Volume 17 (2026) - Issue 11, November
Review Articles
PHYTOCHEMICAL AND NUTRITIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF GREWIA ASIATICA L. (PHALSA)
Phalsa (Grewia asiatica L.) is a Southeast Asian food plant that is cultivated principally for its fruit. The fruit of the phalsa plant is eaten raw or added to food or beverages. In addition to being a great source of nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, potassium, folate, antioxidants and minerals, fruits also include a number of bioactive substances, including flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, and an...
28
27
3D PRINTING-ENABLED PERSONALIZED DRUG DELIVERY FOR BIOAVAILABILITY ENHANCEMENT OF BCS CLASS II ANTICANCER DRUGS: ADVANCES, CHALLENGES, AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES
The oral delivery of many anticancer drugs is significantly limited by poor aqueous solubility, resulting in inadequate dissolution and variable bioavailability. A large proportion of these agents belong to the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) Class II, where dissolution is the rate-limiting step for drug absorption. Recent advances in three-dimensional (3D) printing have created new o...
25
15
PLANT-DERIVED PANCREATIC LIPASE INHIBITORS: ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY, PHYTOCHEMISTRY, AND THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL IN OBESITY
Obesity affects more than one billion people worldwide, imposing economic burdens projected to exceed $4 trillion annually by 2035. Pancreatic lipase inhibition represents a mechanistically distinct peripheral approach to obesity management; however, orlistat the sole FDA-approved inhibitor is constrained by severe gastrointestinal adverse effects (>90% incidence), modest efficacy (2.9% placebo...
23
15
EVOLUTION OF DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS: TRANSITION FROM CONVENTIONAL FORMULATIONS TO SMART AND AI-ASSISTED DRUG DELIVERY
Drug delivery systems (DDS) have undergone remarkable evolution from conventional formulations to intelligent therapeutic platforms capable of achieving controlled, targeted, and personalized drug administration. Conventional dosage forms often exhibit limitations such as poor bioavailability, non-specific drug distribution, frequent dosing, and systemic adverse effects, thereby necessitating the ...
27
18
DIPEPTIDYL PEPTIDASE-4 (DPP4) IN DIABETES MELLITUS: MOLECULAR MECHANISMS, PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE, THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS AND EMERGING PERSPECTIVES
Diabetes mellitus is a major metabolic disorder characterised by chronic hyperglycaemia resulting from impaired insulin secretion, insulin action or both, leading to progressive systemic complications. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4/CD26) has emerged as a key regulator of glucose homeostasis through the degradation of incretin hormones, particularly glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-depend...
25
21
GUT MICROBIOTA AS A THERAPEUTIC TARGET IN OBESITY AND TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS
Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are increasing worldwide, and gut microbial features are repeatedly associated with adiposity, insulin resistance and low-grade inflammation. This structured narrative review evaluates whether those associations support therapeutic use. PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Clinical Trials.gov and authoritative regulatory or guideline sources were searched for...
15
12
A SYSTEMS PHARMACOLOGY PERSPECTIVE ON SOLANUM XANTHOCARPUM: INTEGRATING PHYTOCHEMICALS, MOLECULAR TARGETS, SIGNALING PATHWAYS AND THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS
Background: Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad. & Wendl. is an important medicinal plant traditionally used for the management of respiratory, inflammatory, hepatic, gastrointestinal, and metabolic disorders. Increasing experimental and computational studies have expanded understanding of its pharmacological potential and molecular mechanisms. Objective: To critically evaluate phytochemistry, experim...
14
11
VARMAM THERAPY IN EMERGENCY MEDICINE: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF SIDDHA EMERGENCY INTERVENTIONS
Varmam therapy is a unique therapeutic science in Siddha medicine that involves stimulating specific vital energy points distributed throughout the human body. Traditionally, Varmam has been extensively utilised in emergency conditions such as syncope, trauma, respiratory distress, convulsions, stroke-like conditions, poisoning, and loss of consciousness. This comprehensive literature review criti...
15
14
DRUG REVIEW OF MOORVADI AGAD IN GARA VISHA JANYA HYPOTHYROIDISM
Background: The concept of Gara Visha in Ayurveda encompasses cumulative toxic burden arising from incompatible food habits, environmental pollutants, chemical preservatives, and sedentary lifestyle. Prolonged exposure to such toxins is theorized to vitiate Agni (digestive fire), particularly Dhatwagni, resulting in a state of Dhatwagnimandya that shows clinical overlap with hypothyroidism. Object...
