This thesis applied a novel interdisciplinary approach for pharmacovigilance to examine the use of complementary and integrative medicine (CIM), focusing on herbal remedies, to manage pediatric attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The safety and potential risk of herb-drug interactions in ADHD management were first evaluated through an assessment of available information on the safety and efficacy of natural health products (NHPs) commonly used by ADHD patients as a means of identifying knowledge gaps. A clinical questionnaire was administered to caregivers of pediatric patients with ADHD to determine the factors and related outcomes of CIM use, including adverse events. A systematic search was conducted to further identify clinical adverse events involving herbal remedies and ADHD drugs to determine causal links to herb-drug interactions. In vitro analysis of identified herbal remedies was conducted to determine their potential for pharmacokinetic interactions, specifically on carboxylesterase-1 (CES1) mediated metabolism. The presented research builds on otherwise scarce evidence of the safety of herbal remedies for ADHD, particularly with respect to herb-drug interactions and adverse events (AEs) associated with concurrent use of NHPs and ADHD prescription drugs. Beyond studies conducted on the pharmacokinetic safety of herbal remedies through the cytochrome P450 pathways that metabolize some ADHD drugs, including amphetamine, atomoxetine and guanfacine, few data were available for CES1, which metabolizes methylphenidate, the first line of drug used to manage ADHD. The clinical questionnaire revealed that 40% of patients had used CIM and confirmed the use of a variety of CIM. Moreover, the majority of CIM users were also concurrently taking ADHD medication, and eight mild adverse events were self-reported. The systematic search on the adverse event reporting system highlighted a potential NHP-drug interaction between methylphenidate and St. John’s wort, and the overall poor quality of NHP-related adverse event reports. As a follow-up from the adverse event results, various commercial St. John’s wort products showed variable inhibition of recombinant human CES1 in vitro. Although the concentration of marker phytochemicals was not correlated to inhibition, hyperforin showed stronger activity than hypericin and quercetin. The preliminary in vitro investigation revealed that the herbal remedies used by ADHD patients have the potential to interact with CES1 mediated metabolism, with Rhodiola rosea identified as the most potent inhibitor. Further investigation on various commercial products of Rhodiola rosea revealed both reversible and irreversible inhibition of recombinant CES1. However, the inhibition was not dependent on the concentration of marker phytochemicals, and rosarin, rosavin, rosin, and salidroside were not potent inhibitors of recombinant CES1. Moreover, a commercial Rhodiola rosea extract showed concentration-dependent inhibition of human liver microsome meditated metabolism of methylphenidate. Overall, results from this thesis suggest potential risk from use of NHPs concurrently with conventional medicine used to manage ADHD. Improved evidence and pharmacovigilance for the use of NHPs in a pediatric population is warranted.

Patients on anti-retroviral (ARV) drug treatment are sometimes simultaneously taking other prescribed drugs and/or over-the-counter drugs and/or herbal remedies. Pharmacokinetic drug-drug or herb-drug interactions can occur in these patients, which might be synergistic or antagonistic in nature leading to increased or decreased bioavailability of the ARV. Consequences of bioavailability changes may either be adverse effects due to increased plasma levels, or lack of pharmacological responses due to decreased plasma levels. The aim of this study is to determine if pharmacokinetic interactions exist between selected commercially available herbal products, namely Linctagon Forte®, Viral Choice® and Canova® and the ARV, indinavir, in terms of transport and metabolism in cell culture models. Bi-directional transport of indinavir was evaluated across Caco-2 cell monolayers in four experimental groups, namely indinavir alone (200 μM, negative control group), indinavir in combination with Linctagon Forte®, indinavir in combination with Viral Choice® and indinavir