size of these artificial vesicles ranges highly from the macroscopic, microscopic
to nanoscopic level. Some of the artificial vesicles are liposomes, transferosomes, bilosomes.
ethosomes, colloidasomes and niosomes. In this study, inorder to increase the bioavailability
of the chosen drug, niosomes were synthesized to encapsulate the drug so that it enhances
the sustained release of the drug [15].
E. History of Nanovesicles
Nanovesicles were developed as a result of the expectation to produce novel lipid vesicle based
carriers to deliver a range of pharmaceutical compounds and other compounds. Liposomes were
the first type of nanovesicles that were first described in the mid of 1960s. The first patented
nanovesicles were “niosomes” in the year 1970 to 1980. Transferosomes are the first generation
of elastic nanovesicles introduced by Cevc et al. in the later 90s [16].
F. Nature of nanovesicles
Nanovesicles are chemically stable. They possess both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions
with the internal environments structure; henceforth, most of the hydrophilic and lipophilic
active molecules are being entrapped in the nanovesicles. Nanovesicles can be prepared using
relatively simple methodologies. Nanovesicles do not require high method protocol to maintain
the activeness of the vesicle. Nanovesicles enhance the absorption of active ingredients;
therefore, increase the bioavailability. The outer limiting layer of the nanovesicles which is
It has been well established that nanovesicles made of different molecular compounds must
have size-dependent physiochemical properties. Most of the nanovesicles exist in the range of 1–
100 nm. The size, shape and composition of the nanovesicles determine their properties and
thereby their applications. It has been well established that nanovesicles made of different
molecular compounds must have size-dependent physiochemical properties. Most of the
nanovesicles exist in the range of 1–100 nm. The size, shape and composition of the nanovesicles
determine their properties and thereby their applications. The nanovesicles usually contain an
aqueous layer and a bilayer membrane made up of amphiphilic molecules. The amphiphilic
molecules that make the nanovesicles are usually lipids, especially phospholipids. The charge,
degree of saturation and the length of the fatty acid chains of the lipids that are present in the
bilayer have more influence over the physical properties of the vesicles, which include curvature,
stability and permeability.
The thermodynamic system is a vital part of the nanovesicular development. The study of
the surroundings like heat and melting points are the major parameters involved in the
nanovesicle development process [17].
The stability and entrapment ability are highly disturbed due to the damage of the
nanovesicles. Nanovesicles undergo physical or chemical damage during preparation as well
as storage. High temperatures during preparation and storage usually damage the
nanovesicles. Oxidation of the lipids (fatty acids) is an important factor that leads to the
damage of the vesicles including permeability of bilayers. The quality of lipids used in the
vesicle preparation also influences the quality of vesicles. Nanovesicles with anti-oxidants
or phospholipids with more saturated fatty acids can resist the damage through the process of
oxidation. The entrapment efficiency of the nanovesicle is influenced majorly by the size and
the lamellarity (the number of bilayers, uni or multi). A proper mechanical stress during the
dispersion process of preparation step can be able to influence the size and lamellarity. A
simple mechanical stress through agitation can lead to the production of multilamellar
vesicles (MLV); whereas, the high level mechanical stress may lead to small or unilamellar
nanovesicles. Multilamellar vesicles have been found to entrap more hydrophilic and
hydrophobic compounds. However, the stability of such MLV is lesser than that of
unilamellar vesicles [18].
I. Process of self-assembly
There are three basic steps that define a process of molecular self- assembly namely molecular
recognition, growth and termination. Elementary molecules selectively bind to others which are
commonly termed as molecular recognition. These elementary molecules or intermediate
assemblies are the building blocks that bind to each other following a sequential or hierarchical
assembly which is often termed as growth. Assemblies can potentially grow infinitely but their
growth is interrupted by physical and/or environmental constraints, following with the process
of self-assembly undergoes termination.
In the nanovesicles formation, the process of self-assembly contains two major parts.
The first part is the formation of a bi-layer.
The second part is the closing of the bilayer to form a vesicle.
