Saturday, December 26, 2009

Ph. D programme in Hemchandracharya University, Patan

Hemchandracharya University, very well known university, established in PATAN, North Gujarat, has announced the Ph.D programme. More detail of information can be obtained from its website www.ngu.ac.in. Last date for submission of form is 30th December 2009. they have provided the facility of obtaining form directly from website and you can send this form with the demand draft in favour of Registrar Hemchandracharya North
Gujarat University, Patan.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Details of GPAT

I have some information collected from GUJPHARM, an web group of pharmacist of gujarat.
CONTENTS

1. GENERAL INFORMATION .......................................................................................................................... 2

1.1. ADMINISTRATIVE INSTITUTES…………............................................................................................................ 2
1.2. GPAT QUALIFICATION……………................................................................................................................... 2
1.3. ELIGIBILITY ................................................................................................................................................... 2
1.4. EXAMINATION SCHEDULE AND CITIES........................................................................................................... 2
1.5. APPLICATION SUBMISSION PROCESS.............................................................................................................. 2
1.6. OTHER INFORMATION…………………………………………………………………………………….... 3

2. POSTGRADUATE ADMISSIONS WITH MHRD SCHOLARSHIP ........................................................

3. STRUCTURE OF GPAT - 2010 ……….. ..................................................................................................... 3
3.1. EXAMINATION TYPE...................................................................................................................................... 3
3.2. GPAT RESULTS AND SCORECARD……………................................................................................................. 4
3.2.1. GPAT RESULTS…………….…………………………………………………………………………... ..4
3.2.2. GPAT SCORECARD …………….................................................................................................................4

4. INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILLING AND SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION FORM............................... 4

4.1. IMPORTANT INFORMATION………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4
4.2. INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILLING APPLICATION FORM AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT CARD ......................................4
4.2.1. GENERAL ................................................................................................................................................4
4.2.2. ITEMWISE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILLING APPLICATION FORM ....................................................................5
4.2.3. FILLING OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT CARD..................................................................................................7
4.3. AUTHORITIES EMPOWERED TO ISSUE CERTIFICATES.......................................................................................7
4.3.1. SC/ST CATEGORY ……………………………………………………………….………………..…...7
4.3.2. PD CATEGORY …………………………………………………………………………………….…...7
4.3.3. OBC (NON CREAMY LAYER)……………………………………………………...………………….…7
4.4. FILLING AND SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION ENVELOPE .................................................................................7

ANNEXURE – I : SYLLABI FOR GPAT PAPER…………............................................................................10

ANNEXURE – II: CODES FOR FILLING GPAT APPLICATION FORM………….................................12

A. CODES FOR EXAMINATION CITIES.......................................................................................................12

B. CODES FOR STATES/ UNION TERRITORIES OF PERMANENT RESIDENCE .............................13


















1. General Information

Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT - 2010) is an all India examination conducted by The M S University of Baroda, Vadodara on behalf of All India Council for Technical Education.

1.1. Administrative Institute

The M S University of Baroda, is the sole authority for conducting the examination and declaring the results for the year 2010.

1.2. GPAT Qualification

Admission to postgraduate programmes with MHRD and other government scholarships/assistantships in pharmacy colleges/institutes is open to those who qualify through GPAT. GPAT qualified candidates with Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy are eligible for admission to Master/Doctoral program in Pharmacy. To avail the scholarship, the candidate must secure admission to such a postgraduate programme, as per the prevailing procedure of the admitting institution. However, candidates with Master’s degree in Pharmacy may seek admission to relevant PhD programmes with scholarship/assistantship without appearing in the GPAT examination.

Some institutions specify GPAT qualification as mandatory even for admission of self-financing students to postgraduate programmes. GPAT qualified candidates are also eligible for the award of Junior Research Fellowship in CSIR Laboratories and CSIR sponsored projects.

1.3. Eligibility

The following candidates are eligible to appear for GPAT:
Bachelor’s degree holders in Pharmacy (4 years after 10+2) and those who are in the final year

1.4. Examination Schedule and Cities

GPAT - 2010 Examination is as per the following details:

IMPORTANT DATES FOR GRADUATE PHARMACY APTITUDE TEST (GPAT) - 2010

Issue of application forms and information brochures at designated Bank of Baroda counters or by post from The M S University of Baroda, Vadodara 18th January - 2010
(Monday)
Last date for receipt of requests at The M S University of Baroda, for issue of application material by post / at Bank counters 20th February - 2010
(Monday)
Last date for receipt of completed OMR Application form along with Pay-in - slip and Demand Draft at the organizing institute The M S University of Baroda. 18th March - 2010
(Monday)

Date of GPAT – 2010 2nd May - 2010
(Sunday)
Announcement of the results of GPAT-2010 At 17.00 Hrs
On 24th May - 2010
(Monday)

GPAT Examination: Examination will be similar to that of GATE Examination of the previous years, where the candidate will mark the correct answer out of four options in an Optical Response Sheet (ORS) by darkening the appropriate bubble.

1.5. Application Submission Process

The application fee is Rs. 1000 for General/OBC Category candidates and Rs. 500 for SC/ST/PD* Category candidates. The application fee is non-refundable.

*Person with Disability
1.6. Other Information

a) Candidates can appear in the examination only against valid admit cards. If they do not receive the same by 12th April 2010 (Monday), they should contact the Co-ordinator, GPAT, The M S University of Baroda, Vadodara.

b) The M S University of Baroda, has the authority to decide the qualifying score for the paper. In case any claim or dispute arises in respect of GPAT 2010, it is hereby made absolutely clear that the Courts and Tribunals in Vadodara and Vadodara alone shall have the exclusive jurisdiction to entertain and settle any such dispute or claim.

For information, announcements and results, visit the website listed below.

The M S University of Baroda, Vadodara http://www.msubaroda.ac.in/, www. GPAT???

2. Postgraduate admissions with MHRD scholarship

2.1. As per the directives of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India, the following procedure is to be adopted for admission to postgraduate programmes (Master and Doctoral) with MHRD scholarship/assistantship. The GPAT performance of the candidate will be considered for admission. If the candidate is to be selected through interview for post graduate programmes, minimum 70% weightage is to be given to the GPAT performance. The remaining weightage (30% maximum) can be given to the candidate’s academic record/performance in interview. The admitting institution will prescribe minimum passing percentage of marks in the interview. Some colleges/institutes specify GPAT qualification as the mandatory requirement even for admission without MHRD scholarship/assistantship.

2.2. Candidates are advised to seek details of admission procedures and availability of MHRD scholarship/assistantship from the concerned admitting institution. The criteria for post graduate admission with scholarship/assistantship are different for different admitting institutions. GPAT office will not entertain any enquiry about admission and award of scholarship/assistantship.

