Evaluation of brand, ceiling and generic price differences in anti-epileptic drugs marketed in India: a novel cost variation analysis

Background: Epilepsy affects 6–10 million people in India, where over 60% of healthcare spending is out-of-pocket. Wide price differences in branded antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) can hinder adherence and increase financial burden. While DPCO sets ceiling prices and Jan Aushadhi offers low-cost generics, no Indian study has compared AED prices across both schemes. To assess price variation among 17 commonly used AEDs and compare brand prices with DPCO ceilings and Jan Aushadhi rates. Methods: A cross-sectional cost analysis was conducted using MRPs from the Current Index of Medical Specialties, NPPA database and Jan Aushadhi Scheme database. Price variation and ratios were calculated. Median brand prices were benchmarked against DPCO and JAS prices to evaluate cost gaps. Results: Pregabalin 75 mg capsules showed the highest inter-brand cost variation (564.7%), followed by pregabalin 150 mg tablets (487.9%) and levetiracetam 750 mg tablets (370.4%). Phenytoin 300 mg ER tablets were priced 39.63% above the DPCO ceiling and sodium valproate 200 mg tablets exceeded it by 36.7%. Branded AEDs were 0.7 to 8 times costlier than Jan Aushadhi generics; pregabalin 75 mg capsules were 667.73% more expensive. Conclusions: This first dual-layered analysis of AED pricing in India shows wide price variation and poor compliance with controls. Expanding DPCO coverage, promoting generics and educating prescribers on drug costs can improve affordability and adherence

Documentation and ethnobotanical survey of wild edible plants from Kolhapur district

The present study deals with the identification, documentation and ethno-botanical exploration with respect to food value of wild edible plants from Kolhapur district. Total 50 wild edible plants were surveyed. Edible parts of wild plants (fruit, flower, leaves, tubers and inflorescences) are the nature’s gift to mankind; these are not only delicious and refreshing but also the chief source of vitamin, minerals and protein. The wild edible plants are the normal food of cattle grazers and the forest tribes. Although the popularity of these wild forms of fruits, flowers and tubers has declined, it is considered that special attention should be paid to them in order to maintain and improve this important source of food supply

Performance of Bajra Napier Hybrid Varieties in North Konkan Zone of Maharashtra

Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) commonly referred to as elephant grass, is popular fodder crop for small scale dairy farmers in the high and medium potential dairy production areas of north konkan zone of Maharashtra under the cut & carry system of production. It is a fast growing, deeply rooted, perennial grass growing up to 4 m tall that can spread by underground stems to form thick ground cover. Napier is easy to establish and persistent, drought tolerant, suitable for cutting and very good for silage making. It is also used as a soil stabilizer in soil conservation methods and can be intercropped with various forage legumes. It is vulnerable to disease and pest attacks. It can be grown at an altitude of 2000 m above mean sea level. When grown at altitudes above 2000 m, growth and regeneration after cutting is slow and it may die due to frost. It does best in high rainfall areas, over 1500 mm per year. Napier grass can grow in almost any soils; but does best in deep, fertile, well drained soils. Keeping the above things in view, the present investigation was carried out to find out the suitable Bajra Napier Hybrid varieties for north konkan zone of Maharashtra

Performance of Guinea Grass Varieties in North Konkan Zone of Maharashtra

Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) is native to Africa but this grass was introduced to almost all tropical countries as a source of animal forage. It grows well on a wide variety of well drained soils of good fertility and it is suitable to stop soil erosion. It can survive quick moving fires which does not harm the underground roots and drought because of the deep, dense and fibrous root system. Guinea grass is a colonizer of disturbed sites, including roadsides, and particularly untended areas. This robust grass forms clumps and may foster soil erosion in invaded areas. Guinea grass is a perennial crop and may form quite large clumps. Commonly found at around 1.5 m tall, some individuals have recorded at 3 m tall. The leaf blades are long, narrow and finely tipped. They have a prominent mid-rib and are approximately 1 cm wide. Seed heads are large (up to 40 cm long) and are well-spread, with a large number of fine branches. Seeds are oblong in shape and are often purple in colour. Keeping the above context in view, the present investigation was carried out for studying the performance of Guinea grass varieties in north konkan zone of Maharashtra

A real-world, non-interventional Indian study on clinical assessment of intense moisturizing formulation in dry skin disorders

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Introduction: &lt;/strong&gt;Moisturizers account for the largest and important skin care product categories and are the backbone in the management of dry skin conditions associated with atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis and ichthyosis. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;A multicentre, retrospective data analysis was done at 145 dermatology clinics across India in patients who were prescribed MaxRich®. Patients with history of xerosis with an identifiable causes like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and ichthyosis were included in study. Effectiveness data in terms of improvement in Dry Skin Area and Severity Index (DASI) Score compared to baseline and physician global assessment at the end of treatment for improvement in xerosis were captured.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;There was significant reduction in mean DASI score as compared to baseline at week 2 &amp;amp; 4 (p&amp;lt;0.01). As compared to baseline, a significant decrease in DASI score was observed by 47.7% and 82.4% at the end of week 2 and 4 respectively. As per physician global assessment, 458 patients (83.4%) noticed very good improvement in xerosis at the end of 4 weeks whereas 82 patients (14.9%) recorded moderate improvement. Similar results were also obtained for patient global assessment where 478 patients (87%) recorded very good improvement; 67 patients (12.2%) and 6 patients (1.1%) recorded moderate and mild improvement respectively. There were no adverse events reported with MaxRich®.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;MaxRich®, an intense moisturizer was effective in improvement of DASI score associated with atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and ichthyosis and can be considered as an adjunct therapy in the management of these skin disorders for better results.&lt;/p&gt;</jats:p

Comparative real-world effectiveness and safety of super-bioavailable itraconazole 50 mg bd and 65 mg bd in the management of dermatophytosis

&lt;p&gt;In recent times, India has witnessed a steep surge in prescription of itraconazole in the management of dermatophytosis.&lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt; But due to its pharmacokinetics, it has shown multiple variations in the results. To overcome these challenges, a newer itraconazole formulation i.e. super-bioavailable itraconazole (SBITZ) has been launched recently in India. Currently, there are 4 different strengths of SBITZ which are approved by DCGI.&lt;sup&gt;2,3&lt;/sup&gt; But there is no any clinical data regarding comparison of different strength of SBITZ. This retrospective analysis aimed to compare two different strengths of SBITZ; 50 mg and 65 mg in the management of dermatophytosis.&lt;/p&gt;</jats:p

Response of rice varieties to different sowing windows under Konkan conditions

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season 2015-16 to study the response of rice varieties to different sowing windows under Konkan conditions. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. The main plot treatments were three sowing windows, viz., 23rd Met Week, 24th Met Week, 25thMet Week. The sub plot treatments comprised five rice varietiesviz., Karjat-5, Palghar-1, Jaya, Swarna and Karjat-2. Thus there were 45 treatment combinations. Results revealed that rice crop sown on 23rd Met. Week recorded significantly higher grain yield (5782 kg ha-1) and straw yield (6462 kg ha-1). Long duration rice variety Swarna recorded the maximum grain yield (5782 kg ha-1) as well as straw yield (6462 kg ha-1), which was significantly higher over all other varieties under study except variety Jaya which was at par. From the present investigation it can be concluded that kharif rice in Konkan be sown during 23rd meteorological week with rice variety Swarna followed by conventional variety Jaya, so as to obtain higher yield and economic returns</jats:p