K. Mechanism of assembly
Lipids that organise into micelles or bilayer in oil-water complex is based on the forces
between the hydrophobic tail and hydrophilic head of lipid molecules. Hydrocarbon tail tries to
reduce water interaction; whereas, the hydrophilic head increases the water interaction. These
two opposing forces initiate lipid assembly. At certain point, each head group reaches its optimal
surface area where the total interactive free energy is minimum which further may organise into
either monolayer/bilayer vesicles or micelles depending on the geometry of the molecules. Now
geometry of bilayer/vesicles is hinge on optimal surface area and concentration of hydrophobic
chain. E.g. Single carbon chain lipids like “phosphatidylcholine” will form micelles but lipids with
two or more carbon chains like “diacyl phosphatidylcholine” that will form bilayer cannot
form micelles and vice versa. Concept of self-assembly of lipids is the combined effect of
entropy, geometry and interactive free energies to form organised structures.
L. Features of self-assembly
Co-operativity and non-linear behaviour often characterise molecular self-assembly.
Molecular self-assembly is a highly parallel and time- dependent process.The process of self-
assembly can be influenced by the physical and chemical conditions, such as pH,
temperature and concentrations.
N. The Size
As the size of the particles reduces to nanoscale, the properties also change.
Optical property
Thermal property
Mechanical property
Chemical property
The colour of gold nanoparticles varies with the size. Particles with small size (<100 nm)
have red colour, while larger nanoparticles have bluish or purple colour. Also, silver
nanoparticles are yellow. This change is attributed to extinction spectra, i.e. the total of
absorption and scattering. The extinction spectra depend on the size of the spherical particles.
Nanoparticles have the ability to scatter phonons. Phonons are a quantum of energy
associated with sound or vibration of crystal lattice.With reduction in diametre, the thermal
conductivity also reduces. The phonon influenced thermal conductivity of nanoparticles is
size- dependent.
The mechanical property of nanoparticles is different from that of the bulk. For example,
let us take the case of organic or inorganic nanoparticles containing polymer
nanocomposites.Compared to the bulk materials, the nanoparticles have increased surface to
volume ratio. When the unbounded polymers are close to the exposed surface of
nanoparticles, interaction occurs better than that in the bulk.The polymer will tightly wrap
around the nanoparticle; thereby, changing its properties. 50% of the atoms are surface atoms
in nanoparticles. Therefore, the electrical conductivity properties are directly related to the
chemistry of these nanoparticles. Due to large number of surface atoms, the atoms have
higher energy compared to the bulk state. The nanoparticle interaction depends on the
surface chemistry. The increased surface area might also attract impurities on its surface. The
surface properties/interactions can be changed by using molecular monolayers. The melting
points of nanoparticles are lower than that for the bulk.
O. Shape
Nanoparticles can be synthesised in different shapes like spheres and rods. The shape of the
particles can be influenced by two parameters:
Thermodynamic stability
Kinetic stability
The shapes obtained from thermodynamic stability can also be kinetically stable. However,
the converse is not true.
The shape of the nanoparticles also influences their cellular uptake. Spherical
nanoparticles are readily taken up by the cell, irrespective of their angle of projection. On the
other hand, rod shaped particles can be taken up by the cell only when their major axis is
perpendicular to the cell membrane.
P. Surface Charge
The surface charge of the particles influences their interaction and cell penetration. The
positively charged gold nanoparticles can penetrate deep into the negatively charged cell wall.
The negatively charged particles in contrast are repelled by the cell wall. The positively
charged particles also have been observed to have higher cytotoxicity, better imaging
efficiency, drug delivery and gene transfer. Recent findings suggest that, the delivery of drugs
to the brain can be accomplished by using neutral or low anionic nanoparticles. The cationic
particles have immediate toxic effect to the blood-brain barrier [19].
Q. Entrapment Efficacy
R. Drug Release
The ideal drug carrier should release the drug only in the target site, in a controlled way.
The drug carrier should not be subjected to rapid clearance or the blood barrier. The
nanoparticles can be manipulated to release the drug rapidly or in a controlled constant way.
The use of antigens or proteins or molecules on the surface of the nanoparticle enables
delivery of the drug only into the target site. Nanoparticles that are in the diametre of 5 nm
are rapidly cleared from the body. Therefore, appropriately sized particles can be designed for
effectively delivering the drugs. The drug is released from the nanoparticle by simple diffusion,
influence of pH, exchange of ions with the environment, degradation or even by enzyme
activity.
