Metformin is a multipotential compound for treating diabetes II and controlling hormonal acne and... more Metformin is a multipotential compound for treating diabetes II and controlling hormonal acne and skin cancer. This study was designed to enhance metformin skin penetration in melanoma using nanoparticles containing biocompatible polymers. Formulations with various concentrations of chitosan, hyaluronic acid, and sodium tripolyphosphate were fabricated using an ionic gelation technique tailored by the Box-Behnken design. The optimal formulation was selected based on the smallest particle size and the highest entrapment efficiency (EE%) and used in ex vivo skin penetration study. In vitro antiproliferation activity and apoptotic effects of formulations were evaluated using MTT and flow cytometric assays, respectively. The optimized formulation had an average size, zeta potential, EE%, and polydispersity index of 329 ± 6.30 nm, 21.94 ± 0.05 mV, 64.71 ± 6.12 % , and 0.272 ± 0.010 , respectively. The release profile of the optimized formulation displayed a biphasic trend, characterize...
Objectives: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of oral mucoadhesive N-acetylcysteine (NAC) t... more Objectives: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of oral mucoadhesive N-acetylcysteine (NAC) tablets for treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). Materials and Methods: Forty-nine patients with RAS were randomized to receive mucoadhesive NAC tablets (n=25) or placebo (n=24). Tablets were prescribed three times a day for 7 days in each group. Pain intensity was evaluated with visual analog scale (VAS) three times a day from day 1 to day 7. Also, patients were clinically examined on days 0 (before entering the study), 3, 5, and 7 using a metal caliper to measure the diameter of the lesions. The data were statistically analyzed and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Regarding the VAS score, all participants in the treatment group showed complete recovery on day 7 (P<0.01). Also, the diameter of the lesions was significantly smaller in the treatment group than the placebo group at the end of the study (P<0.001). Conclusion: The results of this...
Background: One of the most common functional problems in children is functional abdominal pain (... more Background: One of the most common functional problems in children is functional abdominal pain (FAP), and dysmotility is one of the possible causes of FAP. Domperidone is a prokinetic drug that increases gastrointestinal motility. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of domperidone on the treatment of FAP in children. Methods: In this double-blind clinical trial study, FAP was diagnosed in 80 children aged 5 - 14 years, who were referred to Amirkola Children's Hospital in Babol for one year based on the criteria of the Rome IV. Then, they were randomly divided into two groups of 40 patients. Group A received domperidone tablets (0.25 mg/kg, three-time/day) for two months, and group B received a placebo. The primary outcome was at least a 50% reduction in both frequency and severity of pain, and the secondary outcome was a significant reduction in the duration, frequency, and intensity of pain according to the Wong-Baker scale compared to baseline. Result...
Background & Objective: Dietary antioxidants may play a protective role in the pathophysiology of... more Background & Objective: Dietary antioxidants may play a protective role in the pathophysiology of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of magnesium-vitamin E co-supplementation on glycemic control and pregnancy outcomes in women with GDM. Materials & Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted among GDM pregnant women at 24-28 weeks of gestation. The study did not include mothers who needed medication to control their blood glucose levels or had a history of DM. The subjects were randomly divided into two 30-member groups, one of which received magnesium (250 mg), and vitamin E (400 mg) daily, while the other was given a placebo. Blood samples were taken at the study baseline and six weeks after the intervention to quantify oxidative stress biomarkers, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and fasting plasma insulin (FPI). Additionally, the effect of supplementation was assessed on neonatal outcomes. Data analysis was performed using ...