in combination with Canova® at three different concentrations. Verapamil (100 μM), a known P-gp inhibitor, was combined with indinavir in the positive control group. Samples obtained from the transport studies were analysed by means of a validated high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) values were calculated from the transport results in both directions and the efflux ratio (ER) values were calculated from these Papp values. The metabolism of indinavir was determined in LS180 cells in the same groups as mentioned for the transport study but with ketoconazole (40 μM), a known CYP3A4 inhibitor, as the positive control group. Indinavir and its predominant metabolite (M6) were analysed in the metabolism samples by means of liquid chromatography linked to mass spectroscopy (LC/MS/MS) to determine the effect of the herbal products on the biotransformation of indinavir. The BL-AP transport of indinavir increased in a concentration dependent way in the presence of Linctagon Forte® and Viral Choice® when compared to that of indinavir alone (control group). Canova® only slightly affected the efflux of indinavir compared to that of the control group. Noticeable increases in the efflux ratio values of indinavir were found for Linctagon Forte® and Viral Choice®, whilst the effect of Canova® on the efflux ratio value was negligible. There was a pronounced inhibition of the metabolism of indinavir in LS180 cells over the entire concentration range for all the herbal products investigated in this study. These in vitro pharmacokinetic interactions indicate the selected herbal products may affect indinavir’s bioavailability, but the clinical significance needs to be confirmed with in vivo studies before final conclusions can be made. / MSc (Pharmaceutics), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Patients on anti-retroviral (ARV) drug treatment are sometimes simultaneously taking other prescribed drugs and/or over-the-counter drugs and/or herbal remedies. Pharmacokinetic drug-drug or herb-drug interactions can occur in these patients, which might be synergistic or antagonistic in nature leading to increased or decreased bioavailability of the ARV. Consequences of bioavailability changes may either be adverse effects due to increased plasma levels, or lack of pharmacological responses due to decreased plasma levels. The aim of this study is to determine if pharmacokinetic interactions exist between selected commercially available herbal products, namely Linctagon Forte®, Viral Choice® and Canova® and the ARV, indinavir, in terms of transport and metabolism in cell culture models. Bi-directional transport of indinavir was evaluated across Caco-2 cell monolayers in four experimental groups, namely indinavir alone (200 μM, negative control group), indinavir in combination with Linctagon Forte®, indinavir in combination with Viral Choice® and indinavir in combination with Canova® at three different concentrations. Verapamil (100 μM), a known P-gp inhibitor, was combined with indinavir in the positive control group. Samples obtained from the transport studies were analysed by means of a validated high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) values were calculated from the transport results in both directions and the efflux ratio (ER) values were calculated from these Papp values. The metabolism of indinavir was determined in LS180 cells in the same groups as mentioned for the transport study but with ketoconazole (40 μM), a known CYP3A4 inhibitor, as the positive control group. Indinavir and its predominant metabolite (M6) were analysed in the metabolism samples by means of liquid chromatography linked to mass spectroscopy (LC/MS/MS) to determine the effect of the herbal products on the biotransformation of indinavir. The BL-AP transport of indinavir increased in a concentration dependent way in the presence of Linctagon Forte® and Viral Choice® when compared to that of indinavir alone (control group). Canova® only slightly affected the efflux of indinavir compared to that of the control group. Noticeable increases in the efflux ratio values of indinavir were found for Linctagon Forte® and Viral Choice®, whilst the effect of Canova® on the efflux ratio value was negligible. There was a pronounced inhibition of the metabolism of indinavir in LS180 cells over the entire concentration range for all the herbal products investigated in this study. These in vitro pharmacokinetic interactions indicate the selected herbal products may affect indinavir’s bioavailability, but the clinical significance needs to be confirmed with in vivo studies before final conclusions can be made. / MSc (Pharmaceutics), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Wang, Xiaoan. