Sajan Maharjan | CIST - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Sajan Maharjan

PubMed, Sep 7, 2023

Background: Photosensitivity is the response of drug or drug product to the exposure of solar, UV... more Background: Photosensitivity is the response of drug or drug product to the exposure of solar, UV and visible light in the solid, semisolid, or liquid state that leads to a physical or chemical change. Exposure to light is a concern with numerous medications due to the potential for photo degradation or other chemical reactions that affect drug stability. Methods: Out of all the registered brands in Department of Drug Administration, 9 brands of Rabeprazole tablets, 5 brands of Promethazine tablets and 5 brands of methylcobalamin tablets were selected and were subjected for testing and analysis for various quality parameters as per pharmacopoeia. The labels of the collected medicine were analyzed. The obtained data were entered and analyzed in Microsoft office excel 2019. Results: Eleven products did not comply with the existing regulatory requirement on labeling system of medicine as per Regulation of Standard of drugs. There was no uniformity in mentioning the self-life. Similarly, large variation was seen on price of same generic drugs. Information regarding storage conditions, direction for use and category of the drug were lacking in the label of some brands of medicines.Upon Laboratory analysis, two brands of promethazine tablets and three brands of Rabeprazole tablets were found substandard. Drug content of all the brands of Methylcobalamin was found to contain overage. Conclusions: The result of this study indicates that substandard medicines are abundant in Nepalese market. There is weak regulation monitoring which have resulted in no uniformity in similar pharmaceutical products too. Hence, stringent regulatory monitoring is required to assessthe quality of pharmaceutical products in the Nepalese market.

Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, Nov 29, 2023

The conventional liquid ophthalmic formulation is eliminated from the pre corneal area immediatel... more The conventional liquid ophthalmic formulation is eliminated from the pre corneal area immediately upon instillation because of lacrimal secretion and nasolacrimal drainage. Only 10% drug concentrations is available at the site of actions. Some conventional ophthalmic preparation such as gels, ointment, and viscous preparation were reported to blurred vision and these preparations have no bio adhesive property [1]. Introduction The aim of the present work was formulation and evaluation of in-situ gelling system of Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride. The poor bioavailability and therapeutic response exhibited by conventional ophthalmic solution due to rapid precorneal elimination of the drug may be overcomed by the use of in-situ gel forming system that are installed as drop into the eye and undergo sol to gel transition in the cul-de-sac. Hence, the purpose of the present work was to formulate ion activated in-situ gelling system of Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride to provide sustained release ...

WORLD JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, 2017

The aim of present work was to formulate and evaluate ophthalmic in situ gelling system of Levofl... more The aim of present work was to formulate and evaluate ophthalmic in situ gelling system of Levofloxacin hemihydrate that works in response to change in the local pH. This increase the residence time of formulation with ocular surface reducing the frequency of administration and hence achieving controlled release and greater therapeutic efficacy of the drug. Thirteen formulations of 0.5% Levofloxacin ophthalmic in situ gel were formulated using various concentration of Carbopol 940 (0.3% to 0.5%) and Sodium CMC (0.2% to 0.6%) using Minitab. pH of the formulations were adjusted within 6.0 ± 0.2 in order to achieve maximum solubility of drug as well as to avoid ocular irritation after instillation in cul de sac. The prepared in situ gels were then evaluated for visual appearance, clarity, pH, drug content, gelling capacity, rheological studies, sterility testing, antimicrobial efficacy, ocular irritation and in vitro drug release studies. The optimized formulation was developed using response optimizer in Minitab which resulted in carbopol concentration 0.4026% w/v and Sodium CMC 0.1172%w/v. The release behavior of optimized formulation was compared with conventional eye drop and the optimized formulation was evaluated for stability testing for the period of 3 months. The developed formulations were light yellow in colour, therapeutically efficacious, non-irritant, stable and provided sustained release of the drug up to eight hours' time.

Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, 2023

The study is regarded for standardization of aerial parts of the plant Phyllanthus maderaspatensi... more The study is regarded for standardization of aerial parts of the plant Phyllanthus maderaspatensis L., phytochemical investigations, isolation of flavonoids and evaluation for thrombolytic activity of alcoholic extract and butanolic fraction of alcoholic extract. Standardization study includes macroscopy, microscopy and determination of proximate values and phytochemical investigations include extraction of coarsely powdered herb with exhaustive alcoholic and aqueous extractions and successive extraction with petroleum ether, chloroform and alcohol. The extracts were subjected to qualitative chemical analysis, chromatographic studies [Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC)] were performed for flavonoids detection in alcoholic extract. Isolated two flavonoids from butanolic fraction of alcoholic extract by column chromatography and preparative TLC, their partial characterization was done with Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (PNMR) and Fourrier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectral data. Thrombolytic activity of alcoholic extract and butanolic fraction of alcoholic extract (20 and 10 mg/100 µl) were evaluated in incubated blood. An attempt made to standardize aerial parts of P. maderaspatensis L., was successful. Two flavonoids were isolated; the alcoholic extract showed significant thrombolytic effect in comparison with thrombosis control in comparison with standard thrombolytic agent streptokinase (30000 unit/100 µl).

Asian Journal of Pharmacy and Technology, 2019

The present investigation was to design pellets loaded with Indomethacin for extended release.Ind... more The present investigation was to design pellets loaded with Indomethacin for extended release.Indomethacin pellets were prepared using sodium alginate as gelling agent (bead forming agent), HPMCK100 as release retardant and Lactose as a diluent in different concentration. Pellets were evaluated for physico-chemical properties such as compatibility, yield value, swelling index, loss on drying, loose surface crystal study, drug content, dissolution and kinetic study. In vitro drug release studies were carried out using USP rotating basket type I method and the samples were analyzed at 318nm by UV spectrophotometer. FT-IR studies revealed that there was no interaction between drug and polymers used in the study. The drug release was found linear in Higuchi plot which confirms that diffusion is one of the mechanisms of drug release. With the help of minitab software optimized formulation was designed whose concentration was sodium alginate 5.31 gm and HPMC K 100 0.64 gm for 100 gm of solution. The optimized formulation has shown the sustained drug release up to 12hrs.

International journal of Pharmacognosy, 2019

The study was designed to investigate the pharmacognostic characters and phytochemical profile of... more The study was designed to investigate the pharmacognostic characters and phytochemical profile of crude drugs obtained from powdered aerial parts of Phyllanthus maderaspatensis L. (Madras nelli). The macroscopic, microscopic, phytochemical screening, and HPTLC studies of powdered aerial parts of the plant were carried out. Powder microscopy of aerial part powder of Madras nelli showed an isocytic type of stomata and with the straight cell wall. Treatment of aerial parts powder of Madras nelli showed a positive test for starch, tannins, and lignins, whereas negative for oil globules and crystals. Loss on drying was 5%, Total Ash value, and Acidinsoluble Ash value was found to be 10% and 2%, respectively. Aqueous and Alcohol extractive values were found to be 11.80% and 9.80%, respectively. The phytochemical screening test revealed for the presence of carbohydrates and in ethanol and water extracts, phytosterols in ether extract, flavonoids, and tannins in ethanol extract and saponins in ethanol and water extract. HPTLC study of the alcoholic extract revealed five phytoconstituents at R f-0.49, 0.60, 0.70, 0.72, 0.77.

Journal of Pharmaceutics & Drug Development, 2020

The conventional liquid ophthalmic formulation is eliminated from the pre corneal area immediatel... more The conventional liquid ophthalmic formulation is eliminated from the pre corneal area immediately upon instillation because of lacrimal secretion and nasolacrimal drainage. Only 10% drug concentrations is available at the site of actions. Some conventional ophthalmic preparation such as gels, ointment, and viscous preparation were reported to blurred vision and these preparations have no bio adhesive property [1].