Background: Pelargonium graveolens L'Hér has traditionally been used to reduce skin inflammat... more Background: Pelargonium graveolens L'Hér has traditionally been used to reduce skin inflammation, and recent studies have confirmed antioxidant compounds in the plant's extract. The present study aimed to prepare a lipogel formulation from P. graveolens hydroalcoholic extract and evaluate its efficacy on the wound healing process in an animal model. Material and Methods: The aerial part extract of P. graveolens was prepared through percolation. Additionally, plastibase was prepared by mixing 5% of low-molecular-weight polyethylene with hot mineral oil (130 ˚C). The extract (5%) was levigated in the mineral oil (5-15%) and dispersed in the cooled plastibase. The physical properties of the lipogel, thermal stability, and microbial limits were tested. Further, the effect of the lipogel on the wound healing rate was examined among male Wistar rats, and skin tissue samples were assessed histologically. Results and Discussion: The results represented the best rheological and therm...
Stable solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) formulations to ... more Stable solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) formulations to enhance the dissolution rates of poorly soluble drug spironolactone (SP) were being developed. Probe ultra-sonication method was used to prepare SLNs and NLCs. All NLCs contained stearic acid (solid lipid carrier) and oleic acid (liquid lipid content), whereas, SLNs were prepared and optimised by using the solid lipid only. The particles were characterised in terms of particle size analysis, thermal behaviour, morphology, stability and in vitro release. The zeta sizer data revealed that the increase in the concentration of oleic acid in the formulations reduced the mean particle size and the zeta potential. The increase in concentration of oleic acid from 0 to 30% (w/w) resulted in a higher entrapment efficiency. All nanoparticles were almost spherically shaped with an average particle size of about ∼170 nm. The DSC traces revealed that the presence of oleic acid in the NLC formulations resulted in a shift in the melting endotherms to a higher temperature. This could be attributed to a good long-term stability of the nanoparticles. The stability results showed that the particle size remained smaller in NLC compared to that of SLN formulations after 6 months at various temperatures. The dissolution study showed about a 5.1-to 7.2-fold increase in the release of the drug in 2 h compared to the raw drug. Comparing all nanoparticle formulations indicated that the NLC composition with a ratio of 70:30 (solid:liquid lipid) is the most suitable formulation with desired drug dissolution rates, entrapment efficiency and physical stability.
Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, 2020
Background and purpose: Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous glands caused... more Background and purpose: Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous glands caused by opportunistic microorganisms. The Rhamnus cathartica is known to have biological and antioxidant properties. This research aimed at investigating the in vitro effect of gel containing 5% R. cathartica extract on acne vulgaris. Materials and methods: The gel formulation contained 25g of dried R. cathartica bark extract, 0.5 liters distilled water, glycerin 50g, carbopol 940 5g, methyl paraben 0.75g, and propyl paraben 0.5g. After 24 hours, the formulation was put outside the refrigerator. Then, triethanolamine was added to the formulation under stirring with 500 rpm to solidify the gel. The effect of the product was measured against Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus aureus and MIC and MBC values were also determined. Results: Total phenolic content of R. cathartica was 351.6±4.5 mgGA/g/DW, total flavonoid content was 23.15±1.355 mgCE/g/DW, and total a...
Transdermal patches are now widely used in topical and transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS). ... more Transdermal patches are now widely used in topical and transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS). Up to now, TDDS has been used in several conditions, such as smoking cessation, analgesic effect, nausea, contraception, and hormone therapy. Basically, there are two types of transdermal patches: the reservoir-type patches and the matrix-type patches. First generation TDDS were designed for delivery of drugs in low-dose. In second-generation delivery systems, drug penetration was increased using chemical enhancers and iontophoresis. Several methods such as microneedles, electroporation, and cavitational ultrasound are used as the third generation of TDDS for targeting their effects to skin’s barrier layer of stratum corneum. Microneedles are currently studied through clinical trials as suitable delivery system for macromolecules and vaccines, such as insulin and influenza vaccine. This review article describes the structure of different types of transdermal patches and some marketed pro...
