Abstract: Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease represent major global health challenges because they are associated with progressive neurodegeneration, oxidative stress, mitochondrial malfunction, and neuroinflammation. Existing pharmacological therapies are largely symptomatic and do not effectively halt disease progression. In contrast, herbal medicines exhibit multitarget therapeutic effects that modulate a variety of pathological processes related to neurodegeneration. Despite their therapeutic potential, the clinical use of polyherbal compounds is often limited by poor solubility, phytochemical instability, and insufficient penetration across the blood-brain barrier. Advances in nanotechnology-mediated targeted delivery systems are gaining increasing attention to address such challenges. Specifically, polyherbal nanoformulations integrate the synergistic potential of polyherbal constituents with nanocarrier systems such as liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanostructured lipid carriers, thereby enhancing neuroprotective properties in preclinical models. Emerging delivery approaches like nose-to-brain delivery methods further enhance brain bioavailability and the clinical translation potential of polyherbal formulations. Although promising, clinical translation remains limited. This review summarizes the current knowledge on polyherbal synergy, nanocarrier-based targeting methods, and nose-to-brain delivery strategies to treat neurodegenerative disorders, highlighting their potential therapeutic applications, underlying mechanisms, translational issues, regulatory factors, and emerging trends such as the use of artificial intelligence to design nanocarriers. Future research priorities and translational challenges necessary for successful clinical application are also discussed.
Background: Vildagliptin (VLD), a potent oral antidiabetic agent, is widely prescribed for Type 2 diabetes, particularly in patients intolerant to other medications. However, its thera-peutic potential is hindered by extensive first-pass metabolism, a short half-life, and suboptimal bioavailability. Objective: This study introduces a cutting-edge microemulsion-based transdermal (ME-TD) de-livery system designed to overcome these limitations and ensure sustained, controlled release of VLD for improved efficacy and patient compliance. results: The optimized formulation (F3) demonstrated high drug entrapment efficiency (70.7%) and excellent stability. F3-loaded transdermal patch demonstrated exceptional mechanical integrity, uniform drug dispersion, and remarkable skin permeability, delivering a 4.7-fold increase in transdermal drug flux compared to pure VLD.In vivo antidiabetic evaluations in Wistar albino rats confirmed sustained glucose-lowering effects and enhanced therapeutic outcomes. The patch exhibited excellent biocompatibility with no signs of irritation, further affirming its suitability for long-term use. Methods: To improve drug permeability, a VLD-soya lecithin (SLC) complex was formulated. Solubility studies in various oils, surfactants, and co-surfactants identified Maisine CC, Trans-cutol HP, and Caproyl PGMC as optimal components. Ternary diagrams were constructed with four different ratios of oil, surfactant, and cosurfactant mix. Microemulsions were developed and characterized for stability, globule size, drug loading, and an in vitro drug release study. The op-timized formulation was loaded in a transdermal patch, fabricated with hydroxypropyl methyl cel-lulose, and assessed for mechanical properties, ex vivo drug release, and skin permeability. Anti-diabetic activity was carried out in diabetic rodents for 27 days, and the efficacy of the patches was compared with conventional oral administration. Results: The optimised formulation (F3) exhibited high drug entrapment efficiency (70.7%) and demonstrated excellent stability. F3-loaded transdermal patch demonstrated exceptional mechani-cal integrity, uniform drug dispersion, and remarkable skin permeability, delivering a 4.7-fold in-crease in transdermal drug flux compared to pure VLD. In vivo antidiabetic evaluations in Wistar albino rats confirmed sustained glucose-lowering effects and enhanced therapeutic outcomes. The patch demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, with no signs of irritation, further confirming its suitability for long-term use. Discussion: These findings highlight the ME-TD system’s potential to overcome limitations of oral VLD therapy. Conclusion: This innovative ME-TD system presents a paradigm shift in VLD delivery. By of-fering a non-invasive, sustained-release alternative, this technology holds immense promise for revolutionizing diabetes management in animal models.
