Santanu Munshi | School of Tropical Medicine, kolkata (original) (raw)

Papers by Santanu Munshi

Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 2023

Introduction: Parkinson's Disease (PD) is the second most frequent neurodegenerative disease and ... more Introduction: Parkinson's Disease (PD) is the second most frequent neurodegenerative disease and dopaminergic agents are frequently used as a treatment while 'end of dose deterioration' or 'Wearing-Off (WO)' phenomenon is common with these agents. Treatment reconciliation may be helpful in this situation and there is dearth of studies especially in India. Aim: To study the WO effects in patients of PD, their pharmacotherapy and outcome.

International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research, 2017

Introduction: Kopsia fruticosa, a member of the Apocynaceae family contains four indole alkaloids... more Introduction: Kopsia fruticosa, a member of the Apocynaceae family contains four indole alkaloids whose pharmacological effects have not been extensively studied (Fig. 1-3). Drugs bearing indole alkaloids are known to produce important pharmacological effects. It has been reported that most of the indigenous plant having indole alkaloids exhibit varieties of pharmacological actions on the CVS like hypotension, dilatation of both peripheral and coronary vessels and antileukaemic effect etc. Materials and methods: Hence it was conceived that the compounds of Kopsia fruticosa (KF) may produce some interesting pharmacological actions especially on the cardio-vascular system. The crude extract was prepared from the dried leaves in laboratory and the chief objective of this study was to evaluate the possible effects of both the propylene glycolic (KF1) and the aqueous solution (KF2) of the crude extract of dried leaves of Kopsia fruticosa . Results: Kopsine, one of the alkaloids obtained ...

International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research, 2016

Objective: To explore the safety profile of the proposed polyherbal formulation LQ 14 which is co... more Objective: To explore the safety profile of the proposed polyherbal formulation LQ 14 which is composed of various antimicrobial ingredients in rodents according to OECD (423) for acute oral toxicity study and OECD (407) for 28-days repeated dose toxicity study. Materials and methods: Acute toxicity studies and 28-days repeated dose toxicity were done on male Swiss slbino mice and Wistar albino rats. The animals were randomly divided into four groups of five animals each (n=20). In acute toxicity study, three doses of the extract (2.5-10 ml/kg body weights) were administered to 3 groups of the animals respectively. All animals were observed for 24 hours and general symptoms of toxicity and mortality were recorded. In 28-days repeated dose toxicity study, wistar male rats were grouped by randomized design and assigned to three groups of 6 animals each (n=18). Two doses of the extract (2.5, 5 ml/kg body weight) were administered daily to 2 groups. The last group was control in both an...

International Journal of Pharmacological Research, 2016

Objective To assess the efficacy of a new polyherbal formulation LQ14 for acute diarrhea in rats... more Objective To assess the efficacy of a new polyherbal formulation LQ14 for acute diarrhea in rats and to explore its mechanism of action as an anti-diarrhoeal agent. Materials and methods Wistar albino rats (average body weight 150g) were divided into five groups of six animals each. Group 1 control (2 ml/kg distilled water), group 2 received loperamide (3 mg/kg) served as standard and group 3, 4, and 5 received test drug LQ14 (1 ml/kg, 2 ml/kg and 4 ml/kg respectively) 1 hour before castor oil administration. All drugs were given by oral route. Diarrhea was induced by administering 1 ml of castor oil. Castor Oil-Induced Diarrhoea, Castor Oil-Induced Enteropooling and Small Intestinal Transit were the models used in this study. Results LQ14 possess significant anti-diarrhoeal activity due to its effect on reduction of frequency of diarrhoea episodes, delay in gastrointestinal propulsion and inhibition of fluid accumulation in the intestinal tract of rats. Conclusion The new polyherb...