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 145-166). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Table of Contents --- p.I / Acknowledgements --- p.VI / Publications --- p.VII / Abstract (in English) --- p.VIII / Abstract (in Chinese) --- p.X / List of Figures --- p.XII / List of Tables --- p.XVI / List of Abbreviations --- p.XVII / Chapter Chapter One. --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Overview of oseltamivir --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- General description of oseltamivir --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Pharmacological activities of oseltamivir --- p.3 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Pharmacokinetics of oseltamivir --- p.3 / Chapter 1.1.3.1 --- Absorption of oseltamivir --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1.3.2 --- Distribution of oseltamivir --- p.5 / Chapter 1.1.3.3 --- Metabolism of oseltamivir --- p.6 / Chapter 1.1.3.4 --- Elimination of oseltamivir --- p.8 / Chapter 1.1.4 --- Side effects and toxicities of oseltamivir --- p.9 / Chapter 1.2 --- Overview of Chinese medicine formulae CMF1 (Yinqiaosan and Sangjuyin) --- p.9 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Background and clinical use of CMF1 --- p.9 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Quality control of CMF1 by manufacturer --- p.11 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Major active components of CMF1 --- p.12 / Chapter 1.3 --- Previous studies on herb-drug interactions between O and CMF1 --- p.18 / Chapter 1.4 --- Rationale of the current study --- p.19 / Chapter 1.5 --- objectives --- p.19 / Chapter Chapter Two. --- Identification and quantification of major marker compounds in Yinqiaosan and Sangiuyin products --- p.20 / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.20 / Chapter 2.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.23 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Chemicals --- p.23 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Instruments --- p.24 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Chromatographic conditions --- p.24 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Preparation of standard solutions --- p.25 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Calibration curves --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2.6 --- Validation of the assay method --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2.7 --- Sample preparations for Yinqiaosan and Sangjuyin products --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.7.1 --- Sample extraction from Yinqiaosan or Sangjuyin granules --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.7.2 --- Sample extraction from Yinqiaosan or Sangjuyin tablets --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.7.3 --- Sample extraction recoveries --- p.27 / Chapter 2.3 --- Results and discussions --- p.28 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Chromatography --- p.28 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Linearity and sensitivity --- p.33 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Accuracy and precision --- p.33 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Stability --- p.36 / Chapter 2.3.5 --- Contents of identified active components in commercial available Yinqiaosan or Sangjuyin products and CMF1 --- p.36 / Chapter 2.3.6 --- Sample extraction recovery --- p.40 / Chapter 2.4 --- Conclusion --- p.43 / Chapter Chapter Three. --- Effect of CMF1/CMF1 components on the metabolism of oseltamivir and related mechanistic studies --- p.44 / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.44 / Chapter 3.