Zingiber offcinale (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), a perennial herbaceous plant from the Zingiberaceae family, has been utilized for centuries in traditional medicine systems worldwide, including Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Unani-Tibb. This review comprehensively examines the pharmacological potential of Zingiber offcinale, focusing on its phytochemical composition and diverse therapeutic actions. A systematic literature analysis was conducted to investigate key bioactive compounds—Zingiber offcinale ols, shogaols, paradols, and zingerone—and their roles in various therapeutic pathways using preclinical and clinical evidence. Zingiber offcinale demonstrates remarkable pharmacological activities through multiple mechanisms. The major constituents, particularly 6-Zingiber offcinale ol and 6-shogaol, exhibit significant anticancer properties by inhibiting angiogenesis, inducing apoptosis, and suppressing inflammatory pathways (COX-2, NF-κB) in colon, ovarian, lung, and breast cancers. Anti-inflammatory effects are mediated through COX-1, COX-2, and 5-LOX enzyme inhibition, along with cytokine modulation (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6). Potent antioxidant activity involves free radical scavenging, lipid peroxidation inhibition, and Nrf2 signalling activation. In metabolic disorders, Zingiber offcinale enhances insulin sensitivity, inhibits carbohydrate-digesting enzymes (α-glucosidase, α-amylase), and protects pancreatic β-cells. Cardiovascular benefits include blood pressure reduction via ACE inhibition, lipid profile improvement, and endothelial function enhancement. Zingiber officinale represents a promising natural therapeutic agent with a well-established safety profile (GRAS status). Its synergistic bioactive compounds offer potential applications in cancer prevention, the management of inflammatory diseases, the treatment of metabolic syndrome treatment, and cardiovascular protection. However, well-designed clinical trials are essential to establish standardized dosing protocols and optimize bioavailability, underscoring Zingiber offcinale 's promise as a functional food and nutraceutical in contemporary healthcare. Keywords: Zingiber officinale, Zingiber offcinale, Zingiber offcinale ol, Shogaol, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Cardiovascular protection, Phytotherapy
Acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a severe cutaneous adverse reaction, attributed to drugs in the majority (>90%) of cases, although it may also be associated with acute viral infections and mercury exposure. It is a rare condition, with an estimated incidence of 1–5 cases per million population per year. This study is a retrospective analysis of seven cases of drug-induced AGEP. Data were obtained from VigiFlow, a pharmacovigilance database used for adverse drug reaction reporting and analysis. Individual Case Safety Reports (ICSRs) of AGEP reported between July 2021 and February 2024 were analysed for patient characteristics, clinical presentation, outcomes, and suspected drugs. Causality and severity were assessed using the WHO-UMC causality scale and the Modified Hartwig and Siegel severity scale, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using Jamovi version 2.3.28. Among the seven cases, there was a predominance of females (male:female ratio 1:6), with a mean age of 34.7 years. Antimicrobials were implicated in 85.7% of cases, while non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) accounted for 14.3%. Itching and fever were present in all cases, and leucocytosis was observed in 85.7% of patients. The mean latency period was 2.29 days. Based on severity assessment, 42.9% of cases were moderate and 57.1% were severe. According to the WHO-UMC causality scale, 57.1% of cases were classified as probable and 42.9% as possible. The mean resolution time was 8.71 days. AGEP is a rare but clinically significant adverse drug reaction; therefore, prompt recognition and reporting are essential. Strengthening pharmacovigilance systems is crucial for improving patient safety. Keywords: Acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis, Cutaneous adverse drug reaction, Pharmacovigilance
Public health around the world is still very much in danger from the COVID-19 pandemic, which was caused by SARS-CoV-2. Emerging variations and limited antiviral choices make treatment strategies targeting the virus crucial, even though immunization efforts have offered some control. The purpose of this research was to use in silico molecular docking methods to find natural compounds that could inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (Mpro). For this purpose, five naturally occurring polyphenols were chosen according to their established pharmacological profiles: Chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, caffeic acid, ellagic acid, and Ferulic acid. An entry for Mpro was located in the RCSB Protein Data Bank, with the PDB ID being 6LU7. To identify the ligands' binding affinities and interaction types with the target protein, docking simulations were conducted using AutoDock 4.0. Chlorogenic