International Journal of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 2016

We describe a case of severe lithium poisoning possibly induced by multiple drugs interaction. A ... more We describe a case of severe lithium poisoning possibly induced by multiple drugs interaction. A 45-year-old man with bipolar disorder was admitted with altered behavior and mental status. He was maintained on lithium for 20 years. Nine months ago, lithium dose was increased and risperidone was added. Telmisartan was prescribed around 25 days ago and he had mild tremor since then. Two days ago, fluvoxamine was initiated and he developed restlessness, agitation, insomnia and confusion after one dose. On admission, fluvoxamine, lithium, telmisartan and risperidone were discontinued. Abnormal findings were temporary ST depression, hyponatremia and high creatine kinase. He had fever since day 2 and was covered for meningoencephalitis and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. On the next day, his was comatose and treated for septic shock. On day 7, result of serum lithium taken on day 3 revealed severe toxicity (3.2 mEq/L). The lithium level was normalized after hemodialysis. He subsequently regained full Glasgow Coma Scale score and his toxicity completely resolved on day 16. Interactions of risperidone and telmisartan with lithium possibly precipitated the lithium toxicity. However, the onset of the toxicity suggested fluvoxamine as the major cause of poisoning. Clinicians should be aware of these potential drug interactions.

International Journal of Advances in Medicine, 2020

Background: Lithium continues to be considered first-line therapy for treatment of acute mania, a... more Background: Lithium continues to be considered first-line therapy for treatment of acute mania, acute mixed bipolar disease and long-term prophylaxis of bipolar disorder. Present study was done to study the pattern of drug therapy in bipolar affective disorder patients with special reference to lithium in the routine psychiatric outpatients care setting of a tertiary care teaching hospital as well as to understand the prospect of therapeutic drug monitoring in optimization of lithium therapy based on outcome.Methods: It was a prospective, non-randomized, observational study of a cohort of subjects who are suffering from bipolar affective disorders and on lithium therapy. Patients were prospectively followed up three monthly for three visits with therapeutic drug monitoring of their plasma lithium level, as and when advised by the treating physician, and pre-formed questionnaires.Results: Results revealed there was significant improvement in symptoms of patients who were monitored wi...

International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 2020

Background: Lithium is considered first line drug effective in treating manic and mixed episodes ... more Background: Lithium is considered first line drug effective in treating manic and mixed episodes of bipolar affective disorders throughout the globe. But the chronic and heterogenous nature of disease, along with toxicity of lithium often make patients non-adherent to medication as well as diminished health related quality of life. Present study was done to find out the prospect of regular supervision and follow up with therapeutic drug monitoring in optimization of lithium therapy based on health-related quality of life outcomes.Methods: It was a prospective, non-randomized, observational study of a cohort of subjects who are suffering from bipolar affective disorders and on lithium therapy. Patients were regularly followed up with therapeutic drug monitoring and personalized interview with questionnaires like WHO Quality of Life Score (QOL-Bref), Montgomery-Asberg Depression Scale (MADRS) and Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS).Results: Results revealed there was significant ...

Indian journal of pharmacology

This study describes a patient diagnosed as a case of bipolar affective disorder complaining of b... more This study describes a patient diagnosed as a case of bipolar affective disorder complaining of bothersome incidence of pedal edema 1 month after the initiation of atypical antipsychotic regimen with risperidone and quetiapine. All hematological and biochemical profiles were found to be normal. On discontinuation of risperidone, the condition remained unresolved even after 2 weeks, and the edema progressed reaching her calves. On tapering the dose of quetiapine, she started showing gradual improvement in edematous condition. Quetiapine was slowly discontinued. No further recurrence of edema occurred, and hence, no further medication changes were implemented. Pedal edema was found to be resolved within weeks of dechallenge of the regimen. Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale gave a score of 7 which denotes "probable" adverse drug reaction with quetiapine.

IOSR Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences, 2014

Objectives: Antimicrobials are the most commonly used and at the same time misused drugs in presc... more Objectives: Antimicrobials are the most commonly used and at the same time misused drugs in prescriptions. The present pilot survey in a government teaching hospital of tropical diseases has been targeted to generate the utilization data of antimicrobial agents based on which a specific Institutional antimicrobial guideline could be generated. Methods: 100 prescriptions, each containing at least one or more antimicrobial agents were collected in a random sampling manner from the medical indoor of Carmichael Hospital for Tropical Diseases. Assessment of rationality of all prescriptions was performed. Results: The present study showed that out of 100 prescriptions 8 % of the prescriptions were semi-rational, 1% was irrational and the rest were considered rational. Among the different classes of antimicrobial agents cephalosporins remained the most frequently (33%) prescribed agent followed by aminopenicillins (15%). Discussion: Very low incidence of semirational and irrational prescriptions in this pilot study is a good indicator of proficiency of the prescribers and availability of good hospital supply. Polypharmacy was noted in large no. of prescriptions having some associated tropical diseases, especially in multiple infections. In most of the cases first choice antimicrobials were used. Conclusions: For rational use of antimicrobials more importance should be given on laboratory confirmation by culture sensitivity tests of different clinical specimens. Further study is necessary to formulate a standard antimicrobial guideline for common infective ailments in hospital practice of tropical diseases.