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.47 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Materials --- p.47 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- "Verification of metabolism of O in rat GI tract, plasma and liver microsome" --- p.48 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Inhibition of metabolism of O by CMFl/CMFl components --- p.49 / Chapter 3.2.3.1 --- In vitro inhibition of metabolism of O in rat plasma --- p.49 / Chapter 3.2.3.2 --- In vitro inhibition of metabolism of O in rat liver microsome (RLM) --- p.49 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Mechanistic study of enzyme inhibition of O in recombinant human Carboxylesterase 1 (hCE 1) --- p.50 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Sample preparation and LC/MS/MS analysis --- p.50 / Chapter 3.2.6 --- Data analyses --- p.52 / Chapter 3.3 --- Results --- p.53 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- "Verification of metabolism of O in rat GI tract, plasma and liver microsome" --- p.53 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Inhibition of metabolism of O by CMF1/CMF1 components --- p.53 / Chapter 3.3.2.1 --- Enzyme inhibition of metabolism of O by CMFl/CMF1 components in rat plasma --- p.53 / Chapter 3.3.2.2 --- Enzyme inhibition of metabolism of O by CMF1/CMF1 components in rat liver microsome (RLM) --- p.58 / Chapter 3.3.2.3 --- Selection of potent enzyme inhibitor from CMF1 --- p.60 / Chapter 3.3.4. --- Mechanistic study of enzyme inhibition of O in recombinant human Carboxylesterase 1 (hCE 1) --- p.61 / Chapter 3.4 --- Discussions --- p.63 / Chapter 3.5 --- Conclusion --- p.74 / Chapter Chapter Four. --- Effect of CMFl/CMFl components on the absorption of oseltamivir and related mechanistic studies --- p.75 / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.75 / Chapter 4.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.79 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Materials --- p.79 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- PAMPA permeation model --- p.80 / Chapter 4.2.2.1 --- Permeation of O and OC in PAMPA --- p.80 / Chapter 4.2.2.2 --- Sample preparation and LC/MS/MS analysis --- p.81 / Chapter 4.2.2.3 --- Data analysis --- p.81 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Absorption of O in presence of CMF/CMFl components in Caco-2 and MDCK cell monolayer models --- p.82 / Chapter 4.2.3.1 --- Cell culture --- p.82 / Chapter 4.2.3.2 --- Preparation of loading solutions to the cell models --- p.83 / Chapter 4.2.3.3 --- Stability of O in transport buffer --- p.84 / Chapter 4.2.3.4 --- Cytotoxicity tests of O and CMFl/CMFl components --- p.84 / Chapter 4.2.3.5 --- Transport study in Caco-2 and MDCK monolayer model --- p.85 / Chapter 4.2.3.6 --- Sample preparation and LC/MS/MS analysis --- p.86 / Chapter 4.2.3.7 --- Data analysis --- p.87 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Absorption of O in presence of CMF 1 in rat in situ single pass intestinal perfusion model --- p.88 / Chapter 4.2.4.1 --- Preparation of perfusion solutions --- p.88 / Chapter 4.2.4.2 --- Stabilities of O and arctigenin in perfusate --- p.88 / Chapter 4.2.4.3 --- Rat in situ single pass intestinal perfusion of O in presence and absence of CMFl and relevant inhibitors --- p.89 / Chapter 4.2.4.4 --- Sample preparation and LC/MS/MS analysis --- p.90 / Chapter 4.2.4.5 --- Data analysis --- p.90 / Chapter 4.3 --- Resul ts --- p.91 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Permeation of O and OC in PAMPA --- p.91 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Absorption of O in presence of CMF/CMF1 components in Caco-2 and MDCK cell monolayer models --- p.92 / Chapter 4.3.2.1 --- Stabilities of O in transport buffer --- p.92 / Chapter 4.3.2.2 --- Cytotoxicity tests of O and CMF1/CMF1 components in transport buffer --- p.93 / Chapter 4.3.2.3 --- Proof of O as a substrate of P-gp by Caco-2 cell model --- p.95 / Chapter 4.3.2.4 --- Effect of CMF 1 on the absorption transport of o in Caco-2 cell mode --- p.98 / Chapter 4.3.2.5 --- Effect of CMF1 components on the absorption transport of o in Caco-2 cell model --- p.102 / Chapter 4.3.2.6 --- Effect of arctigenin on bi-directional transport of o in Caco- 2 cell model --- p.106 / Chapter 4.3.2.7 --- Proof of O as a substrate of P-gp by MDCK transfected cell lines --- p.108 / Chapter 4.3.2.8 --- Bi-directional transport of O in MDCK-MDR1 cell model --- p.111 / Chapter 4.3.2.9 --- Effect of CMF 1 on the absorption transport of O in MDCK-MDR1 cell model --- p.112 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Absorption of O in presence of CMF1 in rat in situ single pass intestinal perfusion model --- p.113 / Chapter 4.3.3.1 --- Stabilities of O and arctigenin in the perfusion buffer --- p.113 / Chapter 4.3.3.2 --- Intestinal absorption of O in presence and absence of CMF1 in rat in situ intestinal perfusion model --- p.114 / Chapter 4.4 --- Discussions --- p.116 / Chapter 4.5 --- Conclusion --- p.124 / Chapter Chapter Five. --- Preliminary evaluation of antiviral activity of CMFl/CMFl components --- p.125 / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.125 / Chapter 5.