acid formed persistent connections with catalytic residues His41 and Cys145, showing the highest binding affinity (−8.6 kcal/mol) among the substances that were examined. Ellagic acid and ferulic acid displayed lower affinities, whilst gallic acid and caffeic acid displayed moderate affinities ranging from -7.9 to -7.6 kcal/mol. Visual inspection of binding positions verified positive interactions at the active site. The findings suggest that chlorogenic acid could be an interesting starting molecule to explore further. Results show that computational docking is useful for quick drug screening and lend credence to the idea that natural compounds can be repurposed as COVID-19 treatments. It is suggested to validate these findings by experiments and molecular dynamics simulations. Keywords: Standardized PDB ID 6LU7, Ellagic acid, Molecular docking, Polyphenols, Chlorogenic acid
Obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease associated with significant cardiometabolic, mechanical, and psychological consequences. Despite lifestyle interventions forming the cornerstone of therapy, long-term weight loss is difficult to sustain for many individuals, leading to growing interest in pharmacological options. Semaglutide, a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, has emerged as an important therapeutic advancement due to its substantial weight-reduction effects and metabolic benefits. The objective of the study is to describe the clinical, pharmacological, and therapeutic profile of semaglutide in the context of obesity management, including mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic characteristics, efficacy, safety considerations, dosing strategies, and future directions. Relevant literature from clinical trials, mechanistic studies, regulatory reports, and real-world analyses was reviewed to summarize the therapeutic role of semaglutide in obesity. Particular attention was given to major clinical trial programs evaluating weight outcomes, metabolic parameters, and safety events. Semaglutide promotes weight loss through central and peripheral mechanisms that reduce appetite, enhance satiety, delay gastric emptying, and improve glucose homeostasis. Molecular modifications prolong its half-life, enabling convenient once-weekly dosing and consistent metabolic effects. Clinical evidence shows notable reductions in body weight, improvements in glycemic control, and favorable cardiometabolic changes in diverse patient groups. The most common adverse effects are gastrointestinal and tend to lessen with gradual dose escalation. Concerns such as pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and thyroid-related risks are uncommon but require clinical awareness. High-dose oral formulations, extended indications, and combination therapies are under ongoing investigation and may further broaden clinical utility. Semaglutide represents a significant evolution in the medical treatment of obesity, offering durable weight loss and meaningful metabolic benefits. While cost, accessibility, and long-term safety considerations persist, current evidence supports its role as a cornerstone. Keywords: Semaglutide, Obesity, Pharmacotherapy, GLP-1 receptor agonist, Weight management, Metabolism
In this work, crude hydroalcoholic herbal extract mixtures (HEM) made from the roots of Raphanus sativus and leaves of Moringa oleifera were evaluated for their anthelmintic activity. Investigations were conducted on eight treatment groups: Groups IV–VI were treated with mixed HEM (HEMA-C) blends in varying ratios of Moringa oleifera and Raphanus sativus (HEMA: 50%:50%, HEMB: 70%:30%, HEMC: 30%:70%); Group VII and Group VIII were treated with individual hydroalcoholic extracts of Moringa oleifera (HEMO) and Raphanus sativus (HERS) at 10 mg/ml. Group I was treated with normal saline as a negative control; Group II was treated with a solvent control with a (30:70) water and ethanol solution; Group III was treated with albendazole (10 mg/ml) as a standard. Mature Pheretima posthuma worms approximately 5 cm size placed in glass Petri dishes were utilized for adult motility testing into it; about 24 adult worms per study and 3 worms per group were used. When exposed to water at 50°C, the inhibition of worm motility acted as a reliable predictor of anthelmintic activity, corresponding with either death or paralysis. Worms that showed signs of renewed movement were deemed alive, while those that did not move were deemed dead. The results of the study provide important new information about the possible anthelmintic qualities of these hydroalcoholic herbal extracts, indicating that they may be useful in treating parasitic diseases by focusing on particular physiological processes of the parasites. Keywords: Anthelmintics, Herbal extract mixtures, Albendazole, Pheretima posthuma, Mortality, Paralysis