Introduction: Chikungunya Virus (CHIKV), a mosquito-borne alphavirus, poses a persistent global health challenge due to the lack of effective antiviral therapies or vaccines. The infection manifests with acute fever and chronic arthralgia, often resulting in prolonged disability and economic burden. This study investigates proniosome-based drug delivery systems as a nov-el therapeutic platform to alleviate inflammation and viral progression associated with CHIKV infection. Methods: An extensive literature review and preclinical evaluations were conducted to assess proniosomal formulations. Proniosomes were prepared using surfactants, cholesterol, and stabi-lizers, followed by analysis of physicochemical characteristics, encapsulation efficiency, and drug release profiles. Antiviral efficacy was evaluated using Vero, HeLa, and macrophage cell lines infected with CHIKV, and in vivo assessments were performed in CHIKV-infected murine models. Results: Proniosomal formulations exhibited high encapsulation efficiency, sustained drug re-lease, and potent antiviral activity. Myricetin- and ribavirin-loaded proniosomes markedly inhib-ited CHIKV replication with minimal cytotoxicity in vitro. In vivo studies demonstrated reduced viral load, improved survival rates, attenuated inflammatory markers, and enhanced antiviral an-tibody production. The formulations displayed strong biocompatibility and low systemic toxicity. Discussion: The findings underscore the therapeutic promise of proniosomal carriers in enhanc-ing antiviral drug stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery. The system’s controlled release and low toxicity profile position it as a viable alternative to conventional delivery methods. However, further pharmacokinetic and clinical studies are essential to confirm its translational relevance. Conclusion: Proniosome-based systems offer an innovative, safe, and cost-effective approach to CHIKV management, potentially guiding future antiviral therapy development.
A rapidly growing class of medications called RNA therapeutics could transform indi-vidualized treatment and target "undruggable" areas. The different forms of RNA-based treat-ments, such as messenger RNAs (mRNAs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are discussed in this paper along with their significance in gene regulation and the treatment of disease. Stability and efficient distribution to target cells are major challeng-es for RNA molecules. Hydrogels, dendrimers, and lipid nanoparticles are being developed to improve RNA therapy pharmacokinetics and cellular absorption. More accurate and efficient therapies are also being made possible by breakthroughs in self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) tech-nology and the application of artificial intelligence in RNA delivery design. The review also dis-cusses RNA modifications and synthetic biology in pharmaceutical design. Although good data from preclinical and clinical trials demonstrate the potential of RNA-based therapeutics, further research is necessary to tackle translational difficulties and improve delivery mechanisms for therapeutic usage. RNA treatments may revolutionize medical research by treating cancer and genetic defects.
Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder requiring innovative therapeutic approaches. Voglibose, an effective α-glucosidase inhibitor, has limitations, including low solubility and a short duration of action when taken as a tablet. Polymeric nanoparticles, particularly PLGA (Poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid), offer promising platforms for sustained drug release and improved bioavailability. This study aimed to develop and evaluate PLGA-based nanoparticles for delivering voglibose, enhancing its therapeutic efficacy, and providing sustained release for up to 24 hours. Methods: PLGA nanoparticles loaded with voglibose were prepared using the double-emulsification solvent evaporation method. The formulations were optimized by varying the polymer-to-drug ratio and stabilizer concentration. Characterization included particle size analysis, zeta potential measurement, drug entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, and in vivo antidiabetic efficacy in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Results: Particle sizes ranged from 151.5 to 491.2 nm, with formulation PF8 demonstrating the smallest size and highest stability. Drug entrapment efficiency reached up to 83.3%, with PF8 emerging as the optimal formulation. In vitro studies showed sustained drug release for up to 24 hours, with PF8 achieving 91.5% cumulative release. Discussion: In vivo evaluations revealed significant reductions in blood glucose levels in diabetic rats, with PF8 performing comparably to the standard voglibose tablet. Conclusion: PLGA-based nanoparticles successfully enhanced the bioavailability of voglibose and provided sustained release, highlighting their potential as a novel delivery system for anti-diabetic therapy. Further studies are needed to validate clinical applications and optimize formulation parameters.