S. Stability
Stability is enhanced at nanoscale than in the bulk. Stability of nanoparticles has also been
observed inside the body. Quantum dots are retained in the body for more than 100 days along
with their fluorescence ability. The reactivity and stability depend on the surface chemistry and
the surface charge of the particles.
T. Storage
Storage of nanoparticles at lower temperatures prolongs the shelf-life. The particles should
not be frozen but stored at 4 to 25°C. Improper storage may cause aggregation and loss of the
particles. This can be characterised by colour change in the solution [19].
U. Preparation of nanovesicles
The method of preparation of nanovesicles depends on the functions of biovesicles. The
properties, such as size, bilayers, distribution of the drug molecules, entrapment efficiency and
membrane permeability play a vital role in choosing the preparation methods. Following are
some of the methods used to synthesise nanocarriers for effective drug delivery at targeted
place 20.
X. Sonication method
This method is found to be a typical approach to produce nanovesicles by sonication
method. In this method, the active molecules (drugs) in buffer solution are added to the
surfactant/cholesterol mixture. This mixture is probe sonicated at 60°C for 5 min using a
sonicator instrument attached with a titanium probe to yield better nanovesicles, for example,
noisomes.
Y. Microfluidisation method
Microfluidisation method is an advanced technique to prepare unilamellar vesicles with defined
size distribution. This method is based on the submerged jet principle which consists of two
fluids that interact with ultra-high velocities in precise micro channels with the interaction
chambers. The impingement of thin liquid sheet along with a front with energy supplied to
the system pretends to be in the area of niosomes formation.[3] The resulted niosomes found to
possess uniformity, miniature size and better reproducibility of vesicles, for example,
niosomes.
The common problem of reduced bioavailability associated with the conventional delivery of
pharmaceutically active ingredients is due to
Poor permeability through skin and membrane linings of organs
Insolubility in physiological fluids
Nanotechnology can be used to overcome these drawbacks. Mainly attributed to their small
size, nanomaterials have been effective in delivering drugs. One such widely used carrier is the
nanovesicles.
Cancer is a disease in which cells grow uncontrollably and destroy body tissue. Anti-
cancer drugs have low therapeutic index i.e. the dosage level required to have the necessary
effect on cancer cells is toxic to normal cells. This is observed due to low concentrations of
drug at the target site. Liposome formulations are being investigated as it can be used for
selective targeting of the drug. Liposomes are chosen as drug carriers because of enhanced
drug circulation lifetime, higher concentration in the infected tissue, protection from metabolic
degradation of the drug, altered tissue distribution of the drug etc.
Enhanced uptake in organs rich in mononuclear phagocytic cells (liver, spleen and bone
marrow) and reduced uptake in kidney, myocardium and brain. Anthracyclines, a potent
class of cytotoxic drugs that chelates DNA is used for cancer treatment. However, it is
commonly found in hair, gastrointestinal mucosa, and blood cells. Liposomal formulations
showed reduced toxicity to normal cells compared to cancer cells. Moreover, the formulations
showed reduced cardiotoxicity and dermal toxicity. Methotrexate loaded niosomes have also
been used for oral administration. Higher levels of the drug were observed in serum, liver and
brain. This indicates that there is enhanced drug absorption in niosomal formulation compared
to conventional consumption [22].
JJ. Niosomes
Niosomes is one such nanovesicle that can be used for entrapping the active phytochemical
compounds and delivering them effectively through different drug delivery systems such as
oral, topical, intravenous etc. Niosomes are artificially synthesized vesicles that are used for
targeted delivery in the body. This is a novel technique used for targeted drug delivery in
human body involving the medication to be encapsulated inside the vesicle which is then
orally administered in the humans to reach specific target tissues or organs.
Niosomes composed of non-ionic surface active agents (surfactants) and hence named
niosomes. They can be either unilamellar or multilamellar based on their method of
preparation. They are structurally similar to liposomes but the bilayer in niosomes is made of
Niosomes have hydrophilic ends that lie on the outward side and hydrophobic end on the
inside so they hold hydrophobic drugs on the aqueous side and the hydrophilic drugs within the
bilayer. A typical Niosome vesicle would consist of vesicle with surfactant such as SPAN-60
to which a stabilizing agent such as cholesterol is added and also a non- ionic surfactant such
as diacetyl phosphate is added for stability.