World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 2019

The aim of present study was to investigate antibacterial activity of Cupressus torulosa leaf ext... more The aim of present study was to investigate antibacterial activity of Cupressus torulosa leaf extract. The dried material was extracted by using 3 different solvents namely methanol, hexane and ethyl actetate. Plant extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening which showed the presence of Alkaloid, Glycoside, tannins, carbohydrate and amino acids. In test for antibacterial activity against four microorganisms (Streptococcus pyogens, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Escherechia coli, Staphylococcus aureus), methanol extracts showed highest antibacterial activity whereas hexane extracts showed less activity. This activity was assessed by measuring the diameter of ZOI of four concentrations used. ZOI was larger in 200ug/ml and least in 25ug/ml concentration of extracts. The largest zone of inhibition (15mm) was obtained with S.pyogens in methanol extract. When hexane extract was used, largest ZOI was 10mm against acinetobacter calcoaceticus. When ethyl acetate extracts was used, largest ZOI was 12mm against staphylococcus aureus. Among four pathogenic bacteria used all were found susceptible (ZOI<10) to plant extracts at different concentrations in methanol extracts. In ethyl acetate extracts, S.aureus and E. coli were found less susceptible whereas in hexane extracts, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus was found less susceptible.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL IN PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, 2023

Present research work attempts to design, formulate and optimize the floating pulsatile drug deli... more Present research work attempts to design, formulate and optimize the floating pulsatile
drug delivery system (FPPDS) intended to treat nocturnal hypertension. FPPDS was
designed based on central reservoir system containing effervescent agent with
rupturable coating and a buoyant layer on top of the coated core. This system consists
of rapid release core that contains drug with disintegrants, osmogent (sodium chloride)
and effervescent agent (sodium bicarbonate and tartaric acid) which was film coated by
hydrophobic polymer Ethyl Cellulose(EC) with polyethylene Glycol(PEG) 6000 as a
plasticizer for controlling membrane permeability to provide pulsatile drug release with
the target lag time of 6 hours. This pulsatile release tablet was further press coated from
one side with Sodium bicarbonate, HPMCK100 and Carbopol to produce buoyant layer
for the high floating duration time and less floating lag time. Atenolol being absorbed
in upper GI tract and used to treat chronological cardiovascular disease was used as a
model drug. Total of 39 formulations were formulated and dissolution test were
performed using USP type II at 50 RPM for 8 hours in 0.1N HCl. Results revealed that
both coating composition were significant factors in affecting pulsatile lag time and
cumulative percentage drug release. Similarly, HPMCK100 and sodium bicarbonate
showed the significant role for determining floating lag time.

Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2023

Community pharmacy is one of the essential components of health-related services as it contribute... more Community pharmacy is one of the essential components of health-related services as it contributes in various factors such as drug compounding, dispensing and counseling. Drug dispensing being one of the major aspects of community pharmacy, directly affects the dispensing pattern which may easily lead to pharmacy malpractice. Antibiotic resistance can be taken as one of the examples of antibiotic malpractice. The research was conducted with the objective to assess community drug dispensers' sociodemographic factor, knowledge and practice towards dispensing antibiotics without prescription. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in June 2018 using a structured, validated and pilot tested questionnaire. A total of 166 pharmacies were assessed in which the dispensers completed a three-set questionnaire either in English or Nepali language based on their personal preference. Result: More than half (56.6%) of the dispensers were not aware that Dispensing Antibiotics without Prescription (DAwP) is illegal practice. Factors such as market competition (65.7%), economic status of patients (61.4%) and self-medication (52.4%) were the most common reasons cited for DAwP. There was no statistically significant association found between the knowledge and practice of the drug dispenser (p= 0.514). Conclusion: In general, dispensers have a poor understanding of the regulation prohibiting over the counter sale of antibiotics in Nepal. A multi-faced approach consisting of strict implementation of regulation, education interventions and improving the access to an affordability of health care facilities for the general public is required to effectively reduce DAwP and its negative consequences on public health.