2.3. It is the responsibility of the admitting institution to award the MHRD scholarship/assistantship to only those candidates who are GPAT qualified. The management of the postgraduate scholarship/assistantship is also the responsibility of the admitting institution. The M S University of Baroda has no role in the award or disbursement of scholarship/assistantship. Reservation of seats under different categories is as per the policies and norms prevailing at the admitting institution and Government of India rules.

2.4. A candidate declared “GPAT qualified at the time of admission” is entitled for MHRD fellowship for 24 months unless he/she looses it due to poor performance in the registered programme.

3. Structure of GPAT 2010

3.1. Examination Type

The GPAT examination consists of a single paper of 3 hours duration, which contains 100 questions carrying a maximum of 100 marks. The question paper will consist of only multiple choice objective questions. Each question will have four choices for the answer. The candidates will have to mark the correct choice on an Optical Response Sheet (ORS) by darkening the appropriate bubble against each question. There will be negative marking for each wrong answer that is 1/3 (one-third) mark will be deducted.








3.2. GPAT Results and Scorecard

3.2.1. GPAT Results

a. GPAT 2010 results will be announced on May 24th 2010 17:00 hrs at GPAT office. The results will also be available on the website, as listed in Section 1.6.

b. GPAT 2010 score is valid for ONE YEAR from the date of announcement of the results.
c. The machine-gradable Optical Response Sheets (ORS) are graded and scrutinized with extreme care. There is no provision for regrading and retotalling. No photocopies of the machine-gradable Optical Response Sheets (ORS) will be made available. No correspondence in this regard will be entertained.

3.2.2. GPAT Scorecard

GPAT scorecard will be made available in the website at an appropriate time. Qualified candidates will get one printed score card.

4. Instructions for filling and submission of Application Form

4.1. Important Information

a) Before you start filling the Application Form, please check that the Application Number printed on (i) Application Form, (ii) Acknowledgement Card and (iii) Envelope are the same. Any discrepancy should be brought to the notice of the Co-ordinator, GPAT.

b) It is essential to quote the Application Number in all future correspondence. The candidates are advised to keep a copy of the filled Application Form.

c) The Application Form must be folded only along the original fold line. Nothing should be stapled or pinned to it. The Barcode on the Application Form should not be tampered. The Application Form will be declared defective if these instructions are not followed.

d) Change of Examination City is permitted, only if a request for the same reaches the Co-ordinator, GPAT, on or before March 15th , 2010, along with Demand Draft of Rs. 400/- as fee for change of Examination City.

NOTE: Incomplete or defective applications will be rejected outright.

4.2. Instructions for filling Application Form and Acknowledgement Card

4.2.1. General

a) The instructions given below for filling the Application Form must be followed meticulously. Refer to the Sample Application Form at the end of this section.

b) For Items 1, 6, 7, 8 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, the candidate must write the required information in ink with black ball point pen in the boxes provided and then darken the appropriate bubble(s), using dark HB pencil only. In case of any discrepancy in the marked bubble and the corresponding boxes, the information provided through the bubble(s) will be taken as final. The text boxes are provided only for guidance.

c) For Items 1 to 13, the candidate must provide information by filling the appropriate bubble(s) using dark HB pencil only.

d) Darken the appropriate bubble(s) by filling it completely. For correcting any entry, completely erase the previous mark using a soft eraser and remove all smudges before re-filling.

e) Only BLACK BALL POINT PEN must be used for filling Items 14 to 20.
4.2.2. Itemwise Instructions for filling Application Form

Item 1: Name of the Candidate as in 10th Class Certificate

Fill in your name in CAPITAL LETTERS as recorded in the High School (Class 10th) certificate by your Board/ University/Institute and darken the appropriate bubbles. Your name in the GPAT scorecard will appear exactly as filled in the Application Form. In case of any change in the name/surname at any stage has to be duly supported by a proper affidavit.

NOTE: In case, your name has more than 30 characters (including blanks), abbreviate it suitably to accommodate within the space provided. For example, the name RAMAKRISNA VELLURAO VENKATESH KUMAR AYYAR can be abbreviated as,

R A M A K R I S N A V V E N K A T E S H K A Y Y A R

Item 2: Nationality

Darken the appropriate bubble:
INDIAN or FOREIGNER

Item 3: Gender

Darken the appropriate bubble, MALE or FEMALE.

Item 4: Category

Darken the appropriate bubble:

SC : Scheduled Caste, ST: Scheduled Tribe, OBC: Other Backward Class (non creamy layer), GN: All others

NOTE: Candidate claiming concession for buying Application Form under SC and ST categories must attach a recently obtained and duly attested copy of Caste Certificate, issued by a competent authority (see section 4.3). If the Caste Certificate is found improper, the application will be rejected

Item 5: Person with Disability (PD)

Darken the appropriate bubble YES or NO

NOTE: PD candidate claiming concession for buying Application Form must attach an attested copy of Disability Certificate issued by appropriate medical authority. Applications with improper Disability Certificate will be rejected. If any PD candidate requires the services of an Amanuensis, he/she must attach a request for this with the Application Form.
Item 6: Date of Birth

Fill in your date of birth as given in your High School (Class 10th) certificate in the space provided and darken the appropriate bubbles.

Example: If the date of birth is 16th September 1988, fill in as,

Date
Month Year
16 09 88

Item 7: Choice of Examination Cities

Fill in your choice of two Examination Cities in order of preference as 1st choice and 2nd choice, and darken the appropriate bubbles.
Refer to Annexure II-A, which lists the cities where GPAT 2010 will be conducted and the corresponding three digit CODES.

Item 8: Year of Degree

Fill in the Year of passing / appearing in the qualifying degree examination and darken the appropriate bubbles.

Item 9: Photograph

Paste your recent passport size clear front facial high contrast colour photograph (Size: 3 cm width x 4 cm height) in the box provided. Ensure that the application number is written at the back side of the photograph before it is pasted within the box. Please use good quality adhesive/glue, so that it does not get detached from the Application Form. The photograph should not be stapled. The photograph will be scanned and the scanned image will appear on the admit card as well as the scorecard. The photograph should NOT be attested or signed by anyone.

Item 10: Address for Correspondence

Write your postal address in CAPITAL LETTERS within the box using only black ball point pen. The address should be legible and should include the NAME of the candidate, PINCODE and E mail.

NOTE: Scanned copy of this address will be used directly in all correspondence including mailing of ADMIT CARD and SCORECARD.

Item 11: Full Signature of the Candidate

Sign in full within the box provided, using only black ball point pen. The form must be signed only by the candidate and not by any other person. Signature in the form of initials is not permitted. This signature will be scanned and put on the Admit Card as well as the Scorecard.

NOTE: If the candidate’s signature on the Optical Response Sheet (ORS), at the time of the examination, does not match with the signature on the Admit Card, the candidate will be disqualified.

Item 12: Name of Parent/Guardian

Fill in the name of your mother, father/guardian in CAPITAL LETTERS in the space provided and darken the appropriate bubbles.