There has been keen interest in the development of a novel drug delivery system and the
aim is to deliver the drug at a rate directed by the needs of the body during the period of
treatment [26].
Some of the drug carriers which are used to deliver the drugs are immunoglobulins,
plasma protein, liposomes, niosomes. The slow drug release may reduce the toxicity of drug
and hence these carriers play an important role in drug delivery [27].
Many drugs those currently available in the market have poor aqueous solubility that
result in decrease bioavailabilities. So to improve the bioavailability of drug, drug carrier is
used [28].
This may be due to their physio chemical properties which lead to poor bioavailability and
possible side effects. Therefore Tylophora indica alkaloids could be one effective target
compound group among the range of phytochemicals to be experimented for developing a
nanoformulation. This research work deals with extraction of alkaloids from the Tylophora
indica leaves, developing niosomal formulation of Tylophora indica alkaloids, characterising
the nanovesicle formulation and studying the ex-vivo application of the nanoformulation and to
determine the improved deliverability of Tylophora indica alkaloids through niosomes.
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE SURVEY
Niosomes are typical vesicular bodies which can be synthesized in nano scale sizes. These
niosomes can be used to carry different small sized compounds for variety of purposes
including pharmaceutical applications, cosmetic applications, enhanced nutrition delivery of
food supplements etc. Over the period of two to three decades several researches has been
conducted in the nanovesicles part. In the category of nanovesicles liposomes are kind of
ancestors of niosomes.
Even though the liposome was a wide researched nanovesicle it contains several limiting
factors because of its own physio chemical nature. The stability and leaky nature of the
liposomes are two of the major disadvantages of this lipid based nanovesicle. This leads to the
demand of developing further improved stable nanovesicle formulations [29].
Niosome was first developed by L’Oréal in the 1980’s and it was patented. Based on the
developer’s perspective, the niosomes were originally developed for cosmetic applications with
factors such as good penetration of skin barrier, improved bioavailability and high stability
[30].
Later the focuses on niosomes were further expanded in dimensional ways. Researchers
found more effective nature of niosomes in the delivery of pharmaceutical compounds.
Several research work reported that niosomes can be been used to encapsulate different kind
of drugs such as natural and synthetic.
affeine is one of the common ingredients found in widely used beverages, such as coffee,
tea, etc. It acts as a mental stimulant and also possesses a range of pharmacological
activities, which make its application wider. A research work attempting transdermal
delivery of caffeine was carried out by Payam Khazeli et al. in 2006.
Niosomal formulation of caffeine was made and experimented with for release studies through
Franz diffusion cell in vitro. The researchers tried altering the outer charge of the niosomes and
studied the efficiency in the release of caffeine. Positively charged niosomes entrapped less
caffeine than the neutral one; however, they were able to deliver more caffeine comparatively
[32].
Oryza sativa (rice) is one of the most highly consumed staple foods across countries. Rice
contains a hard outer layer called bran, which is usually removed during processing. The
Degradation over a short period is one of the key challenges in using the antioxidants in
cosmetic applications and hence Aranya Manosrai et al. developed gel and cream containing
niosomal formulations of rice bran extracts. The niosomal formulations were experimented in
vitro, ex vivo and in vivo and were found to be more effective in producing good antioxidant
activity and high skin hydration ability [33].
Gymnema sylvestre is an herb used widely in traditional medicine for its antidiabetic and
antidiuretic properties. Gymnemic acid is one of the important components of the Gymnema
sylvestre which is pharmacologically active. However, the drug-likeness property of this
gymnemic acid is poor. The solubility and instability in gastric conditions and affinity towards
cholesterol make it less preferable for therapeutical purposes.
Niosomes can be a better option for improved delivery of these gymnemic acids. Bhagyashree
Kamble et al. in 2013 developed niosomal constructs entrapping alcoholic extract of Gymnema
sylvestre and tested their deliverability efficiency under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Gymnema-
niosomal formulation exhibited a higher percentage of blood glucose level reduction
comparatively (Kamble et., 2013). .