Journal of Nepal Health Research Council, 2023

Background: Photosensitivity is the response of drug or drug product to the exposure of solar, UV... more Background: Photosensitivity is the response of drug or drug product to the exposure of solar, UV and visible light
in the solid, semisolid, or liquid state that leads to a physical or chemical change. Exposure to light is a concern with
numerous medications due to the potential for photo degradation or other chemical reactions that affect drug stability.
Methods: Out of all the registered brands in Department of Drug Administration, 9 brands of Rabeprazole tablets, 5
brands of Promethazine tablets and 5 brands of methylcobalamin tablets were selected and were subjected for testing
and analysis for various quality parameters as per pharmacopoeia. The labels of the collected medicine were analyzed.
The obtained data were entered and analyzed in Microsoft office excel 2019.
Results: Eleven products did not comply with the existing regulatory requirement on labeling system of medicine as
per Regulation of Standard of drugs. There was no uniformity in mentioning the self-life. Similarly, large variation was
seen on price of same generic drugs. Information regarding storage conditions, direction for use and category of the drug
were lacking in the label of some brands of medicines.Upon Laboratory analysis, two brands of promethazine tablets
and three brands of Rabeprazole tablets were found substandard. Drug content of all the brands of Methylcobalamin
was found to contain overage.
Conclusions: The result of this study indicates that substandard medicines are abundant in Nepalese market. There
is weak regulation monitoring which have resulted in no uniformity in similar pharmaceutical products too. Hence,
stringent regulatory monitoring is required to assessthe quality of pharmaceutical products in the Nepalese market.

Journal of Health and Allied Sciences

Introduction: Cosmetics are a significant source of heavy metals, as they contain various chemica... more Introduction: Cosmetics are a significant source of heavy metals, as they contain various chemicals as ingredients and additives. There are concerns about the presence of hazardous chemicals in cosmetics, including heavy metals. The objective of this study was to assess the levels of heavy metals, specifically lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), and Arsenic (As), in bathing soaps, shampoos, face creams, and bulk powders sold in Nepal. Methods: Fourteen different brands of bathing soaps, shampoos, face creams and bulk powders were purchased from local markets of major cities of seven provinces of Nepal to determine the concentrations of three metals (Pb, Cd and As) by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Results: The results showed that lead was detected in four samples, and all of them exceeded the permissible limit. Arsenic was detected in only one sample, which also exceeded the limit. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that some cosmetic products in Nepal contain heavy metals, ...

Asian Journal of Applied Science and Technology (AJAST), 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop a simple method for manufacturing oral dispersibl... more Objective: The aim of this study was to develop a simple method for manufacturing oral dispersible tablets of ondansetron hydrochloride using direct compression method and to study the effect of different types and concentration of natural disintegrant (Isabgol mucilage, fenugreek mucilage and dehydrated banana powder) on the disintegrating characteristics of the tablets.

Method: Disintegrants extracted from Isabgol, fenugreek and banana powder were used in formulation of tablet using placket burman design in minitab. Then 13 different formulations (F1- F13) were prepared varying the concentration of selected natural disintegrant (Isabgol mucilage extract 6-15%). Formulated tablets were investigated for weight variation, hardness, thickness, disintegration, drug content, friability.

Result: The result obtained from disintegration study of tablets prepared using natural disintegrant obtained from isabgol mucilage indicates that the Isabgol with concentration 11.47% shows the disintegration time of 27 seconds.

Conclusion: Orodispersible tablet of ondansetron hydrochloride was found to be effective with natural disintegrant obtained from isabgol mucilage

Asian Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Science, 2020

This study aims to observe the cold-chain management in storage and transportation of vaccines in... more This study aims to observe the cold-chain management in storage and transportation of vaccines in eastern part of Nepal. It is a descriptive and qualitative study. It was conducted in Department of Health Service (DHS) store Teku, as central vaccine warehouse; Eastern Regional Medical Store, Biratnagar; three District Public Health Offices (DPHO) one from Mountain region (Sindhupalchowk), one from Hilly region (Bhaktapur) and one from Terai region (Jhapa) and two selected health posts under each DPHO and a hospital from Bhaktapur where vaccine storage facility was available. The national policy for effective vaccine management and the Standard Operating Procedure were formed but not all the health institutions had followed it properly. There were some lapses in the effective management of vaccines such as inadequate knowledge of health workers about shake test, lack of cold storage facility at the airport, freeze indicator during transportation, plan preventive maintenance, refrigerator vehicle at Regional Medicinal Store and Standard Operating Procedure at health post level. The overall management of cold-chain was found satisfactory.