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.128 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Materials and animals --- p.128 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Animal treatment --- p.129 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Plasma sample collection and preparation --- p.130 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- Evaluation of antiviral activities of CMFl/ CMFl components --- p.130 / Chapter 5.2.4.1 --- Plaque reduction assay --- p.131 / Chapter 5.2.4.2 --- Optimization of plasma sample dilution ratio --- p.131 / Chapter 5.2.5 --- Data analyses --- p.133 / Chapter 5.3 --- Results and discussions --- p.135 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Ex vivo evaluation of antiviral activity of CMF1 --- p.135 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- In vitro evaluation of antiviral activity of CMF1 major marker compounds --- p.139 / Chapter 5.4 --- Conclusion --- p.141 / Chapter Chapter Six. --- Overall conclusion --- p.142 / References --- p.145

The general aim of this thesis was to improve the understanding of the in vivo pharmacokinetics and, in particular, the metabolism of finasteride, a 5α-reductase inhibitor used in the treatment of enlarged prostate glands and male pattern baldness. CYP3A4 has been identified as the major enzyme involved in the sequential metabolism of finasteride to ω-OH finasteride (M1) and ω-COOH finasteride (M3). The consequences of induced and inhibited metabolism on the pharmacokinetics of finasteride and its metabolites were investigated in humans and pigs. Both studies included bile collection. The collected human and pig samples were used for the metabolite identification. As expected, induced metabolism led to reduced plasma exposure of finasteride and inhibited metabolism had the opposite effect. The interactions were investigated in detail and included examination of the biliary pharmacokinetics of finasteride and its metabolites. In pigs, the study included monitoring of the hepatic extraction over time, deconvolution and the development of a semi-physiological model for comparison of the effects on the gut wall and liver metabolism. For M3, the concentration ratios of bile to plasma and the renal clearance indicated that carrier-mediated processes are involved in the biliary and urinary excretion. This was not, however, the case for finasteride. The metabolite, M1, could not be quantified either in humans or pigs. Instead, two other OH metabolites, M1 isomers, were identified in humans. These metabolites were found to undergo glucuronide conjugation. In humans, one glucuronide was identified intact and in pigs, both glucuronides were identified intact in bile and in urine. In addition, a glucuronide of M3 was identified in human bile. In conclusion, advances have been made in the understanding of the pharmacokinetics of finasteride, in particular in relation to the metabolism. Hopefully, the findings of this comprehensive investigation can be applied to other drugs and novel chemical entities.

<p>Ruzmarin Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) je biljka koja se u tradicionalnoj medicini na na&scaron;em području koristi za postizanje analgetičkog, holeretičkog i hepatoprotektivnog delovanja. Prema Evropskoj agenciji za lekove (2010 godine), indikacije za sistemsku primenu etarskog ulja ruzmarina su lečenje dispepsije i spazama gastrointestinalnog trakta, a za spolja&scaron;nju primenu se preporučuje u lečenju umereno jakih bolova u zglobovima i mi&scaron;ićima i u lečenju poremećaja periferne cirkulacije. Imajući u vidu da komponente etarskog ulja ruzmarina ispoljavaju i druga, potencijalno korisna farmakolo&scaron;ka svojstva, postoji potreba da se ova delovanja detaljnije ispitaju. Ciljevi ispitivanja su bili da se utvrdi: 1) analgetički efekat etarskog ulja ruzmarina i njegov uticaj