Item 13: Relationship of Parent/Guardian to the candidate

Darken the appropriate bubble father/mother/guardian

Item 14: Bank/GPAT Office Pay-in-slip number

Fill in the bank/GPAT Office Pay-in-slip number and darken the appropriate bubbles.

Item 15: Details of the Demand Draft enclosed

Fill in the Demand Draft number, date of Demand Draft and darken the appropriate bubbles.

Item 16: Landline Phone with STD Code

Fill in landline number with the STD code including the leading 0, at which you can be contacted. Darken the appropriate bubbles.

Item 17: Mobile Phone with Code

Fill in mobile phone number including the leading 0, at which you can be contacted. Darken the appropriate bubbles.

Item 18: Declaration by the Candidate

Read and sign the declaration using only black ball point pen, and write the Place and Date. The signature must be identical to that in Item 11.

Item 19: Check List

Fill up items in the Check List by ticking in the appropriate boxes.

Item 20: List of Enclosures

Tick YES for the attachments enclosed with the Application Form, otherwise, tick NO.

4.2.3. Filling of Acknowledgement Card

Fill in the Acknowledgement Card with all the required details and enclose it with the Application Form.

4.3. Authorities empowered to issue Certificates
4.3.1. SC/ST Category

a) District Magistrate/ Additional District Magistrate/ Collector/ Deputy Collector/ Deputy Commissioner/ Additional Deputy Commissioner/ 1st Class Stipendiary Magistrate/ City Magistrate/ Sub-Divisional Magistrate/ Taluk Magistrate/ Executive Magistrate/ Extra Assistant Commissioner

b) Chief Presidency Magistrate/ Additional Chief Presidency Magistrate/ Presidency Magistrate

c) Revenue Officer not below the rank of Tashildar

d) Sub-Divisional Officer of the area where the Candidate and/or her/his family normally resides

e) Administrator/ Secretary to Administrator/ Development Officer (Lakshadweep Islands) Certificate issued by any other official will not be accepted.

4.3.2. PD Category

In order to avail concession under PD category, the candidates should ensure themselves that they have attached recently obtained proper PD certificate, which shall be required to be submitted to the admitting institution at the time of admission. The onus of verifying PD certificate lies with the admitting institute. The GPAT committee will not be responsible for any incorrect declaration of his/her PD status.

4.3.3. OBC (non creamy layer)

In order to avail concession under OBC (non creamy layer) category, the candidates should ensure themselves that they have obtained proper OBC (non creamy layer) certificate, which shall be required to be submitted to the admitting institution at the time of admission. The onus of verifying OBC (non creamy layer) certificate lies with the admitting institute. The GPAT committee will not be responsible for any incorrect declaration of his/her category.

4.4. Filling and Submission of Application Envelope

On the application envelope, fill in the CODE of the examination city corresponding to your first choice (Item No. 7 of Application Form).

Write your postal address in the designated space. The envelope should be addressed to the Co-ordinator, GPAT corresponding to the 1st Choice of Examination City of the candidate.

Completed Application Form must reach the Co-ordinator, GPAT before Monday, 1st March 2010, by Registered/Speed Post only. It may also be submitted in person at the GPAT office counter.



APPLICATION FORM – PHARMA-GAT 2010

Before filling up this form read the instruction in the Information Brochure


• USE HB PENCIL ONLY TO DARKEN THE BUBBLES
• DO NOT MAKE ANY STRAY MARKS ON THIS SHEET
• DARKEN THE BUBBLES FULLY
• ERASE COMPLETELY BEFORE MAKING CORRECTIONS


APPLICATION FORM INCOMPLETE IN ANY RESPECT WILL BE REJECTED


1. Name of the Candidate as in 10th class certificate (in capital letters)
2. Nationality
3. Gender
4. Category
5. Person with Disability
6. Date of birth
7. Choice of Examination Cities
8. Year of Degree
9. Photograph
10. Address for Correspondence
(Write with BLACK BALL POINT PEN in Capital Letters)

Name:
Address:


PIN CODE:

11. Full signature of the Candidate (with BLACK BALL POINT PEN only)
12. Name of Parent/Guardian (in capital letters)
13. Relationship of Parent/Guardian to the Candidate
14. Bank/GPAT Office Pay-in-slip number
15. Details of Demand Draft enclosed
16. Landline Phone with STD Code
17. Mobile Phone with Code
18. Declaration by the Candidate
I hereby declare that all the particulars stated in this application are true to the best of my knowledge and belief. I have read the Information Brochure and I shall abide the terms and conditions therein. In the event of suppression or distortion of any fact in my application form, I understand that I will be denied the opportunity to appear in PHARMA-GAT 2010. Further, if any such suppression or distortion of facts is found after appearing in the examination, any admission/degree acquired on the basis of PHARMA-GAT 2010 score is liable to be cancelled.







Place: Signature of the Candidate

Date:




19. Checklist
Yes No

a. Filled in all the items 1-18 completely?

b. Written (with black ball point pen) the address for correspondence under item 10?

c. Pasted a recent photograph in the box under item 9?

d. Signed (with black ball point pen) in the box under item 11?

e. Signed (with black ball point pen) in the box under item 18?

f. Fill in the code of first choice of examination city on application envelope?

g. Kept a photocopy of the filled application form for your own records?


20. List of enclosures
Yes No N/A

a. Original Bank Pay-in Slip / Receipt from GPAT office

b. Attested copy of SC/ST Certificate (if applicable)

c. Attested copy of PD Certificate (if applicable)

d. In case of PD candidate, requested for Amanuensis (if applicable)

e. Attested copy of the affidavit for Change of Name/Surname (if applicable)

f. Duly completed and stamped Acknowledgement Card


























ANNEXURE – I: Syllabi for GPAT Paper

Natural Products: Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry � Chemistry, tests, isolation, characterization and estimation of phytopharmaceuticals belonging to the group of Alkaloids, Glycosides, Terpenoids, Steroids, Bioflavanoids, Purines, Guggul lipids. Pharmacognosy of crude drugs that contain the above constituents. Standardization of raw materials and herbal products. WHO guidelines. Quantitative microscopy including modern techniques used for evaluation. Biotechnological principles and techniques for plant development, Tissue culture.

Pharmacology: General pharmacological principles including Toxicology. Drug interaction. Pharmacology of drugs acting on Central nervous system, Cardiovascular system, Autonomic nervous system, Gastro intestinal system and Respiratory system. Pharmacology of Autocoids, Hormones, Hormone antagonists, chemotherapeutic agents including anticancer drugs. Bioassays, Immuno Pharmacology. Drugs acting on the blood & blood forming organs. Drugs acting on the renal system.