Abstract: Oral drug delivery remains constrained by poor solubility, acid-labile degradation, and erratic gastrointestinal absorption. Conventional enteric polymers address these barriers partially but suffer from limited mechanical flexibility and aqueous insolubility. Partially neutralized methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylate (MAA-EA) copolymers overcome these limitations by modifying charge density and ionization behaviour, enabling precise pH-triggered dissolution above pH 5.5. Ternary amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) combining Eudragit® L100-55 with hydroxypropyl cellulose maintained supersaturation for approximately 70 minutes, compared to 30 minutes with L100-55 alone. These copolymers support diverse formulation platforms, including self-emulsifying pellets, ASDs, pH-responsive nanoparticles, electrospun fibres, and 3D-printed dosage forms. Their application extends to fixed-dose combinations, site-directed protein carriers, and paediatric-friendly systems, reflecting broad translational potential. Remaining challenges, including moisture sensitivity, physiological pH variability, and regulatory gaps for nanostructured platforms, define the frontiers that this review critically examines.
Introduction: Invasive fungal infections caused by Candida albicans have increased markedly among immunocompromised patients. Conventional topical antifungal therapies are often associated with skin irritation, poor patient compliance, and drug resistance, partly due to alcohol-based solvents. This study aimed to develop and evaluate an alcohol-free dual-drug hydrogel containing ketoconazole (KTC) and clotrimazole (CTZ) to enhance antifungal efficacy through synergistic action. Methods: The hydrogel formulation was prepared using a co-solvency approach without alcohol solvents. Optimization was carried out using a Box-Behnken design with carbopol, polyethylene glycol 400, and glycerol as independent variables, and spreadability and drug flux as dependent responses. The optimized formulation was evaluated for pH, viscosity, drug content, spreadability, ex vivo drug diffusion, and skin deposition. Antifungal activity was assessed against Candida albicans using the well-diffusion method. Results: The optimized hydrogel demonstrated good spreadability, a near-neutral pH of 7.2, and a viscosity of 46,400 cP. Ex vivo diffusion studies showed a drug flux of 0.0332 μg/cm²/min, higher than commercially available formulations. The dual-drug hydrogel exhibited a maximum zone of inhibition of 25.2 mm against C. albicans, indicating enhanced antifungal activity and reduced potential for drug resistance compared to single-drug formulations. Discussion: The enhanced antifungal effect is attributed to the synergistic action of KTC and CTZ combined with the optimized hydrogel matrix, which promoted effective drug diffusion, skin retention, and minimal irritation. Conclusion: The developed dual-drug hydrogel represents a promising alcohol-free antifungal delivery system with improved efficacy, safety, and patient compliance.
Abstract: Nanotechnology has advanced rapidly in recent years, playing a significant role in fields such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Its applications, including drug delivery systems and sunscreens, have demonstrated considerable benefits. In particular, nanomaterials enhance product stability and efficacy by enabling improved pharmacological responses and better protection against UV radiation. Despite these advances, concerns are growing regarding the potential toxicological effects of nanomaterials on human health and the environment. Studies indicate that certain sunscreen chemicals, once washed off human skin, can enter aquatic ecosystems via wastewater systems, potentially harming marine life. Nanomaterials, typically defined as having at least one dimension smaller than 100 nanometers, possess unique physicochemical properties that influence their behavior in biological systems. As their use increases, so does the risk of unintended environmental release, making it essential to assess their biocompatibility, distribution, and long-term impacts before widespread application. Although some research has explored the toxicity of nanomaterials, the mechanisms underlying their harmful effects remain incompletely understood. Factors such as particle size, shape, surface characteristics, dissolution rate, density, and structural defects are major contributors to cytotoxicity and environmental risk. A deeper understanding of how these properties interact with living systems is crucial for the safe and responsible development of nanotechnology-based products.