na farmakodinamske osobine paracetamola, kodeina, diazepama i pentobarbitala kao i na farmakokinetske osobine paracetamola; 2) antioksidativni i hepatoprotektivni efekat u uslovima hemijski izazvanog oksidativnog stresa. Metodom gasne hromatografije (GC/MS i GC/FID) utvrđen je kvantitativni sastav etarskog ulja. Najzastupljenije komponente ulja koje je kori&scaron;ćeno u na&scaron;em ispitivanju su oksidovani monoterpeni 1,8-cineol (43.77%) i kamfor (12.53%) i monoterpenski ugljovodonik &alpha;-pinen (11.51%). Suspenzija etarskog ulja ruzmarina primenjivana je mi&scaron;evima u dozama 10 i 20 mg/kg tm tokom sedam dana i jednokratno u farmakodinamskim testovima: test vrele ploče, test &bdquo;uvijanja&ldquo; (posle intraperitonealne primene sirćetne kiseline), test za procenu motorne koordinacije životinja na rotirajućem &scaron;tapu i test merenja vremena trajanja spavanja. Za ispitivanje uticaja etarskog ulja ruzmarina na farmakokinetske osobine paracetamola i za biohemijska i toksikolo&scaron;ka ispitivanja, kori&scaron;ćeni su pacovi koji su tokom sedam dana tretirani suspenzijom etarskog ulja ruzmarina u dozi 5 i 10 mg/kg tm, a sedmog dana su primili paracetamol i.v. ili p.o.. Za praćenje farmakokinetskih parametara kori&scaron;ćeni su uzorci krvi dobijeni iz repne vene pacova u kojima su HPLC metodom merene koncentracije paracetamola, na osnovu kojih su potom određeni farmakokinetski parametri ovog leka. Antioksidativna aktivnost etarskog ulja ruzmarina je određivana in vitro (DPPH i Folin-Ciocaulteu testovima) i in vivo. Nakon žrtvovanja životinja iz prikupljenih uzoraka krvi određivani su iz seruma biohemijski parametri, pokazatelji bubrežne i jetrene funkcije, a u homogenatu tkiva jetre određivani su parametri oksidativnog stresa. Samo etarsko ulje ruzmarina ispoljava analgetičko delovanje i smanjuje visceralnu bol izazvanu sirćetnom kiselinom. Pored toga, potencira analgetički efekat kodeina i paracetamola. Etarsko ulje ruzmarina značajno smanjuje hipnotičko delovanje pentobarbitala i sprečava poremećaj motorne koordinacije nakon primene diazepama. Etarsko ulje ruzmarina ne utiče značajnije na oralnu biolo&scaron;ku raspoloživost paracetamola. Vi&scaron;ekratna primena različitih doza etarskog ulja ruzmarina ne izaziva toksične promene u krvi i jetri ispitivanih životinja. Primena etarskog ulja ruzmarina &scaron;titi životinje od reaktivnih kiseoničnih vrsta, umanjuje posledice izloženosti oksidativnom stresu i ispoljava značajno hepatoprotektivno delovanje.</p> / <p>Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis, L.(Lamiaceae) is traditionally used in folk medicine for its analgetic, choleretic and hepatoprotective properties. According to the recommendation of European Medicines Agency from 2010, rosemary essential oil can be used for treating dyspepsia and mild spasmodic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, and also externally as an adjuvant in the relief of minor muscular and articular pain and minor peripheral circulatory disorders. Different studies conducted with rosemary essential oil show other pharmacological effects of main components of the oil. The aim of this study was to examine: 1) analgetic effects of rosemary essential oil and its influence on the pharmacodynamic properties of paracetamol, codeine, diazepam and pentobarbital, and also its influence on the pharmacokinetic properties of paracetamol; 2) antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects on the parameters of chemicaly induced oxidative stress. The quantification of chemical constituents of the essential oil was carried out by gas chromatography (GC/FID and GC/MS). The major compounds that were identified and quantitated by GC-FID and GC-MS were oxygenated monoterpens 1,8-cineole (43.77%), camphor (12.53%) and monoterpene hydrocarbon &alpha;-pinene (11.51%). The suspension of rosemary essential oil was applied to mice orally (doses: 10 and 20 mg/kg b.w.) for seven days and in single dose for the pharmacodynamic tests: hot plate, writhing, rotharod and sleeping time. Rats treated with suspension of rosemary essential oil for seven days orally (doses: 5 and 10 mg/kg b.w.) were used for the examination of influence of essential oil on the pharmacokinetic properties of paracetamol. Then on the 7th day the paracetamol was applied to them p.o. or i.v.. The parameters of pharmacokinetic