Background: Valerian root extract is used in traditional medicine to treat sleep disorders. Accor... more Background: Valerian root extract is used in traditional medicine to treat sleep disorders. According to previous studies, sedative effects are related to the presence of valerenic acid. Formulating orodispersible tablets (ODTs) is an effective and cost-benefit technique for accelerating drugs' therapeutic effects. This study aimed to formulate ODTs of valerian root extract and evaluate their properties. Materials and Methods: Valerian root was extracted by percolation in 70% ethanol. The solubility of valerenic acid was investigated in various liquid carriers. The extract was uniformly dispersed in the selected carrier (Tween 80), then mixed with other excipients, and compressed into tablets. Fourteen formulations with different amounts of sodium starch glycolate (SSG, as a super disintegrant) and camphor (as a sublimating agent) were prepared. The physicochemical properties of the ODTs, drug release rates, and microbial limit tests (MLTs) were studied. Results: Both SSG and ca...
Purpose: The ginger root extract has shown remarkable antimicrobial effects. Nanocarriers based o... more Purpose: The ginger root extract has shown remarkable antimicrobial effects. Nanocarriers based on biodegradable polymers (like chitosan) are promising drug delivery vehicles for antibacterial compounds. In this study, aqueous and methanolic extracts of ginger root were prepared, loaded on chitosan nanoparticles (NPs), and their antimicrobial effects were investigated. Methods: The NPs were prepared using the ionic gelation technique. The central composite design model was employed to optimize the formulation variables and achieve the minimum particle size and maximum zeta potential. The total phenol content of the powdered extracts was determined. The antimicrobial activity of the NPs was evaluated by the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Results: The optimum size of NPs containing methanolic or aqueous extract were 188.3 and 154.7 nm, with a zeta potential of 29.1 and 32.1 mv, and entrapment efficiency percent (E....
Background: Coronaviruses including COVID-19, MERS and SARS have affected millions of people arou... more Background: Coronaviruses including COVID-19, MERS and SARS have affected millions of people around the world since its emerge. Still, there is not a certain drug treatment strategy for Coronaviruses. Objective: This review aims at a compilation of a comprehensive study on literature reporting the treatment strategies and regimens used for COVID-19, MERS and SARS with an emphasis on the clinical trials and experimentations. Results: According to the literature, the most effective drugs reported so far for treatment strategies include: lopinavir/ritonavir, favipiravir, ribavirin, oseltamivir, remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, herbal extracts, monoclonal antibodies and anticytokine agents. Some combinations of drugs have been very effective to reduce the death rate, hospitalization stay and to prevent the progress of the disease to the later critical and severe stages. Conclusions: However, a combination of drugs and regimens have been useful and saved millions of patient’s lives but th...
Iranian Journal of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology
Drug therapy is the base of the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Psychotropic drugs can reduce... more Drug therapy is the base of the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Psychotropic drugs can reduce the severity of mental illnesses and improve the outcomes of these disorders if they are used properly. One of the main challenges in psychiatric patients, especially patients who lack enough knowledge about their illness, is the non-compliance with the treatment. In the present study, we first tried to explain the general principles of using psychotropic drugs and then the physicochemical characteristics of each category of psychiatric drugs.
Deferasirox (DFX) is an oral iron-chelating agent and classified into class II of the Biopharmace... more Deferasirox (DFX) is an oral iron-chelating agent and classified into class II of the Biopharmaceutics Classification System. Low bioavailability of the drug due to insufficient solubility in physiological fluids is the main drawback of DFX. The idea of the current study was to explore the potential of solid dispersion (SD) as an effective method to improve the dissolution rate of DFX in pellets. The SDs were made by the solvent evaporation technique using polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG 4000) and polyvinylpyrrolidone K25 with different drug-to-carrier ratios. Then, the dispersion was milled and mixed with other components and the mixture layered on sugar-based cores by pan coating technique. The pellets were evaluated in terms of size distribution, morphology (SEM), and dissolution behaviour. Drug-polymer interactions were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction study (XRD), and Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The pellets coated w...