Living fossil, Ginkgo biloba is a very old plant species that possess excellent medicinal
properties including antioxidant and anticancer abilities. The phytochemical components of
this plant were known to induce a neuroprotective effect. It is also a better candidate to treat
diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. However, the bioavailability of the phytocompounds is
poor.
To overcome the same, Ye Jin et al. in the year 2013 reported niosomal formulation
development of Ginkgo biloba extract and it’s in vivo evaluation experiments in the rats. The
niosomal formulations were found to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which demonstrated
niosomes as a potent vehicle for improving the bioavailability of therapeutical molecules across
BBB [36].
A research work in 2015 carried out by Karim M. Raafat & Sally A. El- Zahaby involved
development of niosomes by entrapping active phytomolecules of a medicinal plant called
Fumaria officinalis. The study involves in-vivo analysis of the niosome construct to determine
its efficiency in enhancement of antineuropathic and anti-inflammatory potential. The
niosomes were found to entrap two alkaloids from the plant namely Stylopine, and
Sanguinarine in greater proportions which are found to be anti-diabetic. The researchers can
able to develop the alkaloid entrapped niosomes successfully in the average size of 96 nm.
Asthana et al in 2016 developed niosomal gel containing Etodolac, a pain relieving drug,
for topical applications. This nanogel was proposed to be a pain relieving ailment. The
researchers could able to successfully entrap 96.72% of drug into the niosomal formulations.
The experiments were carried out in both exvivo as well as invivo. The results shows
sustainable and prolonged delivery of the etodolac through the niosomal gel [38]. Curcumin is
one of the major components of the widely used Curcuma longa. It is well known for its
medicinal properties across the world. But still, the solubility and stability issues of the
compound make it less preferable for clinical applications.
Xu et al. in the year 2016 developed a novel niosomal formulation of curcumin using chemical
compositions, such as Span 80, Tween 80, and Poloxamer 188. The niosome construct was able
to retain more than 92% of the loaded curcumin and proved to be a bioavailability enhancer
(1.40 folds) in the antitumor cell line study performed in comparison to the crude extract [39].
Myrtus communis is a common flowering plant known for its traditional medicinal
activities including wound and burn healing, curing ulcers, bleeding of nose, etc. It is a very
good source of antibacterial compounds. Niosomal formulation of Myrtus extract was
developed by Mahboobeh Raeiszadeh et al. and tested against different pathogenic
microorganisms. The niosomal formulation tested has shown up to 93.4% entrapment
efficiency and has shown consistent and steady release of the phytochemicals under in vitro
conditions. The formulation was proposed by the researchers for oral drug delivery purposes
[41].
Niosomes can able to help us in improving the bioavailability of bio compounds which
are of poor soluble in nature. Mahmood barani and his team of researchers in 2018
researched on improving the bioavailablity, stability and permeability of Lawsone, a plant
compound through niosomes.
The research was able to produce niosomes with 70% entrapment of lawsone which is
directed for anti-tumor applications. The researchers can able to store the niosomes for 2
months in a stable manner [42]. Apart from aiding in improving the bioavailability and quality
of oral formulations, niosomes can also be used to improve the topical applications through
skin. Many research works have been reported in this phenomenon [43].
Lawsone is of the phytochemical compounds present in the plants, such as henna and
water hyacinth. It is a dye compound that renders orange stain to hair and skin through
binding with the keratin. Apart from staining, medicinal values of lawsone have also been
reported10. However, wide application of lawsone was limited as a result of its poor
solubility, which in turn affects its stability, permeability and bioavailability. An attempt to
improve the bioavailability of lawsone through niosomes was carried out by M. Barani et al.
in 2018. The researchers have developed nano size (~250 nm) niosomes of henna extract using
cholesterol and non-ionic surfactants as nanovesicles forming composition. The efficacy study
of niosomal construct was carried out in MCF-7 cell line, which has shown increased
anticancer activity thus proving the improved stability and bioavailability of the formulation
[45].
