Volume 17 (2026) - Issue 5, May
Review Articles
NOVEL APPROACHES FOR TOPICAL AND TRANSDERMAL DELIVERY OF ANTIFUNGAL DRUGS: CURRENT STATUS AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES
Fungal infections constitute a significant global health challenge, necessitating prolonged therapeutic interventions and confronting limitations such as inadequate dermal penetration, emerging drug resistance, and systemic toxicity. Conventional topical formulations of antifungal agents often demonstrate suboptimal clinical efficacy owing to poor permeation across the stratum corneum and instabil...
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ALZHEIMER’S TODAY: THE BREAKTHROUGHS AND HURDLES IN MANAGING THE DISEASE
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and leading cause of dementia, imposing a rapidly growing clinical and socioeconomic burden worldwide. This narrative review summarizes current understanding of AD pathophysiology, advances in diagnostics, and emerging therapeutic approaches. Hallmark mechanisms include amyloid-β plaque deposition, tau hyperphosphorylation, mi...
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BEYOND BEAUTY: THE MOLECULAR SCIENCE AND CLINICAL EVIDENCE OF ANTI-AGING SKINCARE
The anti-aging cosmeceutical industry has transformed from conventional cosmetic applications to biologically active products designed to target the key molecular mechanisms of skin aging itself. The focus of this review is to identify key bioactive ingredients, their mechanisms of action, and delivery systems being used in anti-aging products. The most commonly used bioactives are retinoids, pept...
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A REVIEW ARTICLE ON TRANSEDERMAL PATCHES USED FOR MUSCLE RELAXATION
Transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) is an emerging modality in drug administration of skeletal muscle relaxants (SMRs), which have significant benefits in comparison to traditional oral and injectable delivery methods. Including tizanidine and baclofen, which often exhibit poor bioavailability, first-pass liver metabolism, and overall systemic adverse effects, including sedation and gastrointe...
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A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON THE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, EXPERIMENTAL MODEL OF ALZHEIMER DISEASE
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder and the main cause of dementia worldwide. It imposes a substantial socioeconomic and healthcare burden, especially as people age. This article discusses the complex pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease, including the β-amyloid cascade, tau hyperphosphorylation, cholinergic dysfunction, excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, chronic neuroinfl...
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TERMINALIA ARJUNA: POSSIBLE TREATMENT FOR SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA & POTENT BIOFUEL A REVIEW ARTICLE
The review “Terminalia arjuna: The possible treatment for sickle cell anaemia & potent biofuel” explores various studies on the Terminalia arjuna plant, emphasising its potential therapeutic applications for sickle cell anaemia (SCA) and various cardiovascular disorders. Key findings highlight the anti-sickling properties of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural, a primary bioactive compound found in le...
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AYURVEDIC DOSHA CYCLES AND CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS: A CONCEPTUAL REVIEW WITH CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS AND RESEARCH AGENDA
Purpose: Ayurveda conceptualizes tridosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) as physiological principles exhibiting time-specific dominance across 24-hour cycles. Despite classical descriptions of dosha-regulated rhythms in Sanskrit texts, this framework remains underintegrated with modern chronobiology in peer-reviewed literature. This narrative review explores proposed correlations between Ayurvedic dosha cyc...
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NUTRITIONAL DISORDERS IN CHILDREN: AYURVEDIC PEDIATRIC MALNUTRITION MODEL (APeMM) – A CONCEPTUAL REVIEW
Childhood malnutrition remains a significant public health challenge in India, where prevalence figures range from 17–35% depending on nutritional indicator (NFHS-5, 2019-2021). Ayurveda conceptualizes nutritional disorders through Apatarpana (undernutrition) and Santarpana (overnutrition) frameworks, centered on Agni (digestive function), Ojas (vital reserves), and Dhatu (tissue) physiology. Th...