15
13
THE EVOLVING LANDSCAPE OF CATHETER-ASSOCIATED URINARY TRACT INFECTION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF MECHANISMS, RISK, DIAGNOSIS, AND PREVENTION ACROSS GENERAL AND NEUROGENIC BLADDER POPULATIONS
Background: Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is the most common healthcare-associated infection worldwide and remains a major contributor to patient morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, antimicrobial resistance, and increased healthcare costs. Despite advances in infection prevention and catheter management, CAUTI continues to be a significant challenge in tertiary care hospita...
14
14
EMERGING REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR PHARMACEUTICALS AND COSMETICS IN INDIA: CURRENT PERSPECTIVES AND FUTURE CHALLENGES
The pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors contribute significantly to healthcare improvement, disease prevention, and personal care by providing safe and effective products to consumers. Continuous industrial expansion, globalization, technological innovation, and the increasing use of online healthcare platforms have emphasized the importance of strong regulatory systems for maintaining product saf...
15
12
ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF AI EARLY INTERVENTION VS. LATE-STAGE ONCOLOGY: A HEALTH-ECONOMIC SCOPING REVIEW
Cancer remains a leading cause of global mortality, imposing profound clinical and economic burdens on healthcare systems worldwide. The prevailing paradigm of late-stage oncology is characterised by exponential healthcare costs, intensive multimodal therapies, and severe financial toxicity for patients. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its subsets, such as Machine Learning (ML), promise to disrup...
16
13
Research Articles
DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF TOPICAL PHYTOFORMULATIONS OF IPOMOEA SHUPANGENSIS (KASUNUNGURE) FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT BACTERIAL INFECTIONS IN DIABETIC FOOT ULCERS: AN INTEGRATED ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL APPROACH
Ipomoea shupangensis (Kasunungure) is used by traditional healers in Gokwe, Zimbabwe for diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), which are frequently complicated by multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. Scientific validation of its phytochemistry, pharmacological activity, and safety was previously lacking. This study integrated an ethnopharmacological survey (40 healers), maceration extraction (five solvents...
22
18
BIOACTIVITY AND SAFETY OF HYDRO-ETHANOLIC LYOPHILISED WITHANIA SOMNIFERA FOR THE POTENTIAL MANAGEMENT OF THE BIOLOGICAL END POINTS OF STRESS
Introduction & Objective: Chronic stress activates the HPA axis and the sympathetic nervous system, leading to inflammation and oxidative toxic stress (OTS). Conventional therapies face bottlenecks like high costs, limited accessibility, and side effects. This study evaluates the chemical safety and metabolomics of Zimbabwean Withania somnifera. Methodology: Dried Withania somnifera roots were...
23
17
CHITOSAN AND CARBOXYMETHYL CHITOSAN (CMC)-COATED MAGNETITE NANOPARTICLES FOR DRUG DELIVERY TO CANCER CELLS: EFFECT OF MOLECULAR WEIGHT ON DRUG RELEASE
Novel effective delivery systems for chemotherapeutic drugs are of utmost demand in nanomedicine. Herein, we prepared magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles (NPs) coated with either low molecular (LM) or high molecular (HM) weight Chitosan or Carboxymethyl Chitosan (CMC) and assessed their drug loading and release efficiencies. Chitosan/CMC-coated MNPs were fully characterized by various physiochemic...
28
16
BIOEFFICACY AND BIOSAFETY OFHYDRO-ETHANOLIC BURKEA AFRICANA HOOK EXTRACTS
Introduction: Burkea africana Hook, a medicinal plant in the family Fabaceae, subfamily Caesalpinioideae, is a medium-sized, woody, deciduous tree widely used in traditional medicine. It is used to treat conditions such as pain, inflammation, bacterial infections, gastrointestinal disorders, and reproductive problems. Despite its extensive traditional use, there is limited scientific evidence supp...
24
17
EVALUATION OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS, ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY, ANTI-ACNE AND ALNAGESIC ACTIVITY OF CHINESE MOTHERWORT (LEONURUS JAPONICUS) DIFFERENT PART EXTRACTS
Leonurus japonicus Houtt. (Lamiaceae), commonly known as Chinese motherwort or Yi-Mu-Cao, has a longstanding history in traditional Asian medicine. This study comparatively evaluated the phytochemical constituents, antioxidant capacity, anti-acne properties, and in-vitro anti-inflammatory activities of hot-water extracts obtained from the aerial parts and roots of L.japonicus cultivated in Norther...