Background:: Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems have emerged as a promis-ing approach to modify the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs. Meloxicam, an NSAID with limited water solubility, displays inadequate oral bioavailability and gastric side effects. Hence, the objective of the present investigation is to design, optimize, and evaluate SNEDDS-loaded meloxicam gel for enhanced topical delivery. Methods:: The various excipients, like oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant, were screened for solubility, and ternary phase diagrams were fabricated to select the optimum ratio of surfactant to co-surfactant (Smix). Later, liquid SNEDDS formulations were prepared using selected excipi-ents and characterised for various parameters. The selected SNEDDS formulation was evaluated for zeta potential and droplet size, and further incorporated into gels, which were optimised by using a 22 full factorial design. Results:: The optimised SNEDDS formulation (F10) exhibited a mean droplet size of 160.20±2.65 nm with low PDI (0.353) and -30 mV±1.24 zeta potential. Formulation F10 was sta-ble, clear, and showed high transmittance. Discussion:: Incorporation into gel provided desirable viscosity and drug content. Factorial design analysis revealed a significant effect of the independent variable on the viscosity of the gel. SNEDDS-loaded G3 formulation was optimized based on desirability value, which displayed a sustained and enhanced release profile, with approximately 93% cumulative drug release within 60 minutes. Conclusion:: An optimized SNEDDS-loaded meloxicam gel formulation was successfully devel-oped using factorial design, which could enhance the topical bioavailability, offering a promising alternative for topical delivery.
Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are an extremely versatile drug delivery system that could be the key to the future of medicine and the treatment of many diseases. This review focuses on the use of SLNs as the drug delivery vehicles that make better and more efficient therapy possible. SLNs offer several advantages, such as the ability to disperse hydrophobic drugs, ones which are poorly water soluble, drug stability, and controlled drug release, all of which result in low toxicity. Drugs delivered by SLNs have also shown a decrease in drug resistance in cancer cells. Apart from drug resistance in cancer therapy, the discussion also extends to the challenges and opportunities in the commercialization of SLNs, noting the significant market growth driven by their incorporation into high-profile products like COVID-19 vaccines. Besides the most important growth of the market, which is cannabis, the review also presents a look at the future and the technologies of SLNs, which can make individualized medicine possible through therapeutic approaches tuned specifically to the patient, including the possibility of the encapsulation of multiple drugs and personalized nanomedicine. Adding SLNs to the regular pharmaceutical use has the potential not only to elevate the healing performance and at the same time to manage the side effects of the drugs better but also to give a start to the new ways in treating complex diseases with accuracy and reduced side effects. As research work on SLNs goes on, these nanoparticles are going to be a very important factor in the new therapies that are coming and will offer a very strong platform for the management of diseases that is both very effective and targeted.
Introduction: Lung cancer stands as the leading cause of death caused by cancer worldwide, and the conventional treatment approach of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy is limited by toxicity, low specificity, and resistance to treatment. New treatment protocols are needed to address such issues. Methods: A review was also carried out on recent developments in types of nanoparticles: lipid-based, polymeric, inorganic, and hybrid, as well as on types of modalities: passive, active, and modalities of stimuli responsiveness. The analysis was mainly centered on the publications from 2020 to 2025, as the aim was to keep the review consistent during interpretation and analysis. Results: Drug delivery systems based on nanoparticles are associated with improved bioavailability, improved tumor-specific accumulation through the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, active targeting through ligand-mediated endocytosis, and regulated drug delivery. It has been clinically tested with a better therapeutic effect and reduced systemic toxicity. Biomimetic and theranostic nanoparticles, gene delivery, and AI-guided design should be developed, but there is still a problem of manufacturing and nanotoxicology. Discussion: Nanotechnology provides the groundbreaking advantages to surpass the inherent shortcomings of traditional approaches to lung cancer by facilitating personalized, targeted functioning, and multitasking therapies. Though promising, challenges pertaining to quality mass-scale production, regulatory acquisition, and their long-term safety need to be tackled with the assistance of multidisciplinary studies. Conclusion: Targeted therapy using nanoparticles (NPs) has made it a prospect of improving its clinical course in addition to decreasing its depressive actions because it is one of the promising treatments of lung cancer. Further innovation and extensive assessment are required in order to optimize the clinical translation and implementation of these methods into mainstream medical care.
