Presently the progress of green chemistry in the synthesis of nanoparticles with the use of plants has engrossed a great attention. Zinc oxide nanoparticles have received potential interest due to their vast applications in the food industry. For such purpose, the development of novel and biological techniques is in considerable demand for raising these materials to an industrial level. This letter portrays a novel method for the biosynthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using a Citrus aurantifolia for the first time. The morphology structure and stability of the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were studied using scanning electron microscope (SEM), UV-spectro photometer and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The results depicted that the synthesized nanoparticles are moderately stable, roughly spherical with maximum particles in size range within 9-10 nm in diameter.

The essential oils were obtained by hydro-distillation from aerial parts, leaves and flowers of Cistus ladaniferus (EOCL). They were analyzed for their chemical composition by GC/MS.Twenty six compounds, representing 93.03 % of the oil were identified, with cubenol (25.88%), viridiflorol (13.90%), α-cadinene (13.49%) and Camphene (5.44%) being the major constituents. The EOCL showed concentration-dependent (2-30 ng/ml) and reversible inhibition of spontaneous movements of rabbit jejunum. Submaximal contractions induced by 60 mM KCl or Carbachol were concentration dependently inhibited by EOCL with IC₅₀ value of 6.25 ± 061 ng/ml and 50.02 ± 0.2 ng/ml respectively. The concentration contraction curves to CaCl₂ and Carbachol in rat jejunum were displaced to the right by EOCL in a non-competitive manner, with a depression of the maximum contractile response. The antagonism they exert on CCh, and KCl above mentionned contractions seems to be functional, because it is not specifically directed toward anyparticular receptor.

Self-actualization is the achievement of one's full potential. There is no doubt that pharmacy has the potential to serve the public better, but since its potential has not been materialized, there is currently a huge mismatch between what pharmacists learn and practice. Like many developing countries, this is the case in Eritrea. Nonetheless, the current status of Eritrean pharmacy can be seen as an opportunity to mold the profession to whatever shape is deemed important. The operational definition of self-actualized pharmacy is as follows: “Self-actualized pharmacy is the one that fulfills all the drug-related needs of the society and performs public health functions.” Preventing or alleviating drug-related morbidity and mortality and their economic consequences is the motive behind self-actualization of pharmacy in Eritrea or elsewhere. Several studies attest that pharmacists can tackle drug related problems effectively and that the magnitude of the benefit is gigantic. To utilize its potential properly, and serve its purpose, however, pharmacy needs to change using change management strategies from its current state of affair. Eritrean Pharmaceutical Association, the school of pharmacy, the Ministry of Health and individual pharmacists are the stake holders in this process. The self-actualized form of pharmacy cannot be attained overnight. Rather pharmacy needs to be engaged in a continuum of change for its achievement. In other words, step wise approach has to be employed and foundational services should come first. It is imperative to change the profession now before unbearable consequences of drug-related problems ensue in this poor country that can make matters worse. 

S. Jency*, D.J. Sharmila, G. Patrick, L. Emmanuvel, V. Viswanathan, D. Velmurugan.

In present study, the protective effects of curcumin - piperine combination against Mono-iodoacetate induced- osteoarthritis in rats was investigated. In experimental groups, 14 days after injection of Mono-iodoacetate, curcumin (200 mg/kg), piperine (25 mg/kg) and curcumin + piperine were gavaged respectively for 2 weeks. Then the rats were sacrificed and the right knee joints of them were removed, fixed in 10% formalin and decalcified for histological, immunohistochemical and Tunel assessments. Cellularity and matrix staining were significantly increased in articular cartilage of curcumin treated animals in compare to Mono-iodoacetate group. Expression of Matrix metalloproteinase-13 and apoptotic index was also significantly decreased in curcumin treated animals. These effects against osteoarthritis features were markedly improved in piperine + curcumin treated animals. The data demonstrates that combination of curcumin + piperine can effectively improve osteoarthritis - induced by MIA and might be clinically useful.In present study, the protective effects of curcumin - piperine combination against Mono-iodoacetate induced- osteoarthritis in rats was investigated. In experimental groups, 14 days after injection of Mono-iodoacetate, curcumin (200 mg/kg), piperine (25 mg/kg) and curcumin + piperine were gavaged respectively for 2 weeks. Then the rats were sacrificed and the right knee joints of them were removed, fixed in 10% formalin and decalcified for histological, immunohistochemical and Tunel assessments.  Cellularity and matrix staining were significantly increased in articular cartilage of curcumin treated animals in compare to Mono-iodoacetate group. Expression of Matrix metalloproteinase-13 and apoptotic index was also significantly decreased in curcumin treated animals. These effects against osteoarthritis features were markedly improved in piperine + curcumin treated animals. The data demonstrates that combination of curcumin + piperine can effectively improve osteoarthritis - induced by MIA and might be clinically useful.