PubMed, Sep 7, 2023

Background: Photosensitivity is the response of drug or drug product to the exposure of solar, UV... more Background: Photosensitivity is the response of drug or drug product to the exposure of solar, UV and visible light in the solid, semisolid, or liquid state that leads to a physical or chemical change. Exposure to light is a concern with numerous medications due to the potential for photo degradation or other chemical reactions that affect drug stability. Methods: Out of all the registered brands in Department of Drug Administration, 9 brands of Rabeprazole tablets, 5 brands of Promethazine tablets and 5 brands of methylcobalamin tablets were selected and were subjected for testing and analysis for various quality parameters as per pharmacopoeia. The labels of the collected medicine were analyzed. The obtained data were entered and analyzed in Microsoft office excel 2019. Results: Eleven products did not comply with the existing regulatory requirement on labeling system of medicine as per Regulation of Standard of drugs. There was no uniformity in mentioning the self-life. Similarly, large variation was seen on price of same generic drugs. Information regarding storage conditions, direction for use and category of the drug were lacking in the label of some brands of medicines.Upon Laboratory analysis, two brands of promethazine tablets and three brands of Rabeprazole tablets were found substandard. Drug content of all the brands of Methylcobalamin was found to contain overage. Conclusions: The result of this study indicates that substandard medicines are abundant in Nepalese market. There is weak regulation monitoring which have resulted in no uniformity in similar pharmaceutical products too. Hence, stringent regulatory monitoring is required to assessthe quality of pharmaceutical products in the Nepalese market.

Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, Nov 29, 2023

The conventional liquid ophthalmic formulation is eliminated from the pre corneal area immediatel... more The conventional liquid ophthalmic formulation is eliminated from the pre corneal area immediately upon instillation because of lacrimal secretion and nasolacrimal drainage. Only 10% drug concentrations is available at the site of actions. Some conventional ophthalmic preparation such as gels, ointment, and viscous preparation were reported to blurred vision and these preparations have no bio adhesive property [1]. Introduction The aim of the present work was formulation and evaluation of in-situ gelling system of Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride. The poor bioavailability and therapeutic response exhibited by conventional ophthalmic solution due to rapid precorneal elimination of the drug may be overcomed by the use of in-situ gel forming system that are installed as drop into the eye and undergo sol to gel transition in the cul-de-sac. Hence, the purpose of the present work was to formulate ion activated in-situ gelling system of Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride to provide sustained release ...

WORLD JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, 2017

The aim of present work was to formulate and evaluate ophthalmic in situ gelling system of Levofl... more The aim of present work was to formulate and evaluate ophthalmic in situ gelling system of Levofloxacin hemihydrate that works in response to change in the local pH. This increase the residence time of formulation with ocular surface reducing the frequency of administration and hence achieving controlled release and greater therapeutic efficacy of the drug. Thirteen formulations of 0.5% Levofloxacin ophthalmic in situ gel were formulated using various concentration of Carbopol 940 (0.3% to 0.5%) and Sodium CMC (0.2% to 0.6%) using Minitab. pH of the formulations were adjusted within 6.0 ± 0.2 in order to achieve maximum solubility of drug as well as to avoid ocular irritation after instillation in cul de sac. The prepared in situ gels were then evaluated for visual appearance, clarity, pH, drug content, gelling capacity, rheological studies, sterility testing, antimicrobial efficacy, ocular irritation and in vitro drug release studies. The optimized formulation was developed using response optimizer in Minitab which resulted in carbopol concentration 0.4026% w/v and Sodium CMC 0.1172%w/v. The release behavior of optimized formulation was compared with conventional eye drop and the optimized formulation was evaluated for stability testing for the period of 3 months. The developed formulations were light yellow in colour, therapeutically efficacious, non-irritant, stable and provided sustained release of the drug up to eight hours' time.

Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, 2023

The study is regarded for standardization of aerial parts of the plant Phyllanthus maderaspatensi... more The study is regarded for standardization of aerial parts of the plant Phyllanthus maderaspatensis L., phytochemical investigations, isolation of flavonoids and evaluation for thrombolytic activity of alcoholic extract and butanolic fraction of alcoholic extract. Standardization study includes macroscopy, microscopy and determination of proximate values and phytochemical investigations include extraction of coarsely powdered herb with exhaustive alcoholic and aqueous extractions and successive extraction with petroleum ether, chloroform and alcohol. The extracts were subjected to qualitative chemical analysis, chromatographic studies [Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC)] were performed for flavonoids detection in alcoholic extract. Isolated two flavonoids from butanolic fraction of alcoholic extract by column chromatography and preparative TLC, their partial characterization was done with Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (PNMR) and Fourrier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectral data. Thrombolytic activity of alcoholic extract and butanolic fraction of alcoholic extract (20 and 10 mg/100 µl) were evaluated in incubated blood. An attempt made to standardize aerial parts of P. maderaspatensis L., was successful. Two flavonoids were isolated; the alcoholic extract showed significant thrombolytic effect in comparison with thrombosis control in comparison with standard thrombolytic agent streptokinase (30000 unit/100 µl).

Asian Journal of Pharmacy and Technology, 2019

The present investigation was to design pellets loaded with Indomethacin for extended release.Ind... more The present investigation was to design pellets loaded with Indomethacin for extended release.Indomethacin pellets were prepared using sodium alginate as gelling agent (bead forming agent), HPMCK100 as release retardant and Lactose as a diluent in different concentration. Pellets were evaluated for physico-chemical properties such as compatibility, yield value, swelling index, loss on drying, loose surface crystal study, drug content, dissolution and kinetic study. In vitro drug release studies were carried out using USP rotating basket type I method and the samples were analyzed at 318nm by UV spectrophotometer. FT-IR studies revealed that there was no interaction between drug and polymers used in the study. The drug release was found linear in Higuchi plot which confirms that diffusion is one of the mechanisms of drug release. With the help of minitab software optimized formulation was designed whose concentration was sodium alginate 5.31 gm and HPMC K 100 0.64 gm for 100 gm of solution. The optimized formulation has shown the sustained drug release up to 12hrs.

International journal of Pharmacognosy, 2019

The study was designed to investigate the pharmacognostic characters and phytochemical profile of... more The study was designed to investigate the pharmacognostic characters and phytochemical profile of crude drugs obtained from powdered aerial parts of Phyllanthus maderaspatensis L. (Madras nelli). The macroscopic, microscopic, phytochemical screening, and HPTLC studies of powdered aerial parts of the plant were carried out. Powder microscopy of aerial part powder of Madras nelli showed an isocytic type of stomata and with the straight cell wall. Treatment of aerial parts powder of Madras nelli showed a positive test for starch, tannins, and lignins, whereas negative for oil globules and crystals. Loss on drying was 5%, Total Ash value, and Acidinsoluble Ash value was found to be 10% and 2%, respectively. Aqueous and Alcohol extractive values were found to be 11.80% and 9.80%, respectively. The phytochemical screening test revealed for the presence of carbohydrates and in ethanol and water extracts, phytosterols in ether extract, flavonoids, and tannins in ethanol extract and saponins in ethanol and water extract. HPTLC study of the alcoholic extract revealed five phytoconstituents at R f-0.49, 0.60, 0.70, 0.72, 0.77.

Journal of Pharmaceutics & Drug Development, 2020

The conventional liquid ophthalmic formulation is eliminated from the pre corneal area immediatel... more The conventional liquid ophthalmic formulation is eliminated from the pre corneal area immediately upon instillation because of lacrimal secretion and nasolacrimal drainage. Only 10% drug concentrations is available at the site of actions. Some conventional ophthalmic preparation such as gels, ointment, and viscous preparation were reported to blurred vision and these preparations have no bio adhesive property [1].

