Introduction to Pharmacognosy: Study of drugs from natural sources, their origin, properties, and uses in medicine. Importance: Introduction to Pharmacognosy links nature with modern drug discovery for safe, effective treatments. Definition Pharmacognosy: The branch of pharmaceutical sciences that deals with the study of drugs of natural origin, encompassing their biological, chemical, biochemical, and physical properties. … Read more
Bioassay of 5-HT (Serotonin): Commonly done using rat fundus strip or uterus for serotonin activity. Bioassay of 5-HT (Serotonin): Measures potency and action via smooth muscle contraction response. Principle 5-HT (Serotonin) also causes smooth muscle contraction in certain tissues (e.g., rat fundus strip, guinea pig ileum). The bioassay measures the contractile response to 5-HT in … Read more
Bioassay of Histamine: Commonly performed using isolated guinea pig ileum to measure contraction response. Bioassay of Histamine: Helps determine potency and concentration of histamine in pharmaceutical preparations. Principle Histamine causes contraction of smooth muscle, notably the guinea pig ileum, and also has vasodilatory and other effects. The classic bioassay measures the contraction of the isolated … Read more
Colestipol is a bile acid sequestrant used in hyperlipidemia to lower LDL cholesterol by preventing bile acid reabsorption. Structure of Colestipol Colestipol is a non-absorbed, cross-linked polyallylamine derivative with quaternary ammonium groups, functioning as a bile acid sequestrant. Chemical Formula: (C₃H₇NCl)ₙ(C₇H₁₅O₄S)ₙ Mode of Action Bile Acid Sequestration: Binds bile acids in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing … Read more
Cholestyramine is a bile acid sequestrant used to lower LDL cholesterol by binding bile acids in the intestine. Structure of Cholestyramine Cholestyramine is a bile acid sequestrant composed of a cross-linked polymer of divinylbenzene and polyethylene oxide, functionalized with quaternary ammonium groups. Chemical Formula: (C₁₂H₁₅NO)n·Cl⁻ Mode of Action Bile Acid Sequestration: Binds bile acids in … Read more
Lovastatin is a statin drug that lowers cholesterol levels by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, reducing cardiovascular risk. Structure of Lovastatin Lovastatin is a natural statin derived from Aspergillus terreus, featuring a dihydroxyheptanoic acid side chain and a lactone ring. Chemical Formula: C₂₅H₃₆O₅ Mode of Action HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibition: Blocks the enzyme hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting step … Read more
Clofibrate is a lipid-lowering drug used to reduce triglyceride levels and manage hyperlipidemia by activating lipid metabolism. Structure of Clofibrate Clofibrate is a fibrate derivative with a benzofurazan core structure, characterized by two chlorine atoms and a carboxylic acid group. Chemical Formula: C₁₄H₁₉Cl₂N₃O₄S Mode of Action PPAR-α Agonist: Activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α), regulating … Read more
Anti-hyperlipidemic agents lower blood lipid levels to prevent cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and atherosclerosis. Anti-hyperlipidemic agents are medications designed to manage abnormal lipid levels in the blood, thereby reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and related cardiovascular events. Pathophysiology of Hyperlipidemia Hyperlipidemia involves elevated levels of lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) in the … Read more
Hyperlipidemia is a condition marked by elevated blood lipids, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis. Hyperlipidemia refers to elevated levels of lipids (fats) in the blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides. It is a significant risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Types of Lipids Involved: Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol: Often termed … Read more
Amiodarone is a class III anti-arrhythmic drug used to treat serious ventricular and atrial arrhythmias by prolonging cardiac repolarization. Structure of Amiodarone Amiodarone is a class III antiarrhythmic agent with a complex structure containing two iodine atoms attached to a benzofuran ring fused to a diethylamino side chain. Chemical Formula: C₂₉H₄₈I₂N₂O₂ Mode of Action Class … Read more