Metformin is a multipotential compound for treating diabetes II and controlling hormonal acne and... more Metformin is a multipotential compound for treating diabetes II and controlling hormonal acne and skin cancer. This study was designed to enhance metformin skin penetration in melanoma using nanoparticles containing biocompatible polymers. Formulations with various concentrations of chitosan, hyaluronic acid, and sodium tripolyphosphate were fabricated using an ionic gelation technique tailored by the Box-Behnken design. The optimal formulation was selected based on the smallest particle size and the highest entrapment efficiency (EE%) and used in ex vivo skin penetration study. In vitro antiproliferation activity and apoptotic effects of formulations were evaluated using MTT and flow cytometric assays, respectively. The optimized formulation had an average size, zeta potential, EE%, and polydispersity index of 329 ± 6.30 nm, 21.94 ± 0.05 mV, 64.71 ± 6.12 % , and 0.272 ± 0.010 , respectively. The release profile of the optimized formulation displayed a biphasic trend, characterize...
Objectives: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of oral mucoadhesive N-acetylcysteine (NAC) t... more Objectives: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of oral mucoadhesive N-acetylcysteine (NAC) tablets for treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). Materials and Methods: Forty-nine patients with RAS were randomized to receive mucoadhesive NAC tablets (n=25) or placebo (n=24). Tablets were prescribed three times a day for 7 days in each group. Pain intensity was evaluated with visual analog scale (VAS) three times a day from day 1 to day 7. Also, patients were clinically examined on days 0 (before entering the study), 3, 5, and 7 using a metal caliper to measure the diameter of the lesions. The data were statistically analyzed and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Regarding the VAS score, all participants in the treatment group showed complete recovery on day 7 (P<0.01). Also, the diameter of the lesions was significantly smaller in the treatment group than the placebo group at the end of the study (P<0.001). Conclusion: The results of this...
Background: One of the most common functional problems in children is functional abdominal pain (... more Background: One of the most common functional problems in children is functional abdominal pain (FAP), and dysmotility is one of the possible causes of FAP. Domperidone is a prokinetic drug that increases gastrointestinal motility. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of domperidone on the treatment of FAP in children. Methods: In this double-blind clinical trial study, FAP was diagnosed in 80 children aged 5 - 14 years, who were referred to Amirkola Children's Hospital in Babol for one year based on the criteria of the Rome IV. Then, they were randomly divided into two groups of 40 patients. Group A received domperidone tablets (0.25 mg/kg, three-time/day) for two months, and group B received a placebo. The primary outcome was at least a 50% reduction in both frequency and severity of pain, and the secondary outcome was a significant reduction in the duration, frequency, and intensity of pain according to the Wong-Baker scale compared to baseline. Result...
Background & Objective: Dietary antioxidants may play a protective role in the pathophysiology of... more Background & Objective: Dietary antioxidants may play a protective role in the pathophysiology of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of magnesium-vitamin E co-supplementation on glycemic control and pregnancy outcomes in women with GDM. Materials & Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted among GDM pregnant women at 24-28 weeks of gestation. The study did not include mothers who needed medication to control their blood glucose levels or had a history of DM. The subjects were randomly divided into two 30-member groups, one of which received magnesium (250 mg), and vitamin E (400 mg) daily, while the other was given a placebo. Blood samples were taken at the study baseline and six weeks after the intervention to quantify oxidative stress biomarkers, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and fasting plasma insulin (FPI). Additionally, the effect of supplementation was assessed on neonatal outcomes. Data analysis was performed using ...