Medicinal Chemistry: Structure, nomenclature, classification, synthesis, SAR and metabolism of the following category of drugs, which are official in Indian Pharmacopoeia and British Pharmacopoeia. Introduction to drug design. Stereochemistry of drug molecules. Hypnotics and Sedatives, Analgesics, NSAIDS, Neuroleptics, Antidepressants, Anxiolytics, Anticonvulsants, Antihistaminics, Local Anaesthetics, Cardio Vascular drugs � Antianginal agents Vasodilators, Adrenergic & Cholinergic drugs, Cardiotonic agents, Diuretics, Antijypertensive drugs, Hypoglycemic agents, Antilipedmic agents, Coagulants, Anticoagulants, Antiplatelet agents. Chemotherapeutic agents � Antibiotics, Antibacterials, Sulphadrugs. Antiproliozoal drugs, Antiviral, Antitubercular, Antimalarial, Anticancer, Antiamoebic drugs. Diagnostic agents. Preparation and storage and uses of official Radiopharmaceuticals, Vitamins and Hormones. Eicosonoids and their application.

Pharmaceutics : Development, manufacturing standards Q.C. limits, labeling, as per the pharmacopoeal requirements. Storage of different dosage forms and new drug delivery systems. Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics and their importance in formulation. Formulation and preparation of cosmetics, lipstick, shampoo, creams, nail preparations and dentifrices. Pharmaceutical calculations.

Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence: Drugs and cosmetics Act and rules with respect to manufacture, sales and storage. Pharmacy Act. Pharmaceutical ethics.

Pharmaceutical Analysis: Principles, instrumentation and applications of the following: Absorption spectroscopy (UV, visible & IR). Fluorimetry, Flame photometry, Potentiometry. Conductometry and Plarography. Pharmacopoeial assays. Principles of NMR, ESR, Mass spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction analysis and different chromatographic methods.
Biochemistry. Biochemical role of hormones, Vitamins, Enzymes, Nucleic acids, Bioenergetics. General principles of immunology. Immunological. Metabolism of carbohydrate, lipids, proteins. Methods to determine, kidney & liver function. Lipid profiles.

Microbiology : Principles and methods of microbio0logical assays of the Pharmacopoeia. Methods of preparation of official sera and vaccines. Serological and diagnostics tests. Applications of microorganisms in Bio Conversions and in Pharmaceutical industry.

Clinical Pharmacy : Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Dosage regimen in Pregnancy and Lactation, Pediatrics and Geriatrics. Renal and hepatic impairment. Drug � Drug interactions and Drug � food interactions, Adverse Drug reactions. Medication History, interview and Patient counseling.









ANNEXURE – II: Codes for filling GPAT Application Form

A. Codes for Examination Cities







B. Codes for States/Union Territories of Permanent Residence

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Important Website list for GPAT 2010

you can see all details of GPAT 2010 from following links.

www.msubaroda.ac.in

www.aicte.ernet.in

GPAT 2010 Instead of GATE 2010 for PY-Pharmaceutical Sciences

Graduate Pharmaceutical Aptitude Test (GPAT 2010) for scholarships/admission to MPharm programmes in Pharmaceutical Sciences will be conducted by National Monitoring Committee under the banner of AICTE. More details regarding this can be found at the websites of MS University Baroda and AICTE.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Pharm D Notification

Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has framed Pharm. D Regulations, 2008 under section 10 of the Pharmacy Act, 1948 as a registrable qualification under the Pharmacy Act for the purpose of registration as a pharmacist to practice the profession.

The said regulations have been notified in the Gazette of India No.19, Part-III, Section 4 dated 10th - 16th May, 2008. A copy of the said Pharm.D. Regulations is enclosed as Appendix-I for kind reference.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

GATE EXAMINATION 2010

The National co-ordination Board for GATE 2010 in its 35th meeting held on 23rd November at Guwahati has resolved as under
It was decided that examination for PY paper would be conducted along with the JAM 2010 examination. The AICTE will be responsible for the examination and will announce it. The AICTE will handle setting of question papers, evaluating answer scripts, declaring results and all other aspects. The GATE committee will provide all the necessary help and guidance in conducting the examination for PY paper in 2010.

Indian Pharmaceutical Congress

61st IPC is going to be held at Nirma university campus, sarkhej gandhinagar highway, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Swine Flu

for detail information of swine flu. please visit the official website www.mohfw.nic.in. www.nicd.nic.in

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Flood IT

The Gujarat Urban Co-Operative Bank Federation has anounced a scheme naming Flood-IT to provide Laptops and desktops of good brands for students of KG to PG with lower prices and with installment bases.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

ISO 9000

ISO 9000

International organization for standardization
Non governmental system
Introduced in 23rd Feb, 1947
ISO is primarily concerned with establishing standards.
ISO 9000 series
ISO 9000:1994
ISO 9001:1994
ISO 9002:1994
ISO 9003:1994
ISO 9004:1994
ISO 9000:1994
Provides the definition of terms and provides overall guidance on the selection and application of ISO 9001:1994, ISO 9002:1994, ISO 9003:1994.
ISO 9001:1994
Model for quality assurance in design, development, production, installation and servicing.
ISO 9002:1994
Quality system model for quality assurance in production
Installation nd servicing
Except “ design control” all other parameters are as ISO 9001:1994
ISO 9003:1994
Quality system model for quality assurance in final inspection and test
ISO 9004:1994
It provides the detailed guidelines on the quality element included in the certification standards

New ISO 9000 family consist of
ISO 9000:2000- quality management system-fundamentals and vocabulary
It cancels and replace ISO 8402: 1994 quality management and quality assurance- vocabulary and ISO 9000: 1994, clause 4 and 5.
ISO 9001:2000- quality management system- requirement
It cancels and replace ISO 9001: 1994
ISO 9002:2000- model for quality assurance in production, installation and servicing.
ISO 9003:2000- model for quality assurance in final inspection and test
ISO 9004:2000- quality management system- guidelines for performance improvement.
It cancels and replace ISO 9004:1994

Advantages over ISO 9000:1994

Number of standards are reduced
More logical structures
These standards are more user friendly
There is increased focus on top management comiitment
Continual improvements
ISO 9000:2000 series is built on 8 quality management principles.