Annona squamosa is one of the plant members known for its fruit called sugar apple and
also for medicinal properties of its different plant parts. Different research analyzing its
efficacy in evaluating antioxidants, antibacterial, anticancerous and antidiabetic potential has
been performed so far. For improving the bioavailability, stability and prolonged release
E.A. Mohammed et al [44]. have developed niosomal formulations of the leaves extract of
Annona squamosa. They have tested the usefulness of the niosomal form through in vitro
experiments and also ex vivo experiments using the abdominal skin of the rat.
The in vitro results have shown that, the niosomes help in the reduction of the rapid
release of the extracts and increase the consistent release in a prolonged way. The skin-
based penetration studies have shown the active penetration of the niosomal formulation
across the skin barrier. The authors claim the usage of niosomal formulation for better
transdermal delivery of the phyto extracts [42]. Curcumin is an active bio compound from the
plant Curcuma longa. It is having wide medicinal and dietary supplement value. However
the compound is poorly soluble and unstable which leads to less common application in
different treatment procedures. Ghadi et al in 2019 involved in curcumin loaded niosomal
research. They have incorporated hyaluronan in their niosomal formulation and they could
able to produce more stable composition which could able to produce higher anti-
inflammatory effect comparatively [46].
A novel study on treating wounds through methylene blue loaded niosomes was
experimented in 2020 by Farmoudeh et al. This research group involved in developing
niosomes entrapping methylene blue through the preparatory technique called ultra-
sonication. They can achieve 63.27 percentage of entrapment of the dye in the niosomes and
used the same to treat wounded rats under experimental conditions. Compared to other
controls, niosomal formulations found to be very effective in treatment [47].
CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY
A. Experimental Methods
All the chemicals utilised in the study were obtained from Merck Chemicals, India.
Glasswares and other lab wares utilised in the study were obtained from Borosil and Labmate,
India.
B. Plant specimens
Tylophora indicaplant leaves used in the study were collected from Ayanavaram, Chennai.
C. Sterilisation
Glass wares were soaked in chromic acid solution (10% potassium dichromate in 25%
Sulphuric acid) for few hours and washed thoroughly using detergent solution and dried in hot air
oven at 160°C for 20 min. Media and other utilities used in the research work were sterilised in an
autoclave at 121°C with 15 lb pressure for 20 min.
Where, Ae is the amount of entrapped Tylophora indica alkaloids and Ai is the initial
amount of Tylophora indica alkaloids in the lipid phase [39].
cm2) was mounted on the receptor opening and the donor cell was placed above and clamped
carefully. The donor cell was filled with 5 ml of Tylophora indica alkaloids niosomal formulation.
The receptor compartment was agitated uniformly using a teflon-coated magnetic stir bar. 3 ml
of samples from the reservoir compartment were collected through the sample collection port at
every 60 min for a period of 12 h. All the samples were subjected to UV-
spectrophotometrical absorbance analysis at the wavelength of 210 nm for quantification of
released Tylophora indica alkaloids. Purified total Tylophora indica alkaloids were taken as
control, and a release study was performed. Readings were tabulated and compared [55].
CHAPTER 4
Fig. 3.1. Thin layer chromatographic screening for Tylophora indica alkaloids.
