Enset (Ensete ventricosum, family musaceae) is a plant of Ethiopia. Ethiopians are farmed enset plant for food uses. It is very similar to the banana plant (Musa acuminate, Family musaceae) and hence termed “ false banana” . However, the starch of enset plant is stored in major quantities in the pseudostem and underground corms. The properties of the enset starch were not studied in detail. The native enset starch (ES) was evaluated for proximate composition and physicochemical properties. The enset starch properties, such as bulk density, tapped density, granule size, color of enset starch powder and gel, pH, swelling capacity, solubility, and gelatinization properties were examined. Sorption isotherm of enset starch was studied. The effect of NaCl and sucrose on swelling capacity, solubility and gelatinization properties has been examined. The kinetics of gelatinization of enset starch (starch: water weight ratio, 1: 2) were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

Introduction: purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is a member of the portulacaceae. Purslane has been described as a power food of the future because of its high nutritive and antioxidant properties. Purslane is listed in the world health organization as one of the most used medicinal plants and it has been given the term “Global panacea“. This study is concerned with the evaluation of physicochemical characteristics of the oil extracted from purslane seeds.Materials and Methods: In this research work purslane seeds were subjected to oil extraction. The extracted oils were subjected to a series of physical and chemical tests consisting of fatty acid composition, iodine value, colour measurement, saponification value, nonsaponifiable matter contents, acid value, peroxide value, phospholipids contents, metal contents, sterols and tocopherol compositions and contents.Results: The extracted oils accounted for 13.4% of the total weight of the seeds. The fatty acid profile of the isolated oil indicated that linoleic and a-linolenia- acids were the predominant fatty acids present. Examination of the isolated nonsaponifiable matter of the oil showed that a- tocopherol and b- sitosterol were the predominant tocopherol and sterol respectively.Conclusion: It was concluded that purslane seeds oil due to its high nutritive and antioxidant values might be regarded as a valuable oil for human consumption.

Background: Regarding the high prevalence of UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) and increasing tendency for using phenazopyridine, and also with respect to the problems originating in importing this product, the present study was achieved with the aim of synthesis and physicochemical control of phenazopyridine HCI. Materials and methods: Different techniques had been used for phenazopyridine synthesis, however, a technique with higher yield and purity was employed. Results: Final product was achieved with 91% yield and 99% purity, meanwhile, its physicochemical properties were in accordance with USP.Conclusion: Results have revealed that phenazopyridine synthesis with satisfactory purity is practical, here in Iran.

Nanomaterials involve the structures with at least one dimension of <100 nm. Recently, development in nanotechnology has led to the use of nanomaterials in many different fields. On the other hand, increasing use of nanomaterials has resulted in release of these materials to the environment. Therefore, before employing these materials in biological and living systems, they should be evaluated in terms of biocompatibility and distribution. Although the toxic effects of nanomaterials on living organisms, human health and the environment have been studied by some researchers, there are too much uncertainty regarding the effects and mechanisms of toxicity of nanomaterials. Therefore, understanding the toxicity effects of nanomaterials is highly desirable. Cellular uptake mechanisms and dispersion of nanomaterials in biological environments depend on their physicochemical properties. Therefore, knowledge of the unique characteristics of nanomaterials and the interactions of nanomaterials with biological systems, are important criteria for the safe use of nanomaterials. Properties of nanomaterials such as size, shape, aspect ratio, density, surface and structural defects and dissolving rate are the main causes of cytotoxicity and side effects of these materials in the body. Exposure to nanomaterials may cause a range of acute and chronic effects, including inflammation, exacerbation of asthma, metal fume fever, fibrosis, chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer. The present paper, reviews the previous studies aiming at the investigation of the relation between the physiochemical properties of nanomaterials and their toxicity.

Introduction: Progesterone, the most important progestin in humans, is indicated in several conditions. Progesterone suppresses menstruation and uterine contractility that is very important for the maintenance of pregnancy. After oral administration, it is almost completely metabolized in the first passage through the liver and its intramuscular injection causes local irritation and pain. Therefore rectal or vaginal suppositories of progesterone are used in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome, puerperal depression (Cyclogest®, 200-800 mg/day) and luteal phase defects (25 mg/12h) in patients with infertility and sterility. The main objectives of this study were to prepare different formulations of progesterone suppository in hydrophilic and lipophilic bases and to select the suitable formulation based on drug release from the bases. Method: Hydrophilic (PEGs), hydrophobic (Witepsol H35) bases and additive ingredients were used to manufacture the suppositories. The replacement factor was determined and suppositories were prepared by using the fusion method. In order to control the physicochemical characteristics, various parameters such as weight variation, liquefaction time (Krowczynski method) and content uniformity were determined. Dissolution testing was done by dialysis cell method in dissolution apparatus (Pharmatest, PTSW3-Germany). The amount of drug released during dissolution test was determined by using UV spectrophotometer at 241 nm. Results: Content uniformity, weight variation and liquefaction times of manufactured bases were acceptable according to official pharmacopoeia (BP and USP). Releasing profiles in normal saline containing 0.1% Sodium Lauryl Sulfate showed that the rate of release from PEGs formulations is faster than Witepsol bases. Conclusion: PEGs and Witepsol bases could be successfully used to prepare progesterone suppositories. In vivo bioavailability of progesterone after rectal and vaginal administration and the clinical assessment of the selected formulations are future plans.