were analyzed in blood samples obtained from rats tail veins. The HPLC method was used for measurement of concentration of paracetamol in blood samples. Those concentrations were used for calculation of the pharmacokinetic parameters. The antioxidant activity of the rosemary essential oil was evaluated in vitro (with DPPH and Folin-Ciocaulteu tests) and in vivo. The animals were sacrificed and the samples of blood and liver were taken. The obtained serum was used for determination of standard biochemical parameters and the parameters of oxidative stress were analyzed in obtained liver homogenates. The essential oil of rosemary shows analgetic properties and it decreases visceral pain induced with intraperitoneally injected acetic acid. The rosemary essential oil increases pharmacological effects of codeine and paracetamol. Also, this oil reduces pentobarbital-induced sleeping time and diminishes diazepam-induced disorder of psychomotor coordination. The essential oil of rosemary does not change paracetamol bioavailability. The rosemary essential oil applied in multiple doses does not induce toxic changes in blood and liver samples obtained from animals. The use of rosemary essential oil protects animals from reactive oxygen species, decreases the effects caused by oxidative stress and shows significant hepatoprotective effect.</p>

<p>Poslednjih godina je prisutan trend povratka prirodi i upotrebi biljnih lekova, kako u prevenciji tako i u lecenju razlicitih bolesti. Timijan (Thymus vulgaris L.) se u narodnoj medicini koristio u lecenju respiratornih oboljenja kao &scaron;to su ka&scaron;alj, bronhitis i astma. Rezultati novijih istraživanja pokazuju da timijan poseduje i druga potencijalno korisna farmakolo&scaron;ka svojstva (antimikrobna, antiinflamatorna, antioksidativna, spazmoliticka, antidijabetesna i anksioliticka). Ciljevi ovog istraživanja su bili da se ispitaju farmakodinamske osobine preparata timijana, njihove interakcije sa lekovima koji deluju na centralni nervni sistem, uticaj na funkciju jetre i parametrem oksidativnog stresa kod životinja izloženih ugljentetrahloridu, kao sadržaj karvakrola i timola u sirupu timijna, pri razlicitim uslovima cuvanja. U farmakodinamskim ispitivanjima kao eksperimentalne životinje kori&scaron;ceni su mi&scaron;evi soja NMRI, a u svim drugim ispitivanjima pacovi soja Wistar. Tinktura timijana je primenjena u dozi od 0,4mk/kg, a sirup u dozi od 12,08 ml/kg, na mi&scaron;evima. Primenjene doze na pacovima su bile 0,18 ml/kg za tinkturu i 5,6 ml/kg za sirup timijana. Za ispitivanje analgetickog dejstva kori&scaron;ceni su metod vrele ploce i test sircetne kiseline. Za procenu motorne koordinacije kori&scaron;cen je test rotirajuceg &scaron;tapa, a za procenu hipnotickog delovanja mereno je vreme spavanja. Prilikom ispitivanja uticaja preparata timijana na farmakokinetiku paracetamola, odre_ivana je koncentracija ovog leka HPLC metodom, a nakon toga su odreeni farmakokinetski parametri paracetamola. Antioksidantna aktivnost preparata timijana odre_ivana je pomocu in vitro i in vivo testova. Nakon žrtvovanja životinja ra_ena je histopatolo&scaron;ka analiza jetrenog tkiva, a u serumu su odre_ivani biohemijski parametri, kao i pokazatelji bubrežene i jetrene funkcije. Sadržaj timola i karvakrola i sirupu timijana odre_en je GC/MS metodom. Sirup i tinktura timijana su pokazali analgeticki efekat u testu vrele ploce, kao i smanjenje broja grceva izazvano primenom sircetne kiseline. Sedmodnevna primena preparata timijana smanjila je analgeticko dejstvo kodeina, a pojacala analgeticki efekat paracetamola. Sirup timijana je potencirao diazepamom izazvan poremecaj motorne koordinacije. Ispitivanjem uticaja preparata timijana na hipnoticko delovanje pentobarbitala, postignuti su razliciti rezultati u zavisnosti od dužine trajanja pretremana. Sedmodnevna primena timijana je produžila vreme trajanja spavanja, dok je jednokratna primena timijana skratila vreme trajanja spavanja. Nakon i intravenske i peroralne primene paracetamola, grupe životinja koje su bile pretretirane preparatima timijana imale su krace poluvreme eliminacije i vecu konstantu eliminacije. Upotreba samo preparata timijana nije imala uticaj na biohemijske i histolo&scaron;ke promene jetrene funkcije. S druge strane, upotreba tincture timijana u kombinaciji sa ugljen-tetrahloridom dovela je do porasta vrednosti