World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 2019

The aim of present study was to investigate antibacterial activity of Cupressus torulosa leaf ext... more The aim of present study was to investigate antibacterial activity of Cupressus torulosa leaf extract. The dried material was extracted by using 3 different solvents namely methanol, hexane and ethyl actetate. Plant extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening which showed the presence of Alkaloid, Glycoside, tannins, carbohydrate and amino acids. In test for antibacterial activity against four microorganisms (Streptococcus pyogens, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Escherechia coli, Staphylococcus aureus), methanol extracts showed highest antibacterial activity whereas hexane extracts showed less activity. This activity was assessed by measuring the diameter of ZOI of four concentrations used. ZOI was larger in 200ug/ml and least in 25ug/ml concentration of extracts. The largest zone of inhibition (15mm) was obtained with S.pyogens in methanol extract. When hexane extract was used, largest ZOI was 10mm against acinetobacter calcoaceticus. When ethyl acetate extracts was used, largest ZOI was 12mm against staphylococcus aureus. Among four pathogenic bacteria used all were found susceptible (ZOI<10) to plant extracts at different concentrations in methanol extracts. In ethyl acetate extracts, S.aureus and E. coli were found less susceptible whereas in hexane extracts, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus was found less susceptible.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL IN PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, 2023

Present research work attempts to design, formulate and optimize the floating pulsatile drug deli... more Present research work attempts to design, formulate and optimize the floating pulsatile
drug delivery system (FPPDS) intended to treat nocturnal hypertension. FPPDS was
designed based on central reservoir system containing effervescent agent with
rupturable coating and a buoyant layer on top of the coated core. This system consists
of rapid release core that contains drug with disintegrants, osmogent (sodium chloride)
and effervescent agent (sodium bicarbonate and tartaric acid) which was film coated by
hydrophobic polymer Ethyl Cellulose(EC) with polyethylene Glycol(PEG) 6000 as a
plasticizer for controlling membrane permeability to provide pulsatile drug release with
the target lag time of 6 hours. This pulsatile release tablet was further press coated from
one side with Sodium bicarbonate, HPMCK100 and Carbopol to produce buoyant layer
for the high floating duration time and less floating lag time. Atenolol being absorbed
in upper GI tract and used to treat chronological cardiovascular disease was used as a
model drug. Total of 39 formulations were formulated and dissolution test were
performed using USP type II at 50 RPM for 8 hours in 0.1N HCl. Results revealed that
both coating composition were significant factors in affecting pulsatile lag time and
cumulative percentage drug release. Similarly, HPMCK100 and sodium bicarbonate
showed the significant role for determining floating lag time.

Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2023

Community pharmacy is one of the essential components of health-related services as it contribute... more Community pharmacy is one of the essential components of health-related services as it contributes in various factors such as drug compounding, dispensing and counseling. Drug dispensing being one of the major aspects of community pharmacy, directly affects the dispensing pattern which may easily lead to pharmacy malpractice. Antibiotic resistance can be taken as one of the examples of antibiotic malpractice. The research was conducted with the objective to assess community drug dispensers' sociodemographic factor, knowledge and practice towards dispensing antibiotics without prescription. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in June 2018 using a structured, validated and pilot tested questionnaire. A total of 166 pharmacies were assessed in which the dispensers completed a three-set questionnaire either in English or Nepali language based on their personal preference. Result: More than half (56.6%) of the dispensers were not aware that Dispensing Antibiotics without Prescription (DAwP) is illegal practice. Factors such as market competition (65.7%), economic status of patients (61.4%) and self-medication (52.4%) were the most common reasons cited for DAwP. There was no statistically significant association found between the knowledge and practice of the drug dispenser (p= 0.514). Conclusion: In general, dispensers have a poor understanding of the regulation prohibiting over the counter sale of antibiotics in Nepal. A multi-faced approach consisting of strict implementation of regulation, education interventions and improving the access to an affordability of health care facilities for the general public is required to effectively reduce DAwP and its negative consequences on public health.