Background: Pelargonium graveolens L'Hér has traditionally been used to reduce skin inflammat... more Background: Pelargonium graveolens L'Hér has traditionally been used to reduce skin inflammation, and recent studies have confirmed antioxidant compounds in the plant's extract. The present study aimed to prepare a lipogel formulation from P. graveolens hydroalcoholic extract and evaluate its efficacy on the wound healing process in an animal model. Material and Methods: The aerial part extract of P. graveolens was prepared through percolation. Additionally, plastibase was prepared by mixing 5% of low-molecular-weight polyethylene with hot mineral oil (130 ˚C). The extract (5%) was levigated in the mineral oil (5-15%) and dispersed in the cooled plastibase. The physical properties of the lipogel, thermal stability, and microbial limits were tested. Further, the effect of the lipogel on the wound healing rate was examined among male Wistar rats, and skin tissue samples were assessed histologically. Results and Discussion: The results represented the best rheological and therm...
Stable solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) formulations to ... more Stable solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) formulations to enhance the dissolution rates of poorly soluble drug spironolactone (SP) were being developed. Probe ultra-sonication method was used to prepare SLNs and NLCs. All NLCs contained stearic acid (solid lipid carrier) and oleic acid (liquid lipid content), whereas, SLNs were prepared and optimised by using the solid lipid only. The particles were characterised in terms of particle size analysis, thermal behaviour, morphology, stability and in vitro release. The zeta sizer data revealed that the increase in the concentration of oleic acid in the formulations reduced the mean particle size and the zeta potential. The increase in concentration of oleic acid from 0 to 30% (w/w) resulted in a higher entrapment efficiency. All nanoparticles were almost spherically shaped with an average particle size of about ∼170 nm. The DSC traces revealed that the presence of oleic acid in the NLC formulations resulted in a shift in the melting endotherms to a higher temperature. This could be attributed to a good long-term stability of the nanoparticles. The stability results showed that the particle size remained smaller in NLC compared to that of SLN formulations after 6 months at various temperatures. The dissolution study showed about a 5.1-to 7.2-fold increase in the release of the drug in 2 h compared to the raw drug. Comparing all nanoparticle formulations indicated that the NLC composition with a ratio of 70:30 (solid:liquid lipid) is the most suitable formulation with desired drug dissolution rates, entrapment efficiency and physical stability.
Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, 2020
Background and purpose: Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous glands caused... more Background and purpose: Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous glands caused by opportunistic microorganisms. The Rhamnus cathartica is known to have biological and antioxidant properties. This research aimed at investigating the in vitro effect of gel containing 5% R. cathartica extract on acne vulgaris. Materials and methods: The gel formulation contained 25g of dried R. cathartica bark extract, 0.5 liters distilled water, glycerin 50g, carbopol 940 5g, methyl paraben 0.75g, and propyl paraben 0.5g. After 24 hours, the formulation was put outside the refrigerator. Then, triethanolamine was added to the formulation under stirring with 500 rpm to solidify the gel. The effect of the product was measured against Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus aureus and MIC and MBC values were also determined. Results: Total phenolic content of R. cathartica was 351.6±4.5 mgGA/g/DW, total flavonoid content was 23.15±1.355 mgCE/g/DW, and total a...
Transdermal patches are now widely used in topical and transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS). ... more Transdermal patches are now widely used in topical and transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS). Up to now, TDDS has been used in several conditions, such as smoking cessation, analgesic effect, nausea, contraception, and hormone therapy. Basically, there are two types of transdermal patches: the reservoir-type patches and the matrix-type patches. First generation TDDS were designed for delivery of drugs in low-dose. In second-generation delivery systems, drug penetration was increased using chemical enhancers and iontophoresis. Several methods such as microneedles, electroporation, and cavitational ultrasound are used as the third generation of TDDS for targeting their effects to skin’s barrier layer of stratum corneum. Microneedles are currently studied through clinical trials as suitable delivery system for macromolecules and vaccines, such as insulin and influenza vaccine. This review article describes the structure of different types of transdermal patches and some marketed pro...