AST i ALT enzima u serumu, dok je sirup timijana u kombinaciji sa ugljentetrahloridom smanjio aktivnost aminotransferaza. Najvece odstupanje u koncentracijama aktivnih komponenti timola i karavkrola, pokazali su sirupi cuvani na sobnoj temperaturi (20&deg;C), u sekundarnoj ambalaži i na svetlom mestu. Rezultati dobijeni u toku ovog istraživanja ukazuju da preparati timijana uticu na farmakodinamske osobine kodeina, paracetamola, diazepama i pentobarbitala, kao i na farmakokinetiku paracetamola. Upotreba preparata timijana ispoljila je analgeticki efekat i umanjila posledice izloženosti oksidativnom stresu. Uslovi cuvanja sirupa timijana uticali su na njegovu stabilnost.</p> / <p>In recent years is present trend of return to nature and the use of herbal medicines in prevention and treatment of different diseases. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) was used in folk medicine in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as cough, bronchitis and asthma. The new research results have demonstrated that thyme has many others potentially useful pharmacological properties (antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, antidiabetic and anxiolytic). The aims of this research were to determine the pharmacodynamic properties of thyme preparations and their interactions with central nervous system drugs, influence on liver function and oxidative stress parameters of animals exposed to carbon tetrachloride, as well as concentration of thymol and carvacrol in thyme syrup, at different storage conditions. In pharmacodynamics examination as experimental animals were used NMRI mice, while in all other test were used Wistar rats. Applied dose of thyme tincture was 0.4 ml/kg and of syrup 12.08 ml/kg, for mice. For rats, applied doses of tincture and syrup were 0.18 ml/kg and 5.6 ml/kg, respectively. The analgesic activity was examined by the hot plate test and acetic acid test. The Rotarod test was used to evaluate the motor coordination and to evaluate hypnotic activity sleeping time was mesaured. In order to examine the influence of thyme preparations on pharmacokinetics of paracetamol, the concentracion of this drug was measured by HPLC metods, and after that pharmocokinetic parameters of paracetamol were determined.The antioxidant acivity of thyme preparations was determined by using in vitro and in vivo tests. After animals sacrificing, histopathological analysis of liver tissue were peroformed, in serum were determined biochemical parameters and renal and hepatic function parameters. Quantification of thymol and carvacrol in syrup was carried out by GC/MS method. Thyme syrup and thyme tincture exhibited analgesic activity in hot plate test and reduced the number of writhes induced by acetic acid. Seven-day pretreatment with thyme preparations reduced analgesic activity of codeine and increased analgesic effect of paracetamol. Thyme syrup potentiated diazepam induced motor coordination impairment. Examining the impact of thyme preparations on hypnotic effect induced by pentobarbital, different results were achieved depending on the duration of pretreatment. Seven-day pretreatment with thyme had prolonged the sleeping time, while after single dose of thyme the sleeping time was decreased. After intravenous and after oral administration of paracetamol, groups pretreated with thyme preparations had decreased elimination half-life and increased elimination constant rate. Administration of thyme preparations alone did not change biochemical nor histological markers of hepatic function. On the other hand, co-administration of thyme tincture and carbon tetrachloride resulted in exacerbation of AST and ALT values in serum, while thyme syrup in coadministration with carbon tetrachloride managed to reduce activities of aminotransferases. The concentration of major active compounds, thymol and carvacrol, was mostly changed when syrups were stored at room temperature (20&deg;C), in secondary containers and in light place. Results obtained in this study demonstrated that thyme preparations do affect pharmacodynamic properties of codeine, paracetamol, diazepam and pentobarbital and pharmacokinetics of paracetamol. Administration of thyme preparations exhibited analgesic activity and reduced the effects of exposure to oxidative stress. Storage conditions of thyme syrup did affect its stability.</p>