Principle 1- customer focus
Principle 2- leadership
Principle 3- involvement of people
Principle 4- process approach
Principle 5-system approach to managment
Principle 6-continual improvment
Principle 7-factual approach to decision making
Principle 8- mutually beneficial supplier relationships

Applications of ISO 9000 to pharmaceuticals

Design control
Document control
Purchase level
In loan licensing
Product identification and traceability
Qualification of systems and sub systems
Inspection and testing
Inspection, measuring and test equipments
Inspection and test status
Control of noon confirming products
Corrective actionsHandling, storage, packing and delivery

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Newer Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients For Research 1

Abacavir- Nucleoside analog Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NRTI)
Acarbose- Anti-diabetic
Acetyl sulfisoxazole- Antibacterial Sulfonamide
Acrivastine- second-generation H1-receptor antagonist antihistamine
Adapalene-third-generation topical retinoid primarily used in the treatment of acne and is also used (off-label) to treat keratosis pilaris
Adefovir dipivoxil-for the treatment of hepatitis B
Afloqualone (Arofuto) - an analogue of methaqualone developed in the 1980s in Japan. It has sedative and muscle relaxant effects, and has had some clinical use, although it causes photosensitization as a side effect which can cause skin problems such as dermatitis
Alacepril (INN) is an ACE inhibitor
Alclometasone 17,21-dipropionate- a synthetic corticosteroid for topical dermatologic use

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Alkaloids

True alkaloids derive from amino acid and they share a heterocyclic ring with nitrogen. These alkaloids are highly reactive substances with biological activity even in low doses. All true alkaloids have a bitter taste and appear as a white solid, with the exception of nicotine which has a brown liquid. True alkaloids form water-soluble salts. Moreover, most of them are well-defined crystalline substances which unite with acids to form salts. True alkaloids may occur in plants (1) in the free state, (2) as salts and (3) as N-oxides. These alkaloids occur in a limited number of species and families, and are those compounds in which decarboxylated amino acids are condensed with a nonnitrogenous structural moiety. The primary precursors of true alkaloids are such amino acids as l-ornithine, l-lysine, l-phenylalanine/l-tyrosine, l-tryptophan and l-histidine2332. Examples of true alkaloids include such biologically active alkaloids as cocaine, quinine, dopamine, morphine and usambarensine

Protoalkaloids are compounds, in which the N atom derived from an amino acid
is not a part of the heterocyclic31. Such kinds of alkaloid include compounds
derived from l-tyrosine and l-tryptophan. Protoalkaloids are those with a closed ring, being perfect but structurally simple alkaloids. They form
a minority of all alkaloids. Hordenine, mescaline (Figure 5) and yohimbine are
good examples of these kinds of alkaloid. Chini et al.33 have found new alkaloids,
stachydrine and 4-hydroxystachydrine, derived from Boscia angustifolia, a plant
belonging to the Capparidacea family. These alkaloids have a pyrroline nucleus
and are basic alkaloids in the genus Boscia. The species from this genus have
been used in folk medicine in East and South Africa. Boscia angustifolia is
used for the treatment of mental illness, and occasionally to combat pain and
neuralgia.

Pseudoalkaloids are compounds, the basic carbon skeletons of which are not derived from amino acids31. In reality, pseudoalkaloids are connected with amino acid pathways. They are derived from the precursors or postcursors (derivatives the indegradation process) of amino acids. They can also result from the amination and transamination reactions32 of the different pathways connected with precursors or postcursors of amino acids. These alkaloids can also be derived from non-aminoacid precursors. The N atom is inserted into the molecule at a relatively late stage, for example, in the case of steroidal or terpenoid skeletons. Certainly, the N atom can also be donated by an amino acid source across a transamination reaction, if there is a
suitable aldehyde or ketone. Pseudoalkaloids can be acetate and phenylalaninederived or terpenoid, as well as steroidal alkaloids. Examples of pseudoalkaloids include such compounds as coniine, capsaicin, ephedrine, solanidine, caffeine, theobromine and pinidine.

Occurance of alkaloids
Alkaloids are substances very well known for their biological activity at the beginning of world civilization. They were used in shamanism, in traditional herbal medicine for the cure of diseases and in weapons as toxins during tribal wars and during hunting. They also had, and still have, socio-cultural and personal significance in ethnobotany34. Moreover, they have been and continue to be the object of human interest concerning new possibilities for their safe utilization
and ensuing health benefits. Of all secondary compounds, historically and contemporaneously, only alkaloids are molecules of natural origin with highly important benefits and diagnostic uses. They can be characterized as the most useful and also the most dangerous products of nature. They can be extracted and purified Alkaloids are most abundant in higher plants. At least 25% of higher plants contain these molecules. In effect this means that on average, at least one in fourth
plants contains some alkaloids. In reality, it is not impossible that alkaloids occur more commonly. Using the latest equipment and technology, such slight traces of alkaloids may be detected (e.g., less than 10 gigagrams per kg of plant mass) that these have no real influence on biological receptors and activity. Generally these species are not considered as alkaloid species. Hegnauer1213 has defined alkaloid plants as those species which contain more than 0.01% of alkaloids. This is right from the point of view of the classification. From the genetic point of view, and the genetic mechanism of alkaloid synthesis, it is a real limitation. Paying attention to slight traces of alkaloids in plants, we see the members of the plant family which are relatives. They have a genetically determined alkaloid mechanism with a species expression. Moreover, this expression is also on the hybrid level.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Fagonia cretica

The drug consists of dried whole plant of Fagonia cretica Linn. (Plate 2.1 A & B); syn. F. bruguiri DC. Incl., F. indica Burm. F., F. Arabica Linn., F. mysorensis Roth.; Fam. Zygophyllaceae. It is a small green, spiny, branched, woody plant occurring in dry regions of northwest India.

Other names
Hind. - Dhamasa, Hingua, Dhamhar, Ustarkhar, Usturgar, Hinguna, Damahan
Pan. - Dhamah, Dhamaha, Samada, Dama, Damiya.
Beng.- Duralabha, Dhanyavas
Sind. - Drammaha
Guj. - Dhramau, Dharama, Dhamasa, Dhamaso, Damasha
Assa. - Shukai
Mar. - Dhamasa, Kante chubuk, Dumaso, Dhamasa
Kan. - Valliduruve, Nelayindal
Tel. - Pilaregati, Dulgodi, Chittigara



Description
Macroscopic

It is a small spiny under shrub with branches, often more or less prostrate, twings slender, striate, glabrous and glandular. Leaves are opposite, 1-3 foliate, about 12 by 2.5 mm, entire, linear or elliptic mucronate. Petiole very variable, 0.3 cm long, sometimes leaf like stipules transformed into sharp slender spines up to 1-2 cm long, persistant and continuing growth after the fall of the leaves.
Flowers solitary, rose-colored, arising from between the stipules. Sepals are five, deciduous, imbricate half as long as petals. Petals are 6 mm long, spahulate with a marked claw, disk short, inconspicuous. Stamens are 10, inserted on the disk. Ovary 5 angled, 5 celled, tapering in to 5 – angled style. Stigma simple. Fruit 5- mm long of 5-seeded cocci, glandular pubescent, deeply 5partite almost to the axis, cocci dehishing along the ventral suture and separating a horny endocarp.
Microscopic
T.s