Industrial Psychiatry Journal, 2012

Amisulpride is a newer antipsychotic, which is very effective on its own, as well as augmenting o... more Amisulpride is a newer antipsychotic, which is very effective on its own, as well as augmenting other antipsychotic clozapine, which is an effective molecule for treatment resistant schizophrenia. In most cases, amisulpride is added on, in partial responders to clozapine. Here a case is reported where clozapine was added on, in an amisulpride partial responder but this produced side effect and had to be discontinued. The case later responded to clozapine alone. It has been discussed about possible reasons of this finding. It has also been suggested if sequence of introduction of medication is critical regarding getting the desired effect of the augmentation strategy.

Indian journal of …, 2002

1. Scoparone produced a rapid and sustained fall of blood pressure in anaesthetized normotensive ... more 1. Scoparone produced a rapid and sustained fall of blood pressure in anaesthetized normotensive and experimental hypertensive animals and conscious normotensive rats. The effect was dose related, appeared immediately after iv and within I5-20 min after po administration and ...

Introduction: Kopsia fruticosa,a member of the Apocynaceae family contains four indole alkaloids ... more Introduction: Kopsia fruticosa,a member of the Apocynaceae family contains four indole alkaloids whose pharmacological effects have not been extensively studied (Fig. 1-3). Drugs bearing indole alkaloids are known to produce important pharmacological effects. It has been reported that most of the indigenous plant having indole alkaloids exhibit varieties of pharmacological actions on the CVS like hypotension, dilatation of both peripheral and coronary vessels and antileukaemic effect etc. Materials and methods: Hence it was conceived that the compounds of Kopsia fruticosa (KF) may produce some interesting pharmacological actions especially on the cardio-vascular system. The crude extract was prepared from the dried leaves in laboratory and the chief objective of this study was to evaluate the possible effects of both the propylene glycolic (KF1) and the aqueous solution (KF2) of the crude extract of dried leaves of Kopsia fruticosa. Results: Kopsine, one of the alkaloids obtained from the plant Kopsia fruticosa, possesses cholinergic action. This study on the mean arterial blood pressure and respiration of anaesthetized cats consistently revealed that both KF1 and KF2 induce a dose dependent fall in blood pressure, with slight bradycardia and little stimulatory effect on the respiration. Conclusion: Both the solutions, KF1 and KF2 had potent depressor effect on the mean arterial blood pressure of anaesthetized cats.

Drugs bearing indole alkaloids are known to produce important pharmacological effects. Kopsia fru... more Drugs bearing indole alkaloids are known to produce important pharmacological effects. Kopsia fruticosa (KF), member of thee Genus Kopsia containing four indole alkaloids possesses central nervous system (CNS) pharmacological effects. This study was conducted to explore the CNS effects of KF in rodents. Materials and Methods: The propylene glycolic solution (KF1) and aqueous solution (KF2) were prepared from the dried extract of the leaves of KF. Evaluation of hexobarbitone induced sleeping time in mice, analgesic effect by Tail flick response on thermal stimulus in rats, locomotor activity by Spontaneous motor activity and rotarod method in rats, sedative ataxic score by inclined plane method in mice and behavioural activity by Gross behavioural effects, Conditional Avoidance response, and cataleptic effects in rats were performed at 2, 4, 8,16 mg/kg of body weight respectively. Results: KF1 reduced the spontaneous locomotor activity and exploratory behaviour in mice (p<0.001-0.01) more than KF2. KF1 in all doses potentiated the hypnotic dose (p<0.001) of hexobarbitone and sub-hypnotic dose (upto 80% potentiation) of hexabarbitone as compared to only 40% potentiation by KF2. Anti-nociception effect was found to be absent at all doses. KF1 possesses moderate sedative ataxic effect (p<0.001) and KF2 at 8mg/kg b.w. revealed mild effect (p<0.05) when compared to pentobarbitone. KF1 induced a moderate degree of catalepsy and potentiated cataleptic and sub-cataleptic doses of haloperidol at all doses (p<0.001). Conclusion: The present study has revealed that the propylene glycolic extract of the leaves Kopsia fruticosa possesses profound action on the CNS thereby paving the way to further research.