The fungus Aureobasidium pullulans produces pullulan, a water-soluble polysaccharide composed of maltotriose units linked by α-1,6 glycosidic bonds. Its unusual physicochemical properties, including high biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-immunogenicity, and ease of chemical modification, make it a promising candidate for creating enhanced drug delivery systems. Pullulan-based polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) have recently emerged as a promising nanocarrier platform for precise and controlled drug delivery. These nanoparticles can encapsulate a range of pharmaceutical compounds, including small-molecule medications, peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids, thereby improving their stability, solubility, and pharmacokinetic properties. The pullulan backbone's hydroxyl groups serve as reactive sites for functionalisation, allowing the conjugation of targeting ligands (e.g., folic acid, antibodies, peptides), imaging agents, or stimuli-responsive moieties (pH, redox, temperature), enabling site-specific drug delivery and theragnostic applications. Furthermore, their high mucoadhesive properties and ability to cross biological barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier (BBB), enhance their usefulness in challenging therapeutic areas, such as neurological disorders. Despite these promising traits, challenges persist in large-scale production, regulatory approval, and long-term viability. Nonetheless, with ongoing breakthroughs in nanotechnology and polymer chemistry, pullulan-based polymeric nanoparticles provide a feasible and adaptable basis for next-generation drug delivery systems in personalised medicine. This review highlights the significance of pullulan in nanoparticle formulation, discussing its role in stabilizing nanoparticles, controlling drug release, and enhancing biocompatibility. Examine pullulan as a biopolymer for nanoparticle production, detailing its properties, advantages, and potential applications in drug delivery systems.
Introduction: Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) is a potent curcuminoid with anticancer potential. However, its poor solubility and low bioavailability are limiting its therapeutic application as an anticancer molecule against glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). In this context, a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-conjugated polymeric diblock poly (ethylene glycol)-b-poly (L-glutamic acid) (PEG-PGA) micellar-loaded THC drug was developed to improve the anti-tumor efficacy of THC against glioblastoma. Methods: Methoxy-poly (ethylene glycol)-b-poly (γ-benzyl L-glutamate) (MeO-PEG-PBLG) block copolymers were used to synthesize THC-entrapped micelles. The THC-entrapped micelles were subsequently conjugated with VEGF ligands. Cytotoxicity and cellular uptake were evaluated in U87MG glioblastoma cells using MTT assay, confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry. In vivo pharmacokinetic, tumour accumulation, and antitumor efficacy studies were performed in U87MG xenografted Swiss albino mice. Results: The study demonstrates that the polymeric micelles developed have an average diameter of 100 ± 20 nm, with an encapsulation efficiency of THC of 76.5%. The cellular uptake studies demonstrated that micelles conjugated with VEGF have a 3.5-fold increase in internalisation compared to unconjugated micelles. Furthermore, the in vivo results exhibited prolonged plasma retention and significantly enhanced tumour accumulation of VEGF-conjugated micelles compared to native THC and non-targeted micelles. Tumour growth inhibition assay revealed that the ligand-conjugated micellar has higher antitumor efficacy. Discussion: The VEGF-conjugated micelles targeting strategy effectively enhanced tumour selectivity and intracellular uptake of THC by exploiting VEGFR1 overexpression in GBM cells. The ligand conjugation stimulated receptor-mediated transcytosis and improved THC distribution across the tumour vasculature. This approach demonstrated a promising method overcoming the blood-brain barrier limitations and enhancing the therapeutic value of hydrophobic phytochemicals in glioblastoma treatment. Conclusion: VEGF-conjugated polymeric micelles significantly improved the solubility, bioavailability, and tumour-targeted delivery of tetrahydrocurcumin (THC).