Diagrammatic T.S is circular with distinct eleation and depressions, showing hypodermal, mesocortical and pericyclic fibres, a narrow phloem, and wide xylem encircling a hollow center or rarly a small parenchymatous pith.
TS of the root
Transverse section of the root was circular in outline. In the centre lies the wood, occupied almost half the region of the whole section cortex and phloem tissue were characterized by the presence of nonlignified stone cells and fibers.
Cork
Outermost tissue consisted of about 5-6 raws of suberised rectangular cells.
Cortex
A wide zone of 10 to 15 paenchymatous cells consisted of isolated or groups of seleroids towards the inner region. Stone cells were rectangular, thick walled, pitted and measured 7-10 micron in breadth. Fibres were long, tapering and measured 110-120 micron in length and 3-6 micron in breadth. Few slit like pits were seen on the walls of some of fibres. Both stone cells and fibres were non lignified. The parenchymatous cells were filled with simple starch grains.
Phloem
It was a wide non lignified zone constited of 10-15 raws of cells contained sieve tissue, phloem lied adjacent to the xylem was entirely parenchymatous. The parenchymatous cells of the phloem contained simple starch grains.
Xylem
Young TS showed the diarch condition of the xylem in the centre which was occupid by wide lignified zone in the older root, xylem vessels were associeated with parenchyma, fibres and tracheids. The vessels were pitted and reticulate and measured 46-120 micron in length and 8-14 micron in breadth. Fifres were narrow, tapering, thick wqalled and occasionally exhibited slit like pits. Hey were measured 125-300 micron in length and 8-10 micron in breadth.
M ray were mostly uniseriate. The cells were thick walled and rectangular in shape. The cells of the M rays and xylem parenchyma contained simple starch grains. The starch grain of the xylem, phloem and cotex region of the root measured 1.1-3.1 micron in diameter.
Leaf-Diagrammatic TS passing through the midrib is broadly convex at lower side, with slight elevation on upper side, shows 3 to 5 centrally located meristeles, few rows of collenchymatous tissue under both the epidermii and broad lateral dorsiventral laminar extensions on either side.
Detailed TS shows a layer of upper and lower epidermis with undulated margin, covered with thick, cuticle exhibiting stomata and scars left by removal of trichomes at places, the cells of the upper epidermis being bigger in size than the lower ones; a narrow 2 to 5 celled wide collenchymatous band underneath the upper and lower epidermis of the midrib; the paranchymatous ground tissue embedded with 3 to 5 bicollateral meristeles, the centrally located being the biggest in size; mesophyll occupied by a layer of palisade underneath the upper epidermis and 8 to 10 rows of spongy parenchyma traversed with obliquely cut vascular strands, oil globules and few prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate.

Chemical constituents
Major
Saponin-I, saponin-II1,2
Others3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl (1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl] hederagenin 28-O- β-D glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-[ β -D-glucopyranosyl (1→2)- α -L-arabinopyranosyl] oleanolic acid 28-O-[ β –D glucopyranosyl (1→6)- β -D-glucopyranosyl] ester, 3-O-[ β -D- glucopyranosyl (1→2)- α –L arabinopyranosyl] 27-hydroxy oleanolic acid 28-O-[ β -D-glucopyranosyl (1→6)- β –D glucopyranosyl] ester, 3-O- β -D glucopyranosyl (1→2)- α -L-arabinopyranosyl] olean-12-en-27-al-28-oic acid 28-O-[β –D glucopyranosyl (1→6)- β -D-glucopyranosyl] ester3, 3-O-[ β -D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]-[ α -L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]- α -L-arabinopyranosyl}-ursolic acid 28-O-[ β -D-glucopyranosyl] ester (indicasaponin A), 3-O-{[ β -D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]-[ α -L arabinopyranosyl-(1→3)]- α -L-arabinopyranosyl}-oleanolic acid-28-O-[β –D glucopyranosyl] ester (indicasaponin B), 3-O-[ β -D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)- α –L arabinopyranosyl]-ursolic acid-28-O-[ β -D-glucopyranosyl] ester, 3-O-[ β -D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)- α -L-arabinopyranosyl]-oleanolic acid-28-O-[ β -D-glucopyranosyl] ester4, 3-O- β -D-xylopyranosyl(1→2)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl (1→3)]- α -L-arabinopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O- β -D-glucopyranoside, 3-O- β -D-glucopyranosyl (1→2)-[ β -D-glucopyranosyl(1→3)]- α –L arabinopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O- β -D-glucopyranoside, 3-O- β -D-xylopyranosyl(1→2)-[ β -D-glucopyranosyl (1→3)]- α -L-arabinopyranosyl oleanolic acid, 3-O- β –D glucopyranosyl(1→2)-[ β -D-glucopyranosyl(1→3)]- α -L-arabino pyranosyloleanolic acid, 3-O- β -D-xyiopyranosyl(1→2)-[ β -D-glucopyranosyl (1→3)]- α -L-arabinopyranosyl 27-hydroxyoleanolic acid, 28-O- β -D-glucopyranoside, 3-O- β -D-xylopyranosyl(1→2)-[ β -D-glucopyranosyl(1→3)]- α -L-arabinopyranosyl ursolic acid 28-O- β -D-glucopyranoside and 3-O- β -D-xylopyranosyl (1→2)-[ β -D-glucopyranosyl (1→3)- α-L-arabinopyranosyl 27-hydroxyursolic acid 28-O- β -D-glucopyranoside,5 21,22 α -epoxy-23-O- β -d-glucopyranosyl-nahagenin623,28-di-O- β -d- glucopyranosyltaraxer-20-en-28-oic acid,3b,28-di-O- β -D glucopyranosyl 23-hydroxytaraxer-20-en-28-oic acid7, 3-O-( β-D xylopyranosyl (1→2) α -L-arabinopyranosyl) 27-hydroxyoleanolic acid 28-O-( β-D-glucopyranosyl (1→6) β-D-glucopyranosyl) ester, 3 β -O-( β -D-xylopyranosyl(1→2) α -L-arabinopyranosyl) olean-12-en-27-al-28-oic acid 28-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1→6) β -D-glycopyranosyl) ester,8 hederagenin-3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-28-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, hederagenin-3-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl (1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-28-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, oleanolic acid 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl (1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-28-O-β-D glucopyranoside9; 15,16-dihydroxy-7-oxo-cis-ent-erythrox-3-ene (fagonone), 16-O-acetylfagonone10, 15,16-dihydroxy-7-β-hydroxy-cis-ent-erythrox-3-ene (7-β-hydroxyfagonene)11;Triterpene IV, Triterpene V, Triterpene VI 12; sulphated derivative of 3 β,27-dihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid, 3 β,27-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid, disulfated oleanene derivative13; isorhamnetin 3-glucoside, 3-rutinoside, herbacetin 8-rutinoside, herbacetin 8-methyl ether-3-rutinoside, 3,7-diglucoside, 3-rutinoside-7 glucoside14; quarcetin, caempferol 15; 3-glucosides of kaempferol, quercetin and isorhamnetin, 3-rutinoside of quercetin, 3,7-diglucoside of quercetin and isorhamnetin., kaempferol 3,7-diglycoside, quercetin 3-diglycoside16, Aglycon A(fagonin), Aglycon B17, genin A, genin B18; triterpenoid fagonin19; oleanolic acid19,20,21; Kaempferol, Quarcetine and isorhamnetine22, Quercetin, kaempferol23;Glucose, maltose, arabinose, rhamnose17; free amino acids alanine, arginine, glycine, isoleucine, lysine, phenylalanine, proline, tyrosine, and valine24, Lysine, threonine, aspartic acid, serine, glutamic acid25, Leucine, methionine, alanine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid26; β sitosterol27,28,29, stigmasterol, campesterol27, lanosterol29; caproic acid, caprylic acid, luaric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid30; 1-triacontanol27, n-triacontanol28; free ascorbic acid31­; Betulin18; Quinovic acid32,33,methyl ester of quinovic acid33; Docosyl-Docosanoate34; harman 19,35; Harmine36; ceryl alcohol28; Nahagenin37; Diosgenin and kryptogenin29.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Taxol, anticancer drug from taxus family