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AI IN THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: RECENT TRENDS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS
Most doctors learn new things through artificial intelligence. This is owing to the fact that it contains a lot of medical data and high computing capabilities. This mixture has altered how researchers are thinking about novel concepts within the health sector. The impact of artificial intelligence on respiratory medicine is large as the diseases are so complex and the ways of diagnosing them are ...
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ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM: CURRENT TRENDS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS
AI is a new technology that has been applied in the treatment of the heart since the time immemorial. It has facilitated easy diagnosis, risk assessment, treatment, and monitoring of patients in a cheaper way. The major cause of death in the world has remained cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). AI-based systems, such as machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and natural language processing (NLP) ...
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TRANSFORMING THERAPEUTICS WITH STEALTH LIPOSOMES
This review discusses PEGylated liposomes, also known as stealth liposomes, as modern nanocarriers that overcome the limitations of traditional drug delivery systems and pave the way for precision therapeutics. The article highlights that PEGylation gives stealth properties that include a significant increase in blood circulation time, greater stability, reduced immunogenicity, and improved passiv...
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INOSITOLS IN POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME: MECHANISMS, EFFICACY AND SAFETY – A NARRATIVE REVIEW
Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine–metabolic disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism, anovulation and heightened cardiometabolic risk. Insulin resistance is central to its pathophysiology. Myo-inositol (MI) and D-chiro-inositol (DCI) are physiological insulin sensitizers increasingly used in PCOS management. Objective: To summarize the pharmacology, mechan...
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PHOTONIC, OPTICAL, SENSOR, ELECTROANALYTICAL PROPERTIES OF NOVEL COMPOUNDS AND THEIR HYBRID NANOSTRUCTURES
Hybrid nanomaterials, formed through the deliberate integration of nanomaterials with complementary organic, inorganic, or polymeric components at the atomic or nanometer scale, have emerged as promising platforms for advanced functional applications. This review aims to critically examine recent developments in novel hybrid nanostructures, with a particular focus on their physicochemical properti...
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POTASSIUM-COMPETITIVE ACID BLOCKERS VERSUS PROTON PUMP INHIBITORS FOR HEALING OF ACID-RELATED UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS
Acid-related upper gastrointestinal disorders (ARUGDs), including erosive oesophagitis and peptic ulcer disease, are commonly treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). However, delayed onset of action, variable metabolism, and inconsistent acid suppression may limit their healing efficacy. Potassium-competitive acid blockers (PCABs) offer rapid and reversible inhibition of gastric H⁺/K⁺-ATPa...
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FAST-DISSOLVING TABLETS AS A NOVEL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM: FORMULATION STRATEGIES, OPTIMIZATION TECHNIQUES, AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Fast-dissolving tablets (FDTs) have emerged as a patient-friendly oral drug delivery system designed to enhance medication adherence, particularly among pediatric, geriatric, and dysphagic populations who experience difficulty swallowing conventional solid dosage forms. It aims to critically summarize formulation strategies, optimization techniques, and clinical implications of fast-dissolving tab...
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Research Articles
STABILITY OF MONK FRUIT SWEETENER SIAMENOSIDE I UNDER ACIDIC AND THERMAL CONDITIONS AND ITS DEGRADATION PRODUCTS
This study evaluated the stability of siamenoside I, a minor sweet component of Siraitia grosvenorii (Monk Fruit), under pH and temperature conditions representative of commercial beverage storage, as well as under photostability conditions. Mock beverage solutions, formulated to ~500 mg/L siamenoside I, were prepared at four pH values (2.8-4.2)) and stored at temperatures of 5°C-40°C for 26 wee...
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INTEGRATED IN-VITRO & IN-VIVO PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF ANTI-PARKINSONIAN ACTIVITY OF COMBINED ETHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF PHYSALIS MINIMA AND PERONEMA CANESCENS
This study investigates the anti-Parkinsonian properties of ethanolic extracts derived from Physalis minima and Peronema canescens. Efficacy was assessed using a combination of in-vitro biochemical assays and in-vivo behavioural screening models in Swiss albino mice. Parkinson’s disease symptoms were induced and subsequently evaluated using the body swing test. Oral administration of the extract...