25
16
PHYTO SCREENING, ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITIES, AND ACUTE ORAL TOXICITY OF ERYTHRINA ABYSSINICA LAM. EX DC. (FABACEAE) HYDROETHANOLIC LEAF AND BARK EXTRACTS
Objective: To evaluate the phytochemical profile, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, and acute oral toxicity of Erythrina abyssinica hydroethanolic leaf and bark extracts. Methods: Leaves (177 g) and bark (216 g) were collected from Lake Chivero, Zimbabwe, air-dried, powdered, combined (1:1 w/w), and extracted with 70% ethanol by maceration (72 h). The extract was concentrated u...
14
11
PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF DWIGUNA BALIJARITA RASASINDURA (MERCURY SULPHIDE) PREPARED BY TWO METHODS
Introduction: Rasashastra (Iatrochemistry) transforms raw minerals into therapeutically potent formulations such as Rasasindura (mercury sulphide). Gandhaka Jarana (sulphur digestion) is the key pharmaceutical process governing its formation and quality. Objectives: This study compares the pharmaceutical and physicochemical effects of Single-Stage versus Two-Stage (Sequential) Gandhaka Jarana in t...
15
10
PHARMACOGNOSTICAL STANDARDIZATION OF TERMINALIA CHEBULARETZ. AND WRIGHTIA TINCTORIA (ROXB.) R. BR.
The present study was undertaken to establish pharmacognostical standards for the fruit of Terminalia chebula and the leaf of Wrightia tinctoria, the major medicinal plant used in many Ayurvedic preparation, in order to ensure their proper identification, authentication, and quality assessment. There is a lacuna in the comprehensive standardization profile for the selected drug. The research ga...
16
11
PREDICTORS OF GLYCEMIC CONTROL AMONG HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS WITH DIABETES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Background: Hyperglycemia is frequently observed in hospitalized patients and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. However, it is often under-recognized relative to the primary reason for admission, leading to suboptimal glycemic management. Identifying factors associated with successful inpatient glycemic control may facilitate early risk stratification and optimize management. Objective...
16
9
UV SPECTRAL STRATEGIES FOR ANALYTICAL METHOD DEVELOPMENT OF MULTICOMPONENT DRUG FORMULATION
This research work aimed at the development and validation of three UV spectrophotometric methods, namely, Ratio Subtraction and Extended Ratio Subtraction (RS-ERS), Ratio Subtraction coupled with Constant Multiplication (RS-CM), and Ratio Subtraction coupled with Spectrum Subtraction (RS-SS) for the simultaneous estimation of Benidipine Hydrochloride (BEN) and Chlorthalidone (CHL) in their combin...
13
10
COMPARISON OF DEXMEDETOMIDINE PROPOFOL AND FENTANYL PROPOFOL SEDATION FOR PEDIATRIC COLONOSCOPY: AN OBSERVATIONAL COMPARATIVE STUDY
Background: Colonoscopy is an essential diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in pediatric gastroenterology, requiring effective procedural sedation to ensure patient comfort, procedural success, and safety. Dexmedetomidine has emerged as a promising adjunct to propofol because of its sedative and analgesic properties with minimal respiratory depression. However, comparative evidence between dexmed...
14
11
GENOTOXIC IMPURITIES IN SMALL MOLECULE DRUG SUBSTANCES: IDENTIFICATION, RISK ASSESSMENT, AND CONTROL STRATEGIES
Impurities in active pharmaceutical ingredients, especially genotoxic impurities, pose significant risks to patient safety and require stringent regulatory control. This review summarizes key regulatory expectations under ICH Q3A, Q3B, M7, and S2, covering impurity identification, qualification, and control. It discusses major risk-assessment approaches, including toxicological evaluation, genotox...
17
11
PHYTOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION ANDANTI-BACTERIAL EFFICACY OF MULTI-SOLVENT EXTRACTS OF WOODFORDIA FRUTICOSAL AGAINST ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANT KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE
The current research focused on the extraction of phytochemical compounds form Woodfordia fruticosa using n-hexane, methanol, ethanol, chloroform, water, petroleum ether and acetone. The presence of bioactive compounds in different extracts was determined by the thin layer chromatography. The antimicrobial activity of various extract at different concentration was assayed by disc diffusion assay. ...
15
9
MINIMUM INHIBITORY CONCENTRATION OF LINEZOLID IN CLINICAL ISOLATES OF METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major cause of hospital and community-acquired infections, with substantial impact on infection rates, morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Vancomycin, remained a longstanding cornerstone in MRSA treatment, butthe emergence of vancomycin resistant MRSA (VRSA), necessitates alternative antimicrobial solutions. Linezolid, sta...
17
12