Posted by admin on Mar 31, 2026 in |
Introduction: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a broad modern category referring to a variety of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, which manifest themselves in an equally wide variety of clinical symptoms. More than one million STDs are acquired every day worldwide. Objective: To evaluate the drugs prescribed to patients diagnosed with sexually transmitted disease/s using the WHO prescribing indicators. Methodology: It was a prospective observational study, carried out in OPDs of hospitals attached to BMCRI, Bengaluru. The prescription pattern of 100 outpatients diagnosed with STDs was analysed from February 2021 to August 2022 and was evaluated using the WHO prescribing indicators. Results: Out of 100 prescriptions analysed, 73% were males and 27% were females. The most common age group was 25-30 years. Anogenital warts (19%) were the most common diagnosis, followed by syphilis (17%) and genital scabies (18%). Diagnosis was mostly clinical (54%). Tablet was the most common dosage form (41%). Podophyllotoxin resin (18%) was the most prescribed drug, followed by benzathine penicillin (17%). WHO prescribing indicators...
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Posted by admin on Mar 31, 2026 in |
The study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, and anti-diabetic activity of Dianthus chinensis flower extract. Petroleum ether and methanol were used for extraction, with the methanolic extract showing higher yield and richer phytochemical content. Quantitative analysis revealed notable levels of total phenolic content (78.9 mg/g gallic acid equivalent) and total flavonoid content (71.8 mg/g rutin equivalent), suggesting strong antioxidant capacity. This was supported by the DPPH free radical scavenging assay, where the methanol extract exhibited an IC₅₀ value of 48.46 µg/mL, indicating potent antioxidant activity. The anti-diabetic effect was assessed in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. Oral administration of the methanolic extract at 400 mg/kg significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels, improved body weight, and normalized lipid parameters compared to diabetic control rats. Histopathological findings showed restoration of pancreatic architecture, confirming its protective effect. In summary, Dianthus chinensis extract demonstrated notable phenolic and flavonoid content, strong antioxidant capacity, and significant glucose-lowering activity in diabetic rats. These results indicate its potential as a natural source of bioactive...
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Posted by admin on Mar 31, 2026 in |
Objective: Government initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) under the Ayushman Bharat scheme have sought to expand access to healthcare, including the promotion of generics. Pharmacists, as primary intermediaries between manufacturers and consumers, play a crucial role in shaping public perceptions and promoting the uptake of generic medicines. This study aims to investigate pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the utilisation of generic medicines in Jaipur. Methodology: A sample of 100 pharmacists was studied in Jaipur city. Descriptive analysis was performed using mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage for data representation. The Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests assessed the significance of categorical variables, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The data show high awareness of generic medicines among medical professionals, with knowledge increasing with age and experience. Older professionals (above 45) and those with over 20 years of experience have significantly higher knowledge scores. Attitudes toward generics are generally positive, though younger professionals and those with less experience show slightly less favourable views. About 60%...
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Posted by admin on Mar 31, 2026 in |
Background: Piper longum L. (long pepper) is a well-known Ayurvedic medicinal plant used for metabolic, inflammatory, and infectious disorders, yet its leaves remain relatively underexplored despite their traditional relevance. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the pharmacognostic, phytochemical, and pharmacological properties of Piper longum leaves, focusing on their antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. Methods: Leaves of P. longum were collected, authenticated, and evaluated through pharmacognostic and physicochemical analyses. Phytochemical screening identified key secondary metabolites, while GC–MS and HPTLC provided compound profiling and fingerprinting. In-vitro assays assessed antidiabetic activity (α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition), anti-inflammatory effects (albumin denaturation and HRBC membrane stabilization), and antimicrobial activity against selected bacterial and fungal pathogens. Results: Pharmacognostic analysis confirmed distinct diagnostic features of the leaves, while phytochemical screening identified alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, phenolics, and glycosides. GC–MS revealed key constituents including asarone, β-caryophyllene, phytol derivatives, and piperine-like alkaloids and HPTLC provided reproducible chemical fingerprints. The extract showed strong, dose-dependent α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition, notable anti-inflammatory effects comparable to aspirin, and significant antimicrobial activity,...
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Posted by admin on Mar 31, 2026 in |
Background: Hypertension often requires combination therapy for effective control. The combined use of candesartan cilexetil and hydrochlorothiazide is limited by poor water solubility and low oral bioavailability. Co-crystallization with suitable co-formers can improve solubility and dissolution, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy. Objective: This study aimed to create and assess an immediate-release (IR) tablet containing co-crystals of Candesartan cilexetil and Hydrochlorothiazide, utilizing urea as a co-former to improve solubility and dissolution rate, thus enhancing bioavailability. Methods: Co-crystals of Candesartan–Urea and HCTZ–Urea were synthesized using the solution evaporation technique. The resulting co-crystals were analyzed using FTIR, and PXRD to verify co-crystal formation and evaluate compatibility. The optimized co-crystal mixtures were compressed into immediate-release tablets with superdisintegrants. The formulations underwent evaluation for pre- and post-compression parameters, in-vitro dissolution, and stability under ICH conditions. Results: The optimized formulation displayed excellent flow characteristics and consistent weight distribution. The immediate-release tablet disintegrated rapidly and showed significantly improved dissolution compared to the pure drugs. The dissolution data adhered to Hixson–Crowell kinetics, indicating uniform drug release through surface...
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