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DETERMINATION OF IN-VITRO METABOLIC STABILITY OF OLEANOLIC ACID DERIVED FROM LANTANA CAMARA ROOTS USING MOUSE, RAT, AND MONKEY LIVER MICROSOMES
The objective of the present study was to assess the in-vitro metabolic stability of oleanolic acid isolated from Lantana camara roots using liver microsomes from mouse, rat, and monkey, and to investigate interspecies differences in metabolic behaviour. Oleanolic acid was incubated with pooled liver microsomes in the presence of NADPH at 37 °C, and the depletion of the parent compound over time ...
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CHARACTERIZATION OF PROBIOTIC BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM COMMERCIAL PROBIOTIC SACHET
Background: Probiotics defined as live microorganism with beneficial effects on their host’s health. In the present investigation commercial probiotic sachet was used as isolation source. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of probiotic bacteria and to assess the probiotic properties of the isolates. Methods: Probiotic bacteria were isolated from commercial sachet to assess their...
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DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF A RP-HPLC METHOD FOR SIMULTANEOUS ESTIMATION OF VANZACAFTOR, TEZACAFTOR, AND DEUTIVACAFTOR IN PHARMACEUTICAL FORMULATION
The present study reports the development and validation of a simple, precise, and robust RP- HPLC method for the simultaneous estimation of Vanzacaftor (VNC), Deutivacaftor (DEC), and Tezacaftor (TZC) in the fixed-dose combination formulation Alyftrek. Chromatographic separation was achieved using an XTERRAC18 column (250×4.6mm, 5µm) with a mobile phase consisting of potassium dihydrogen phosph...
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STUDY ON COMPARISON OF EFFECTIVENESS BETWEEN CYCLOPENTOLATE AND TROPICAMIDE IN EVALUATING REFRACTIVE ERROR IN CHILDREN BETWEEN 6-16 YEARS
Aims and Objectives: To compare the effectiveness between cyclopentolate and tropicamide in evaluating refractive error among children between 6-16 years. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in GVPIHC & MT in the department of ophthalmology. Sample of 90 children were taken. One eye (left) of the patient is dilated with cyclopentolate and simultaneously the other eye (right) with...
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EXPLORATORY SURVEY ON HERBAL ANTI-HAIR FALL SHAMPOOS FROM GANGTOK DISTRICT OF SIKKIM-INDIA
The aim of present survey on herbal anti-hair fall shampoo emphasizing especially in Gangtok District of Sikkim and reveals a growing reliance on herbal hair care products in Sikkim. The methodology followed during the survey was a cross-sectional study, open ended semi-structured questionnaires, and survey data collection tools were employed; descriptive and inferential statistics were done. The ...
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ANALYTICAL METHOD DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF PERINDOPRIL AND INDAPAMIDE USING RP-HPLC
A rapid and robust RP-HPLC method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of Perindopril and Indapamide. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Zodiac C18 column (4.6 × 150 mm, 5 µm) at 38°C using a mobile phase of acetonitrile and water (40:60 v/v) with a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. Detection was performed at 223 nm, and the injection volume was 10 µL, with a total ...
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INCIDENCE AND RISK PROFILE OF HYPERURICEMIA AMONG PATIENTS WITH HEART FAILURE
Background: Hyperuricemia is a frequently observed metabolic abnormality in patients with heart failure, particularly among those receiving long-term diuretic therapy. Elevated serum uric acid levels have been associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, highlighting the need for systematic evaluation in this patient population. Aim: To determine the incidence of hyperuricemia in patients with...