TAXOL

DITERPENOID
100 years old tree of Taxus brevifolia is 6 – 9 meter in height is suitable for collection of trunk or stem bark.
Stem is having the diameter of 25 cm.
Bark is removed in May – August & bark of 3 matured tree would give 1 gm of Taxol.
Generally 2 gm Taxol is required for Cancer treatment.
Bark contains about 0.01 – 0.02% of Taxol & 0.2% of Bacatin – III.
Taxus plant i.e. Taxus brevifolia is known as “Pacific Yew” / “Yew Plant”.
In India, it is known as “Rakshala” or “Barhmi”.
The plant is known to have poisonous effect to children & animals.
Entire plant is toxic except Red Arillus of Seed.
HISTORY:
The Bark was used in the treatment of Rheumatism, Liver disorder & UTI.
In Western Himalayas, the dilute Decoction of Bark was taken during Winter by tribal people to increase the body resistance against Cold.
Due to high tensile properties of wood, it was used to make gows & implements.
The wood has high Caloric value, so was used in Potaries.
In Europe, it was used for habges.
Dried Leaves are used in “Havan” in India.
Taxol was isolated in 1971 from T. brevifolia by Dr. Wani & it was found to be useful in Cancer treatment.
Taxol is a Diterpene.
It affects Microtubule assembly in the dividing cells & stops the production of cells.
It is useful in Murine Leukemia (of Cavity).
Also is effective against Cancer of Lung, Breast, Colon & Ovary.
For activity of drug, 4 membered Oxygen ring, 2’ OH group, 3’ NH2 group & Acyl side chain are essential.
Taxus is also Antifungal & Insecticidal.
SYNONYMS:
Yew
Talispatra
Himalayan Yew
B.S:
Taxol is a Naturally occurring Diterpenoid belonging to Taxane group of compounds present in genus Taxus.

Different species of Taxus grown in World;

Taxus baccata è European Yew
T. cuspidata è Japanese Yew
T. chineusis è Chinese Yew
T. brevifolia è Pacific Yew
T. wallichiana è Himalayan Yew
T. canadensis è Ground Hemlock / American or Canadian yew
The Genus Taxus also called Yew consists of various species out of which 4 are of Medicinal importance viz;

T. baccata
T. cuspidata
T. brevifolia
T. canadensis
FAMILY: Taxaceae
HABITAT:
Plant is found in Temperate Forests.
It is a Small Evergreen tree, existing in under storey.
It has Dark Green, Long & Narrow shining Leaves.
Tree is found at an elevation of 7000 – 11,000 feet.
Taxane derivatives are also present in Leaves,
So, Leaves are harvested.
Therefore if Bark is taken, the Tree wood die.
In order to treat Breast & Ovary cancer è 2.5 g Taxol is required.
WORLD – WIDE TRADE:
World – Wide Trade of Taxol is reached to US $ 1.92 billion.
World’s requirement è 700 kg / year
Current Production è 350 kg / year
Present production of Taxol is only 350 kg & demand is double, therefore conserve / propagate the plant.
MANAGEMENT STRATEGY OF TAXUS IN INDIA:

RRL – Jammu has initiated programmes for conservation of Himalayan Yew, on following lines;

They have found out Taxus growing area & are trying for regeneration of plants.
They have started propagation & cultivation by new techniques.
Plants are found in Himachal Pradesh & North Eastern Himalayan region, mostly in / on inaccessible slopes.
The plants have been heavily debarked & most of damages are recent.
The plant regeneration is almost absent.
The potential areas of Taxus which were there few decades ago are now no more.

The availability of Taxane is better from the Leaves than bark.
Leaves contain small amount of Taxol.
But contain higher amount of Bacatin III.
Taxol is nowadays no more drug of choice.
Many Semisynthetics like Taxoterene shows better activity which is produced from Bacatin III.
Also, it has lesser Side Effects.

Propagation can be carried out through Stem cutting.
Cutting of the Terminal part of Axis / Twig will give 80 – 90% Rooting.
After Treatment with Indole Butyric Acid (IBA) ~ 200 ppm for 18 hours, would give better results.
The best time for planting the cuttings is November – February.

LAYERING METHOD:
Bandages containing GA3 (Gibberellic Acid) or IBA are applied on branch / twig & then after 90 days, cuttings are transplanted.
This plant is as good as 5 years old plant.

SEED SOWING METHOD:
Seeds take about 1 year to germinate.
However, Seeds are stratified & treated with Gibberellic acid (GA3).
Seeds can be cultivated in even poor soil, but water logging is harmful.
It can be planted at 40 x 40 cm distance.
Transplanting of Plant is dangerous.
Therefore plant will die due to shock of Roots.
Taxol amount is more in such plants.
Plant grows well in cool & moist places.

COLLECTION:
Collection Time è June – July for Bark & Needles (Leaves).

POST HARVESTMENT TREATMENT:
Leaves are dried in thin layers.
Active constituents would increase on storage for 9 days, regardless of storage temperature.
Cell culture & Biotechnology è Taxol production by this way fail to compete with the naturally cultivated plant.
Tribals called Taxus Tree “TREE OF DEATH” because in past it was believed that anybody who sleeps under this tree would go to eternal sleep forever.

USES:
Taxol affects Microtubule assembly in the dividing cells & stops the production of cells.
Inhibits Cell Migration.
Thus preventing spread of Metastatic Cancer cells.
It has also a promising role against Non – small cell;
Lung Carcinoma
Gastric Cancer
Cervical Cancer
Carcinoma of Head, Neck, Prostrate & Colon.

Friday, March 13, 2009

CHAPTER – 1WORLD – WIDE TRADE IN MEDICINAL PLANTS & DERIVED PRODUCTS

DIOSGENIN

Diosgenin belongs to class of Sapogenin.
i.e. Aglycone found in Steroidal Saponin Glycoside Dioscin.
It is used for synthesis of Steroidal hormones.
B.S:
Diosgenin is commercially available from;

~ Dioscorea floribunda
~ Dioscorea compositae
~ Dioscorea deltoida

Generally it is collected from wild source, as for Cultivation correct Soil, proper Drainage, Freedom from Weed, Fungi is required.
Depending upon different species, it requires 3 – 5 years for development.