Introduction: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) presents itself as a hormonal and metabolic disorder that affects women during their reproductive years through three primary symptoms. The existing treatments encounter two main obstacles, which include their limited bioavailability and their tendency to produce adverse effects throughout the body. The application of nanotechnology to drug delivery via nanocarriers and nanoformulations offers a solution to existing challenges in the field. Methods: The research team conducted a complete literature review, which examined scientific databases from 1 May 2020 until 1 May 2025. The research team used specific keywords, along with Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT), to locate relevant peer-reviewed articles, clinical studies, and patents focused on nanocarrier-based nanoformulations for PCOS. Results: The study results demonstrate that nanoformulations that use nanocarrier technology improve PCOS treatment through better drug solubility and bioavailability and precise medication delivery. The combination of multiple medications into one formulation leads to better treatment results while decreasing adverse reactions. The rise in patent applications demonstrates that personalized nanomedicine and hybrid delivery systems are becoming increasingly innovative as they develop. Discussion: A Nanocarrier-based PCOS treatment system provides two advantages through its ability to increase drug solubility and bioavailability while delivering targeted therapies that produce fewer adverse events. Hormonal and metabolic imbalances in patients are effectively treated by multidrug nanoformulations, which achieve better outcomes through their simultaneous multiple actions. The patent system shows that personalized medicine and hybrid nanomedicine approaches have become increasingly innovative. The results from preclinical studies show potential benefits, yet there remain obstacles, including difficulties in scaling operations, determining product safety, and proving linkages between two different fields Conclusion: The development of advanced nanocarriers represents a new medical treatment approach that enables precise medication delivery and better treatment results for patients with PCOS. The increasing volume of clinical research, together with the growing number of patents, indicates high commercial potential, yet additional research on safety and practical applications is required.
Abstract: This review examined advancements in the design of drug delivery systems, which have been significantly driven by an improved understanding of drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. These developments, termed novel drug delivery systems (NDDS), provide a more systematic approach to enhancing therapeutic effectiveness. The success of drug delivery research in recent years has largely relied on interdisciplinary collaboration. Pharmaceutical companies have benefited from substantial market opportunities and expanded treatment options, as NDDS improve the safety and efficacy of both synthetic medicinal products and herbal prod-ucts while optimizing their delivery mechanisms. Herbal medicines, long recognized for their therapeutic potential, have faced challenges in standardization, extraction, processing, and solu-bility, which historically limited their development. However, technological advancements have enabled the application of NDDS to create effective herbal drug delivery systems for disease treatment. These systems enhance the stability, bioavailability, and protection of herbal formula-tions as well as synthetic active pharmaceutical agents, preventing degradation and reducing tox-icity risks. This review focuses on the transformative potential of NDDS in improving patient care and reshaping therapeutic practices by analyzing their preparation methods, diverse applica-tions, benefits and limitations, recent patents, marketed preparations of various novel drug deliv-ery formulations, and future perspectives.
Abstract: Many cancers are hard to detect and recognize in their initial stages. High mortality rates are always caused by the discovery of cancer in its advanced stages. One of the essential aspects of recent advances in medicine is the creation of new cancer therapies. Multidisciplinary research focuses on nanobots, which are a prominent application of nanomedicine. Due to advances in nanotechnology, nanoscale devices are increasingly used for cancer diagnosis and treatment, providing accurate and novel solutions. In medicine, nanotechnology holds great potential for disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, especially when used in nanorobot devices measuring in nanometers. For example, urease-powered nanobots are utilized in the treatment of bladder cancer because they can accumulate in tumors and benefit from enhanced mobility, enabling them to access and penetrate tumor masses. This research investigates the latest advancements in cancer treatment using nanobots, highlighting their key features and applications. It highlights their participation in minimally invasive surgery, precise therapy, medication administration, and tumor detection, and a range of cutting-edge healthcare treatments. Medical nanobots are expected to increase in sophistication and performance, performing various medical tasks before evolving into actual nanorobots circulating in the bloodstream.
