In our previous work fused pyrimidine and thiopyrimidine nucleoside analogs (2, 3b, 3c, 4a and 4c) as well as sulfated oligosaccharides (Maltose SO₄, Raffinose SO₄, Stachyose SO₄, Chondroitin-6-sulfate, Maltohexaose SO₄) were prepared. The objective of this study was to elucidate the antitumor activity of prepared compounds against Erlich ascites carcinoma cells (EAC) bearing mice through monitoring the tumor volume and life span of the mice using ascites tumor and solid tumor models. The results revealed that all the tested compounds when supplemented at 1/10 of their LD₅₀ (median lethal dose), showing antitumor potential and caused increased in the life span of mice. Otherwise, the antitumor potential in simultaneous treatment groups was higher than the groups in which treatment was started 10 day post tumor inoculation. Compound 3C and Maltose SO₄ showed highest activity on reduction tumor volume from 5.30±0.60 CC in control mice to 2.20±0.19 and 2.00±0.18 CC respectively, while the positive drug, doxorubicin treated group revealed reduction of tumor volume from 5.30±0.60 to 1.10±0.14 CC. Otherwise 3C and Maltose SO₄ also showed the most highest survival rate (39.00±2.70 and 40.00±3.40 days, respectively) with the increase of life span 77% and 82% respectively compared to control, while doxorubicin showed increased in survival rate by 86% (41.00±4.30 days) as compared to control. It is obviously from the present study that the tested compounds especially 3c and Maltose SO₄ possessed antitumor activity and prolong the life span of mice bearing tumor.
Abstract Online: 10-June-2015

Our study population consisted of students enrolled in a medical college who were from different socioeconomic status, dietary habits & lifestyle. Early identification of prehypertension in this subgroup plays an important role in screening for metabolic syndrome and identifies modifiable factors required for prevention of cardiovascular accidents.
Abstract Online: 29-June-2015

Aim: Herbal drugs are gaining popularity in disease management nowadays and the pharmacists being drug experts should have sound knowledge about them. The present study aims to determine the Pharm. D students’ knowledge regarding herbal drugs. Methodology: A questionnaire was distributed among the students of Pharm. D. in four different universities of Karachi, Pakistan. The questionnaire covered major contents about various herbal plants of medicinal value i.e. general descriptions, mode of action, storage and uses etc. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Results: Out of 400 questionnaires, 393 were returned after complete filling (response rate = 98.25%). There were 20% male and 80% female student, mean age of responding students were 21.7± 1.05 years. After checking the filled questionnaire the overall success rate of students was <50%. Regarding mode of action of the enquired herbal drugs only 37% students responded correctly; >40% correct results were obtained about their uses and general knowledge and about the extraction, isolation and purification of the herbal drugs. Less than 55% respondents had correct basic knowledge of the herbal drugs whereas 70% responses were correct about their storage. Conclusion: The study reveals low level of knowledge of Pharm D. student regarding herbal drugs. The under graduate pharmacy students with continuing education on herbal medicines should be more knowledgeable about these products as their use is being increased in disease management nowadays. With the increasing use of herbal medications, there is an enormous need for pharmacy training programs.
Abstract Online: 29-June-2015

Objective: The goal of present study was focused to determine antibacterial efficacy of Spirulina platensis extract against few Gram positive and Gram negative bacteriae. Material and methods: Different extracts were prepared using water, methanol, ethanol and acetone. Antibacterial properties of prepared extracts were studied by well diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration assay. Results: Maximum zone of inhibitions were maximally shown by extract from water followed by methanol, acetone and ethanol which corresponds to 19 mm and 18 mm against S. aureus, S. epidermidis, K. pneumonia, P. aeruginosa and E. coli by well diffusion assay. Similarly, minimum inhibitory concentration values were depicted as 1600 mgml^-1 against S. epidermidis and E. coli against acetone extract followed by methanol extract which showed 1800 mgml^-1 in K. pneumonia whereas water extract showed 2025 mgml^-1 against S. aureus.Discussion: Our results demonstrated that incorporation of various extracts of Spirulina platensis have potential to inhibit the growth of both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteriae except P. aeruginosa, which was not shown any effective change by water extract.
Abstract Online: 29-June-2015