Journal of Nepal Health Research Council, 2023

Background: Photosensitivity is the response of drug or drug product to the exposure of solar, UV... more Background: Photosensitivity is the response of drug or drug product to the exposure of solar, UV and visible light
in the solid, semisolid, or liquid state that leads to a physical or chemical change. Exposure to light is a concern with
numerous medications due to the potential for photo degradation or other chemical reactions that affect drug stability.
Methods: Out of all the registered brands in Department of Drug Administration, 9 brands of Rabeprazole tablets, 5
brands of Promethazine tablets and 5 brands of methylcobalamin tablets were selected and were subjected for testing
and analysis for various quality parameters as per pharmacopoeia. The labels of the collected medicine were analyzed.
The obtained data were entered and analyzed in Microsoft office excel 2019.
Results: Eleven products did not comply with the existing regulatory requirement on labeling system of medicine as
per Regulation of Standard of drugs. There was no uniformity in mentioning the self-life. Similarly, large variation was
seen on price of same generic drugs. Information regarding storage conditions, direction for use and category of the drug
were lacking in the label of some brands of medicines.Upon Laboratory analysis, two brands of promethazine tablets
and three brands of Rabeprazole tablets were found substandard. Drug content of all the brands of Methylcobalamin
was found to contain overage.
Conclusions: The result of this study indicates that substandard medicines are abundant in Nepalese market. There
is weak regulation monitoring which have resulted in no uniformity in similar pharmaceutical products too. Hence,
stringent regulatory monitoring is required to assessthe quality of pharmaceutical products in the Nepalese market.

Journal of Health and Allied Sciences

Introduction: Cosmetics are a significant source of heavy metals, as they contain various chemica... more Introduction: Cosmetics are a significant source of heavy metals, as they contain various chemicals as ingredients and additives. There are concerns about the presence of hazardous chemicals in cosmetics, including heavy metals. The objective of this study was to assess the levels of heavy metals, specifically lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), and Arsenic (As), in bathing soaps, shampoos, face creams, and bulk powders sold in Nepal. Methods: Fourteen different brands of bathing soaps, shampoos, face creams and bulk powders were purchased from local markets of major cities of seven provinces of Nepal to determine the concentrations of three metals (Pb, Cd and As) by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Results: The results showed that lead was detected in four samples, and all of them exceeded the permissible limit. Arsenic was detected in only one sample, which also exceeded the limit. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that some cosmetic products in Nepal contain heavy metals, ...

Asian Journal of Applied Science and Technology (AJAST), 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop a simple method for manufacturing oral dispersibl... more Objective: The aim of this study was to develop a simple method for manufacturing oral dispersible tablets of ondansetron hydrochloride using direct compression method and to study the effect of different types and concentration of natural disintegrant (Isabgol mucilage, fenugreek mucilage and dehydrated banana powder) on the disintegrating characteristics of the tablets.

Method: Disintegrants extracted from Isabgol, fenugreek and banana powder were used in formulation of tablet using placket burman design in minitab. Then 13 different formulations (F1- F13) were prepared varying the concentration of selected natural disintegrant (Isabgol mucilage extract 6-15%). Formulated tablets were investigated for weight variation, hardness, thickness, disintegration, drug content, friability.

Result: The result obtained from disintegration study of tablets prepared using natural disintegrant obtained from isabgol mucilage indicates that the Isabgol with concentration 11.47% shows the disintegration time of 27 seconds.

Conclusion: Orodispersible tablet of ondansetron hydrochloride was found to be effective with natural disintegrant obtained from isabgol mucilage

Asian Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Science, 2020

This study aims to observe the cold-chain management in storage and transportation of vaccines in... more This study aims to observe the cold-chain management in storage and transportation of vaccines in eastern part of Nepal. It is a descriptive and qualitative study. It was conducted in Department of Health Service (DHS) store Teku, as central vaccine warehouse; Eastern Regional Medical Store, Biratnagar; three District Public Health Offices (DPHO) one from Mountain region (Sindhupalchowk), one from Hilly region (Bhaktapur) and one from Terai region (Jhapa) and two selected health posts under each DPHO and a hospital from Bhaktapur where vaccine storage facility was available. The national policy for effective vaccine management and the Standard Operating Procedure were formed but not all the health institutions had followed it properly. There were some lapses in the effective management of vaccines such as inadequate knowledge of health workers about shake test, lack of cold storage facility at the airport, freeze indicator during transportation, plan preventive maintenance, refrigerator vehicle at Regional Medicinal Store and Standard Operating Procedure at health post level. The overall management of cold-chain was found satisfactory.