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KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES REGARDING ECOPHARMACOLOGY AMONG NURSING STUDENTS IN MANDYA
Background: Pharmaceuticals released into the environment pose ecological and public health concerns. Ecopharmacology, which addresses the adverse effects of pharmaceuticals on the environment, remains underexplored among healthcare students. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding ecopharmacology and safe drug disposal among nursing students. Materials and Meth...
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IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA PHARMA INFLUENCERS ON DRUG-SAFETY KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES AMONG MBBS STUDENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Background: Social media has emerged as a dominant source of drug- and supplement-related information, with pharmaceutical and wellness influencers often disseminating unverified or promotional content. Medical students, as early trainees, may be particularly susceptible to such misinformation. Objective: To assess the extent of exposure to pharma influencers and evaluate associated knowledge, a...
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PRESCRIBING TRENDS OF DRUGS AND WHO CORE PRESCRIBING INDICATORS AMONG PATIENTS WITH PSORIASIS IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL
Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting 0.8% to 2.8% of the Indian population. Understanding drug prescribing patterns is vital for enhancing rational drug use. Objectives: This study aims to analyse the prescribing patterns of drugs in psoriasis patients, using WHO core prescribing indicators and to characterize these patterns by demographic variables. Study Design:...
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DEVELOPMENT, OPTIMIZATION, AND EVALUATION OF A POLYHERBAL TOPICAL CREAM FOR ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY APPLICATIONS
Microbial skin infections caused by bacterial and fungal pathogens remain a significant therapeutic challenge, highlighting the need for effective plant-based topical formulations. The present study aimed to develop and optimize an oil-in-water polyherbal cream containing extracts of Cassia fistula, Delonix regia, and Parkinsonia aculeata, and to evaluate its antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, and anti-...
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SCENT AND SEIZURE: LANTANA CAMARA’S EFFECT ON OLFACTION IN DROSOPHILA PARA EPILEPTIC MUTANT
Drosophila melanogaster serves as an ideal model for studying olfactory perception due to shared cellular and molecular odor-coding strategies with mammals. Olfactory dysfunction commonly appears as a non-motor symptom in neurological disorders like Epilepsy and Parkinson's disease, often before motor symptoms develop. This study examined Lantana camara’s flower and leaf extracts on olfactory pe...
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TOPICAL ‘ARQ ‘AJĪB FOR PRIMARY DYSMENORRHOEA: RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF OUTPATIENT CASE RECORDS
Objective: Primary dysmenorrhoea (PD) is a prevalent disease, which is marked by menstrual pain without pathology in the pelvis. ‘Arq ‘Ajīb is a classical Unani formulation traditionally used for pain relief. This retrospective study aims to evaluate the immediate change in menstrual pain following the topical application of ‘Arq ‘Ajīb in women with PD, based on an analysis of previously...
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PHYTOCHEMICAL MARKER BASED EVALUATION OF RAJAPRAVARTINI VATI USING HPTLC
Rajapravartini Vati is an Ayurvedic formulation prescribed for gynaecological and menstrual disorders such as amenorrhea and is comprised of raw materials, namely Shuddha Kasisa (purified green vitriol), Hing (purified Ferula asafoetida), Tankana (purified borax) and Kumari (Aloe vera) mixed in equal proportions. The present work focuses on HPTLC-based evaluation and phytochemical profiling of com...
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COMPARATIVE EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF GLIMEPIRIDE–METFORMIN VERSUS TENELIGLIPTIN–METFORMIN IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS: A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED STUDY
Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most prevalent chronic metabolic disorders worldwide. Optimal glycaemic control often requires combination therapy using oral hypoglycemic agents with complementary mechanisms of action. Objectives: To compare the efficacy and safety of Glimepiride Metformin and Teneligliptin Metformin combinations in patients with T2DMinadequately controlled on mon...