Introduction: Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by pruritus, erythema, and impaired barrier function. Conventional treatments such as corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and biologics provide symptom relief but are often limited by side effects, relapse, or cost. Apigenin, a dietary flavone with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial properties, has emerged as a potential therapeutic alternative for AD management. Methods: A systematic narrative review of 48 peer-reviewed studies published between 20010 and 2025 was conducted using databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies, along with early-phase clinical investigations, were analyzed to evaluate therapeutic efficacy, mechanistic pathways, and the impact of nanotechnology-based delivery systems on apigenin’s performance. Results: Preclinical findings demonstrate that apigenin alleviates AD-like pathology by suppressing Th2 cytokine signaling, lowering serum IgE levels, stabilizing mast cell activity, and restoring barrier proteins such as filaggrin. Antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms further supports its therapeutic role. carriers including liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and polymer-lipid hybrids significantly improve solubility, skin penetration, and pharmacokinetics. Early-phase clinical trials, particularly with apigenin-rich chamomile extracts, report reductions in erythema, pruritus, and inflammatory markers. Discussion: Apigenin offers a multifaceted therapeutic approach by targeting immune dysregulation, oxidative stress, microbial colonization, and barrier dysfunction in AD. Nanotechnological strategies overcome pharmacokinetic limitations, enhancing therapeutic efficacy. Despite encouraging preclinical and preliminary clinical outcomes, gaps remain in long-term safety, dose optimization, and large-scale validation. Conclusion: Apigenin represents a promising natural therapeutic candidate for AD. Its clinical translation may be accelerated through nanotechnology-based delivery systems, although robust randomized controlled trials are essential to establish its long-term efficacy and safety
Introduction: This study focuses on improving the solubility and stability of Olmesartan Medoxomil by developing multiple emulsions (W/O/W). This formulation approach is aimed at enhancing its oral bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Materials and Methods: Nine different emulsion formulations (OME1-OME9) were developed using Span 20, Span 40, and Span 80 as primary emulsifiers and Tween 80 as a secondary emulsifier. These were chosen to provide an optimal hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) that stabilizes internal and external phases of W/O/W emulsions. The emulsions were prepared using a two-step emulsification method and evaluated for visual characteristics, globule size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, pH, viscosity, conductivity, in vitro and ex vivo drug release, and centrifugation stability. Results: Among the formulations, OME6 exhibited the most favorable properties with a droplet size of 2.4 μm, high entrapment efficiency (88.7 ± 1.2%), drug content (95.4 ± 1.0%), and in vitro drug release of 94.3% over 12 hours in phosphate buffer (pH 6.8). The zeta potential of -29.5 mV indicated high colloidal stability. Drug release followed Higuchi kinetics, confirming controlled and sustained release behavior. Discussion: The optimized formulation OME6 demonstrated superior physical stability, efficient drug encapsulation, and sustained drug release. Its composition offered a balanced hydrophiliclipophilic environment that enhanced droplet uniformity and minimized coalescence. These features are favorable for the oral delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs like Olmesartan Medoxomil. Conclusion: OME6 is a promising multiple emulsion system for enhancing the oral delivery of Olmesartan Medoxomil, offering improved solubility, stability, and prolonged drug release, potentially leading to better therapeutic outcomes.