Peak Start Start Max Max Max End End Area Assigned
No Position Height position height % Position Height Area % substances
1 0.08 Rf 0.1 AU 0.11 Rf 15.4 2.79% 0.11 Rf 12.5 202.5 1.34% unknown
AU AU AU
2 0.13 Rf 9.5 AU 0.14 Rf 16.5 2.99% 0.16 Rf 4.6 AU 233.8 1.55% unknown
AU AU
3 0.27 Rf 2.2 AU 0.29 Rf 15.5 2.81% 0.32 Rf 1.0 AU 349.1 2.32% unknown
AU AU
4 0.59 Rf 4.1 AU 0.63 Rf 12.7 2.31% 0.64 Rf 11.0 349.8 2.32% unknown
AU AU AU
5 0.71 Rf 6.8 AU 0.75 Rf 46.9 8.53% 0.78 Rf 19.0 1545.7 10.26% unknown
AU AU AU
6 0.78 Rf 20.2 0.85 Rf 104.7 19.04% 0.86 Rf 103.2 4224.7 28.03% unknown
AU AU AU AU
7 0.88 Rf 103.3 0.89 Rf 106.0 19.27% 0.92 Rf 88.9 2862.8 19.00% unknown
AU AU AU AU
8 0.96 Rf 100.1 0.96 Rf 100.6 18.30% 1.02 Rf 49.7 4044.4 26.84% unknown
AU AU AU AU
9 1.03 Rf 25.1 1.04 Rf 131.7 23.95% 1.06 Rf 2.9 AU 1257.9 8.35% unknown
AU AU AU
Table 2: Standard (Vinblastin sulfate)
1 0.78 Rf 23.2 0.83 Rf 109.0 27.52% 0.84 Rf 108.6 3048.7 29.60 unknown
%
AU AU AU AU
2 0.91 Rf 100.9 0.92 Rf 104.1 26.30% 0.96 Rf 86.8 3192.4 30.99 unknown
%
AU AU AU AU
3 0.98 Rf 89.4 0.99 Rf 92.5 23.36% 1.03 Rf 4.5 3189.7 30.97 unknown
AU %
AU AU AU
4 1.04 Rf 5.1 1.05 Rf 90.4 22.83% 1.06 Rf 1.1 869.1 8.44% unknown
AU AU
AU AU
Table 3: Test sample
Fig. 3.2 HPTLC – Densitometric scanning analysis of samples vinblastine sulphate (standard)
and Tylophora indica alkaloids
The purified total Tylophora indica alkaloid extract and the niosomal formulations of
Tylophora indica alkaloids were tested through ex vivo release studies and the results have
shown that the bioavailability has been increased to two folds in terms of niosomal
formulations than the total extract (Fig. 5). Apart from increasing the bioavailability, the
niosomal formulations aid in the consistent release of the Tylophora indica alkaloids over the
tested period (Fig. 6). The niosomal formulations and their oral delivery could be a wise route
for the steady release of the active alkaloid molecules of the wonder plant Tylophora indica
rosea.
Fig. 5.3. UV spectrum of ex vivo release of total alkaloids and niosomal formulations.
Fig. 5.4. Steady release of Tylophora indica alkaloids through niosomes in ex vivo
experiments.
CHAPTER 5
Plants are elixir of our life through their consistent support since from the development
of human race. Plants are the fundamental components of the food chain. Apart from the food
supply plants also helps mankind by supplying essential compounds that can cure a wide
variety of diseases. There are variety of such essential compounds present in plants and are
collectively called as phyto chemicals. These phytochemicals are produced as a part of the
protective mechanism of plants against microbial, animal and environmental stress attack.
Our traditional medicine explores this greatly and uses the phytochemicals in treatment
across almost all countries in the world. Even though the phytochemicals can treat wide
range of diseases including cancer, the efficacy of these compounds greatly and they are less
competitive when compared to the synthetic drug molecules. Many of the phytocompounds
produce extra ordinary results in the lab conditions however there performance in-vivo is less.
There are varieties of factors involved in the same. One important parameter is the
bioavailability. Most of the phytochemicals possess less bioavailability, which makes the
practioners to increase the dosage which in turn develop toxicity and other side effects. This
makes limitation to their wide usage.
Tylophora indicais one such wonderful plant which acts as reservoir of some of the
excellent alkaloids known in the phyto-medical history. However, the bioavailabilities of
these Tylophora indica alkaloids are less. The present research was carried out to develop a
novel drug delivery system to increase the bioavailability of the active compound (Tylophora
indica alkaloids) present in the plant Tylophora indicausing the nano-sized vesicles called
niosomes.
From the SEM analysis, it was observed that it has spherical and uniform morphology.
The size of the niosomes was found to be in the range of 400 to 800 nm. Through ex vivo
release studies the results shows that the bioavailability has been increased to two folds in
terms of niosomal formulations than the total extract. The current study with its positive
results, demonstrated the possibility to improve the bioavailability of the compound using a
nanotechnological approach.
Further optimization of the niosomes should be carried out in order to bring the formulation
to the market. Like niosomes, nanotechnology is providing varied tools that can be used to
improve the drug delivering efficiency of different phyto chemicals and can able to bring effective
treatment results at low dosages.
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