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HISTOPATHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF ENDOMETRIAL TISSUE IN CASES OF ABNORMAL UTERINE BLEEDING – A 2-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE STUDY IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Background: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is one of the most common gynaecological complaints and a major indication for endometrial sampling. Histopathological evaluation remains the gold standard for identifying functional, organic, premalignant, and malignant lesions. Objective: To analyse the spectrum of histopathological patterns of endometrium in women presenting with AUB and to assess the...
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ASSOCIATION OF CEFTRIAXONE RESISTANCE WITH CLINICAL OUTCOMES AMONG CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS ADMITTED WITH BACTERIAL INFECTIONS
Background: The rise in antibiotic resistance has rendered many antibiotics less effective, making it increasingly challenging to treat infections. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the association between ceftriaxone resistance and in-hospital mortality and length of hospital stay among critically ill patients with bacterial infections and to analyze ceftriaxone resistanc...
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DEVELOPMENT OF STABILITY – INDICATING HPLC METHOD FOR SIMULTANEOUS DETERMINATION OF THIRTEEN RELATED IMPURITIES IN NINTEDANIB ESYLATE DRUG SUBSTANCE & ITS APPLICATION IN DRUG PRODUCT
A stability indicating reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP‑HPLC) method was developed and validated for the determination of thirteen related impurities in Nintedanib esylate, applicable to both bulk drug and finished product. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Waters X‑Bridge C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm i.d., 5 µm) under gradient elution. The mobile phase cons...
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DESIGNING EFFICIENT SOLID LIPID NANOPARTICLES FOR COLORECTAL CANCER: FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF ESCULIN AND SILYMARIN USING DoE APPROACH
This research focused on formulating and optimizing solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) loaded with esculin and silymarin to enhance their physicochemical stability and in-vitro anticancer activity against colorectal cancer cells. The SLNs were produced using a hot homogenization method, and a 3² factorial design in Design Expert® software was employed to assess the effect of glyceryl monostearate ...
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EFFECTIVENESS OF THIRIKANDAGATHI KIYAAZHAM IN TREATING AZHAL NEERCHURUKKU (URINARY TRACT INFECTION) – A CASE SERIES
Urinary tract infections (Azhal Neerchurukku) are among the most common bacterial infections, causing significant discomfort and reduced daily functioning. This descriptive case series aimed to observe outcomes following the administration of the Siddha medicine Thirikandagathi Kiyaazham (TKK) in the management of Azhal Neerchurukku (UTI). Methods: Twenty participants diagnosed with Azhal Neerchur...
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COMPARATIVE SAFETY AND EFFICACY EVALUATION OF IBUPROFEN WITH PARACETAMOL VERSUS ETORICOXIB ALONE FOR PAIN AFTER TOOTH EXTRACTION: A RANDOMIZED DOUBLE-BLIND STUDY
Objective: To study the safety and efficacy of ibuprofen with paracetamol versus etoricoxib alone in patients who experienced acute pain after tooth extraction. Materials and methods: A total of 80 patients were recruited and randomised to two study groups, IP and E on ibuprofen 400mg with paracetamol325mg and etoricoxib 60 mg alone for three days. The analgesic efficacy was assessed by visual an...
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TINOSPORA CORDIFOLIA FRUIT MUCILAGE EXTRACTION FOR ITS PHARMACEUTICAL APPLICATION
Plant mucilages are increasingly explored in pharmaceutical research as sustainable alternatives to synthetic excipients. Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi), a well-known medicinal plant in Indian traditional medicinal system, as it possesses diverse therapeutic properties including immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. The stem and leaves of Tinospora cordifolia have been wide...
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IN-VITRO ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF ALOE VERA STEM CRUDE EXTRACT AGAINST PATHOGENIC BACTERIA: STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS AND STREPTOCOCCUS PYOGENES
Infectious diseases caused by bacteria remain a major public health concern, and searching for alternative antimicrobial agents from medicinal plants is essential. Aloe vera is a widely used medicinal plant known for its therapeutic properties, including skin care and antimicrobial activity. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of Aloe vera stem crude extracts against Staphylococcus aur...
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