Introduction: Naringin, a flavanone glycoside, exhibits significant anti-diabetic potential but suffers from poor aqueous solubility and low bioavailability, limiting its clinical effectiveness. Polycaprolactone (PCL), a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer, offers a promising platform for developing sustained drug delivery systems aimed at enhancing the therapeutic profile of bioactive compounds such as naringin. Objective: This study aimed to develop and characterize naringin-loaded Polycaprolactone Nanoparticles (PCLNPs) to improve drug encapsulation efficiency and stability, enable sustained drug release for prolonged therapeutic effects, evaluate drug release kinetics to understand the release mechanism, and assess the anti-diabetic efficacy of the optimized formulation. results: The average particle size of the naringin-loaded PCLNPs was approximately 206 nm, suitable for efficient absorption and cellular uptake. The nanoparticles exhibited high drug entrapment efficiency ensuring effective drug loading. The formulated nanoparticles showed low zeta potential values, indicating good colloidal stability with minimal risk of aggregation during storage. The nanoparticles exhibited a sustained drug release profile in GI media, following the Higuchi kinetic model. This controlled release behaviour is beneficial for reducing dosing frequency and enhancing patient compliance in diabetes management. FTIR spectra confirmed the successful incorporation of naringin into the nanoparticles without significant chemical interactions, ensuring drug stability and retention of pharmacological activity. The nanoparticles loaded with naringin exhibited significant lowering of blood sugar levels in the diabetic rats as compared to the free naringin at similar dose levels. Methods: Naringin-loaded PCLNPs were prepared using the nanoprecipitation method and optimized based on drug: polymer ratios. Physicochemical characterization included SEM for morphology, DLS for particle size and zeta potential, UV spectrophotometry for encapsulation efficiency and drug loading, FTIR and DSC-TGA for drug-polymer interaction, and in vitro drug release via dialysis. Anti-diabetic activity was evaluated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats over 28 days, with fasting blood glucose measured at regular intervals. Results: The optimized formulation (PCLNPs3, drug: polymer ratio 1:10) showed high encapsulation efficiency (85.40%), drug loading (15.5%), particle size of 130.3 nm, and zeta potential of -42.3 mV. SEM confirmed spherical morphology with a non-porous surface. FTIR and DSC analyses revealed no significant drug-polymer interaction and confirmed successful encapsulation. In vitro drug release showed a sustained profile with 50-62% release over 24 hours and followed Higuchi kinetics (r² > 0.9957) with Fickian diffusion (n < 0.45). In vivo, the naringinloaded PCLNPs reduced fasting blood glucose by 65.5% on Day 28, a value significantly higher than that of free naringin (44.2%) and comparable to that of glipizide. Discussion: The developed PCLNPs effectively improved naringin’s solubility, stability, and anti- diabetic efficacy. The formulation provided controlled release via diffusion mechanisms and prolonged systemic availability. The enhanced hypoglycemic activity of the nanoparticulate formulation can be attributed to improved bioavailability and protection from gastric degradation, demonstrating its suitability for sustained oral delivery in diabetes management.
Nanomedicine is a field that involves the engineering of materials in the 1-100 nm range to enhance diagnostics, therapeutics, and prevention in clinical applications. This review summarizes the current state of nanocarrier platforms, such as liposomes, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), dendrimers, polymeric and inorganic nanoparticles, exosomes, and the traditional Ayurveda bhasmas, and reviews their uses in oncology, infectious disease, central nervous system (CNS) therapeutics, cardiovascular theranostics, genetic therapies, and phytochemical drug formulations. In oncology, liposome and LNP-based formulations reduce the systemic toxicity and enhance the targeting of the tumor by increased permeability and retention; dendrimer-based platforms are more multivalent but largely investigational. In infectious diseases, nanocarriers have the advantage of overcoming antimicrobial resistance by targeting antibiotics to infection foci and delivering vaccines. CNS nanoparticle delivery exploits receptor-mediated and adsorptive-mediated transcytosis, along with focused ultrasound and osmotic disruption, to cross the blood-brain barrier, enabling treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, glioblastoma, and Parkinson’s disease. Cardiovascular theranostics combine a sensor and site-responsive drug delivery to both identify and treat plaque, but most are still only in preclinical or early clinical development. LNP-based genetic therapies with siRNA and the next generation of CRISPRCas9 dendrimer-based vehicles demonstrate strong in vivo gene modification. Phytosome, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanoemulsions-mediated phytochemical delivery enhance bioavailability 18-fold, and green-synthesized metallic nanoparticles and ayurvedic bhasmas reassert ancient solutions with conventional nanoscale description. In the future, it will be essential to consider biocompatibility, large-scale manufacturing, and transparent regulation pathways when looking to bring these nanosystems into standard clinical practice.