Background: Valerian root extract is used in traditional medicine to treat sleep disorders. Accor... more Background: Valerian root extract is used in traditional medicine to treat sleep disorders. According to previous studies, sedative effects are related to the presence of valerenic acid. Formulating orodispersible tablets (ODTs) is an effective and cost-benefit technique for accelerating drugs' therapeutic effects. This study aimed to formulate ODTs of valerian root extract and evaluate their properties. Materials and Methods: Valerian root was extracted by percolation in 70% ethanol. The solubility of valerenic acid was investigated in various liquid carriers. The extract was uniformly dispersed in the selected carrier (Tween 80), then mixed with other excipients, and compressed into tablets. Fourteen formulations with different amounts of sodium starch glycolate (SSG, as a super disintegrant) and camphor (as a sublimating agent) were prepared. The physicochemical properties of the ODTs, drug release rates, and microbial limit tests (MLTs) were studied. Results: Both SSG and ca...
Purpose: The ginger root extract has shown remarkable antimicrobial effects. Nanocarriers based o... more Purpose: The ginger root extract has shown remarkable antimicrobial effects. Nanocarriers based on biodegradable polymers (like chitosan) are promising drug delivery vehicles for antibacterial compounds. In this study, aqueous and methanolic extracts of ginger root were prepared, loaded on chitosan nanoparticles (NPs), and their antimicrobial effects were investigated. Methods: The NPs were prepared using the ionic gelation technique. The central composite design model was employed to optimize the formulation variables and achieve the minimum particle size and maximum zeta potential. The total phenol content of the powdered extracts was determined. The antimicrobial activity of the NPs was evaluated by the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Results: The optimum size of NPs containing methanolic or aqueous extract were 188.3 and 154.7 nm, with a zeta potential of 29.1 and 32.1 mv, and entrapment efficiency percent (E....
Background: Coronaviruses including COVID-19, MERS and SARS have affected millions of people arou... more Background: Coronaviruses including COVID-19, MERS and SARS have affected millions of people around the world since its emerge. Still, there is not a certain drug treatment strategy for Coronaviruses. Objective: This review aims at a compilation of a comprehensive study on literature reporting the treatment strategies and regimens used for COVID-19, MERS and SARS with an emphasis on the clinical trials and experimentations. Results: According to the literature, the most effective drugs reported so far for treatment strategies include: lopinavir/ritonavir, favipiravir, ribavirin, oseltamivir, remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, herbal extracts, monoclonal antibodies and anticytokine agents. Some combinations of drugs have been very effective to reduce the death rate, hospitalization stay and to prevent the progress of the disease to the later critical and severe stages. Conclusions: However, a combination of drugs and regimens have been useful and saved millions of patient’s lives but th...
Iranian Journal of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology
Drug therapy is the base of the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Psychotropic drugs can reduce... more Drug therapy is the base of the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Psychotropic drugs can reduce the severity of mental illnesses and improve the outcomes of these disorders if they are used properly. One of the main challenges in psychiatric patients, especially patients who lack enough knowledge about their illness, is the non-compliance with the treatment. In the present study, we first tried to explain the general principles of using psychotropic drugs and then the physicochemical characteristics of each category of psychiatric drugs.
Deferasirox (DFX) is an oral iron-chelating agent and classified into class II of the Biopharmace... more Deferasirox (DFX) is an oral iron-chelating agent and classified into class II of the Biopharmaceutics Classification System. Low bioavailability of the drug due to insufficient solubility in physiological fluids is the main drawback of DFX. The idea of the current study was to explore the potential of solid dispersion (SD) as an effective method to improve the dissolution rate of DFX in pellets. The SDs were made by the solvent evaporation technique using polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG 4000) and polyvinylpyrrolidone K25 with different drug-to-carrier ratios. Then, the dispersion was milled and mixed with other components and the mixture layered on sugar-based cores by pan coating technique. The pellets were evaluated in terms of size distribution, morphology (SEM), and dissolution behaviour. Drug-polymer interactions were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction study (XRD), and Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The pellets coated w...
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Papers by Ali Farmoudeh