The purpose of this review was to discuss the major recent advances in the field of ophthalmolog... more The purpose of this review was to discuss the major recent advances in the field
of ophthalmology, particularly as it pertains to glaucoma. We reviewed literature
using MEDLINE and PubMed databases with the following search terms:
“glaucoma,” “melatonin,” “trabecular outflow pathway,” “adenosine,” “rho kinase,”
“norepinephrine,” and “matrix metalloproteinases.” We also reviewed pertinent
references from articles found in this search. We looked at various studies concerning
the clinical trials of glaucoma therapeutics, and therapeutic potential of putative
ocular drug delivery systems in glaucoma. Challenges of assuring safety and efficacy
of the newer medicines and techniques are pertinent in this regard. However, more
research is needed to better elucidate the mechanism of various investigational drug
products and drug delivery devices in glaucoma.
Keywords: Glaucoma, Melatonin, Trabecular outflow pathway, Adenosine,
Rho kinase, Norepinephrine, Matrix metalloproteinases

This study describes a patient diagnosed as a case of bipolar affective disorder complaining of... more This study describes a patient diagnosed as a case of bipolar affective disorder
complaining of bothersome incidence of pedal edema 1 month after the initiation of
atypical antipsychotic regimen with risperidone and quetiapine. All hematological and
biochemical profiles were found to be normal. On discontinuation of risperidone, the
condition remained unresolved even after 2 weeks, and the edema progressed reaching
her calves. On tapering the dose of quetiapine, she started showing gradual improvement
in edematous condition. Quetiapine was slowly discontinued. No further recurrence of
edema occurred, and hence, no further medication changes were implemented. Pedal
edema was found to be resolved within weeks of dechallenge of the regimen. Naranjo
adverse drug reaction probability scale gave a score of 7 which denotes “probable”
adverse drug reaction with quetiapine.

Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It has been shown to blunt postprandial h... more Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It has been shown to blunt postprandial hyperglycemia in rats and to potentiate the hypoglycemic effects of sulfonylurea agents in humans. Here, we report a case of a 33‑year‑old nondiabetic patient with no history of glucose intolerance, who experienced multiple episodes of hypoglycemia that resolved after discontinuation of the drug. Healthcare professionals should consider sertraline among the possible causes of hypoglycemia occurring in patients receiving antidepressants.

Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 2023

International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research, 2017

International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research, 2016

International Journal of Pharmacological Research, 2016

International Journal of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 2016

International Journal of Advances in Medicine, 2020

International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 2020

Indian journal of pharmacology

IOSR Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences, 2014

Industrial Psychiatry Journal, 2012

Indian journal of …, 2002

Introduction: Kopsia fruticosa,a member of the Apocynaceae family contains four indole alkaloids ... more Introduction: Kopsia fruticosa,a member of the Apocynaceae family contains four indole alkaloids whose pharmacological effects have not been extensively studied (Fig. 1-3). Drugs bearing indole alkaloids are known to produce important pharmacological effects. It has been reported that most of the indigenous plant having indole alkaloids exhibit varieties of pharmacological actions on the CVS like hypotension, dilatation of both peripheral and coronary vessels and antileukaemic effect etc. Materials and methods: Hence it was conceived that the compounds of Kopsia fruticosa (KF) may produce some interesting pharmacological actions especially on the cardio-vascular system. The crude extract was prepared from the dried leaves in laboratory and the chief objective of this study was to evaluate the possible effects of both the propylene glycolic (KF1) and the aqueous solution (KF2) of the crude extract of dried leaves of Kopsia fruticosa. Results: Kopsine, one of the alkaloids obtained from the plant Kopsia fruticosa, possesses cholinergic action. This study on the mean arterial blood pressure and respiration of anaesthetized cats consistently revealed that both KF1 and KF2 induce a dose dependent fall in blood pressure, with slight bradycardia and little stimulatory effect on the respiration. Conclusion: Both the solutions, KF1 and KF2 had potent depressor effect on the mean arterial blood pressure of anaesthetized cats.