FAMILY: Dioscoreaceae

NO B.S SAPOGENIN %
SAPOGENIN HABITAT
D. deltoida Diosgenin 2 – 5% Growing well in Sub Himalayan region
D. floribunda Diosgenin 2 – 5% Central America
D. compositae Diosgenin 2 – 4% Mexico
D. prazeri Diosgenin 1 - 3% North Eastern India

SYNONYM:
Dioscorea Root, Rheumatism Root, Yam (Starchy Tubers)
Dioscorea Root is known as “Rheumatism Root”.
It is also called Yam (Starchy Tuber).

Dioscorea is cultivated by sowing Rhizome pieces with buds & is harvested after 18 – 24 months.
Plant contains about 4 – 6% of Diosgenin.
It is mainly present as Glycoside in plant.
Diosgenin occurs as the Rhamno – rhamno – glucoside, Dioscin, in the Rhizome of several species of Dioscorea.

CULTIVATION & COLLECTION:
 In view of the Pharmaceutical significance of the drug, it is tried & successfully grown in various parts of India.
 Commercially, it is grown in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka & Jammu & Kashmir.
 The crop can be raised from seeds, but variability in progeny & comparatively longer time for harvesting are the disadvantage with this method.
 Therefore, Healthy Tubers of about 70 – 80 g in weight with crown are selected for cultivation.
 For checking the Tuber, they are treated with Fungicide & sown in Nursery beds.

 It takes about 30 – 40 days for their sprouting.
 After 2 – 3 months of growth, tubers are transplanted in the field, which is treated with Insecticide earlier.
 While planting, the Tubers are placed at a distance of 30360 cm.
 Initially, the Veins are weak & tender& they need support for their optimum growth.
 Trellis of 2.5 m in height are provided for this purpose.
 Since the Tubers are very Exhaustive, a high dose of farmyard manure to the extent of 5 – 10 tones per hectare is applied in the beginning.
 Organic fertilizers should be applied subsequently in equal doses at an interval of 1 month.
 Irrigation should be done every 10 days

 It is a Climber with Alternate Leaves.
 Rhizomes are;

~ Soft
~ Horizontally arranged
~ Very close to the Soil

 Drug is covered with scattered Roots.
 Weight è 20 – 50 gm
STRUCTURE OF DIOSGENIN:



DIOSGENIN
DIOSGENIN è D5 25 a Spirostan b - ol
DIOSGENIN is Steroidal Saponin
Subtype è Spirostanol, since here all rings are fused.
Sugar is attached at 3 – position.

ISOLATION & DEGRADATION OF DIOSGENIN

ISOLATION:
Dioscorea Rhizomes
Dioscin

(1) Hydrolyse Milled Root with Mineral acid.

(2) Filter, Neutralize & Dry the hydrolysed Root.

(3) Extract & Crystallize Diosgenin.



DEGRADATION:

(1) Cleave Spiroketal ring with Ac2O to form  20 – 22.

(2) Oxidize to generate 20 – keto group.

(3) Split side chain to yield C – 21 steroid.


16 Dehydro Pregnenolone acetate is used for the synthesis of various steroidal hormones.
All 4 types of Hormones like;


NO. HORMONES TYPES

1. Corticosteroids Cortisone, Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone
2. Progestrene / Pregnenes Progesterone, 17  OH progesterone
3. Androstins Testosterone, Methyl Testosterone
4. Contraceptives / 19 – Nor steroids Estnone, 17  ethynyl estradiol, Norethisterone acetate

 Such Hormones are produced from such natural sources only after 1980’s.
 Before that they were produced from Cholesterol or Stigmasterol.
 Such Hormones today cover 25% of market.


INDUSTRIES INVOLVED FOR SUCH HORMONE PRODUCTION IN INDIA

(1) REGIONAL RESEARCH LABORATORY (RRL)

Jammu
Working on Dioscorea compositae.

(2)WIADH LABORATORY

Bombay

(3)CIPLA LABORATORY

Bombay

(4)CHEMICAL, INDUSTRIAL & PHARMACEUTICAL LABORATORY LIMITED

Bangalore

Upto 1990, India was importing such hormones but, nowadays Diosgenin is not exported but different hormones prepared from it are exported widely.

Due to Development of Industrial companies like above in this field, Export gradually rises after 1998.

WORLD WIDE TRADE:
Much of the world’s production has come from MEXICO, where Tubers from D. compositae (Barbasco), D. mexicana, D. floribunda mainly harvested from wild plants, are utilized.
Other important sources of Dioscorea used commercially now include;

~ India (D. deltoida)
~ South Africa (D. sylvatica)
~ China (D. collettii, D. pathaicu, D. nipponica)

Demand for DIOSGENIN for Pharmaceutical is Huge, equivalent to 10,000 tones of Dioscorea Tuber per Annum.
DATA FOR 2005 – 2006

HORMONE AMOUNT (TONS) Rs. (CRORES)

Hydrocortisone 63 3.4
Prednisolone 2 0.5
Ethisterone & Derivative 2.2 7
Methyl Testosterone 17.5 1
Dexamethasone 7 1
Betamethasone 1.3 10

ALLIED SOURCES OF DIOSGENIN:

(!)COASTAL SPECIES TUBER

It gives 2 – 3 % Diosgenin.
Less Expensive
Since Dioscorea is Climber & needs support, while this is a shrub so no support is needed.

(!!)BALENITE ROXBURGHII  FRUIT

Xerophytic plant & can be cultivated in waste land also.
Good plant for Indian production.
Gives 1 – 2 % of Diosgenin.

(!!!)FENUGREEK  SEEDS
Not used commercially.

B.S: Seeds of Trigonella foenum – graecum
FAMILY: Leguminaceae
1 – 2 % Sapogenin
Because of ease of cultivation of Fenugreek & its rapid growth make the plant potentially viable crop for Steroid production in Temperate countries.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Heat stroke

HEAT stroke is a life-threatening illness characterized
by an elevated core body temperature
that rises above 40°C and central nervous
system dysfunction that results in delirium, convulsions,
or coma.

Despite adequate lowering of the body
temperature and aggressive treatment, heat stroke is
often fatal, and those who do survive may sustain permanent
neurologic damage.

Data from the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention show that from
1979 to 1997, 7000 deaths in the United States were
attributable to excessive heat.
The incidence of such
deaths may increase with global warming and the predicted
worldwide increase in the frequency and intensity
of heat waves.

Research performed during the past decade has
shown that heat stroke results from thermoregulatory
failure coupled with an exaggerated acute-phase response
and possibly with altered expression of heatshock
proteins.

The ensuing multiorgan injury results
from a complex interplay among the cytotoxic
effect of the heat and the inflammatory and coagulation
responses of the host.

In this article, we summarize
the pathogenesis of heat stroke as it is currently
understood and explore the potential therapeutic and
preventive strategies.