Hemostasis is the first and the most important stage of healing a wound as it keeps the blood in the wound and gives a possibility to the additional repair of a tissue. The Tridax procumbens L. was traditionally utilized to control the bleed as well as to treat the wounds though the molecular pathway of the activity is poorly examined. The conceptual approach to in silico research is the offered approach in the current study to study the hypothetical hemostatic processes of T. procumbens through the methods of hypothesis-generating such as network pharmacology and molecular docking. It was done by collecting literature and database reports of reported phytoconstituents of T. procumbens and short listing drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic viable phytoconstituents. This was followed by computational prediction of possible molecular targets in regard to hemostasis as well as wound repair and the theoretical construction of the network and the healthy visualization of the pathway enrichment of the network to identify the important biological processes. The relative binding affinity of the phytochemicals of the chosen phytochemicals was approximated by a molecular docking of the phytochemicals to the representative hemostatic targets. The network-based analysis indicated that a number of phytochemicals might be able to act in a synergistic manner on the coagulation-related signaling, platelet activity, inflammatory regulation, and the allocation of the extra cells at the optimal site. The results of docking indicate the positive theoretical interaction evident in the process of hemostatic modulation as possible. It is only a calculational investigation, which has not been verified by experimental or clinical means. Prediction of future experimental and clinical research on the study of the hemostatic and wound-healing of Tridax procumbens may be made using the obtained results. Keywords: Tridax procumbens, Hemostasis, Wound healing, Network pharmacology, Molecular docking, In silico study
Phytopharmaceuticals bridge traditional herbal medicines and modern pharmaceuticals by combining plant-based bioactives with scientific validation. India, endowed with rich biodiversity and traditional medicine heritage, holds immense potential in this field. However, regulatory ambiguity, lack of standardization, and weak global alignment continue to hinder growth. The objective of the study is to evaluate India’s current regulatory framework for phytopharmaceuticals, identify key challenges, and assess recent initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and harmonization with international standards. A qualitative analysis of regulatory documents, government notifications, and policy guidelines was conducted. Comparative evaluation was performed between India’s Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules with international frameworks such as WHO, ICH, and FDA to assess regulatory convergence and gaps. India’s regulatory progress includes the 2015 amendment to the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules defining phytopharmaceuticals and the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019, which streamline approvals. Initiatives like the Phytopharmaceuticals Mission, interagency collaborations (ICMR–DBT–CSIR), and inclusion of monographs in the Indian Pharmacopoeia highlight institutional support. Yet, high development costs, overlapping jurisdiction with AYUSH, and undefined preclinical–clinical criteria persist as barriers to market growth. India’s evolving phytopharmaceutical regulations mark a vital step toward integrating traditional wisdom with modern science. Continued policy clarity, quality standards, and international harmonization can establish India as a global leader in evidence-based, plant-derived therapeutics. Keywords: Phytopharmaceuticals, CDSCO, Regulatory framework, AYUSH, Indian Pharmacopoeia, Herbal medicines, Drug approval, India
Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a rapid-onset pustular dermatosis characterized by widespread sterile pustules on erythematous skin, commonly triggered by medications. Etoricoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor widely used for inflammatory and pain conditions, is a rare but recognized cause of drug-induced AGEP. A female patient in her forties had prescribed oral etoricoxib 90 mg two times a day for the management of dental pain. After that patient started to develop multiple bilateral symmetrical pustules with erythematous base present over both bilateral upper limb and lower limb. Patient was treated with Inj. Hydrocortisone intravenous stat, Tab. Prednisolone 40 mg orally once a day, Tab. Azithromycin 500 mg once a day, Tab. Levocetirizine 5 mg orally twice a day and Tab. Pantoprazole 40 mg twice a day for 5 days. For pustules over skin patient was treated with fremycetin cream and betamethasone cream. Patient was recovered in seven days. The adverse drug reaction was assessed as certain by the WHO causality scale and probable by the Naranjo scale. Severity was categorized as moderate (Level 3) using the Modified Hartwig and Siegle scale, while preventability assessment indicated that the reaction was definitely preventable. Keywords: Acute generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis, Etoricoxib
Anisometropia, marked by unequal refractive errors, can cause amblyopia and persistent binocular dysfunction even after visual acuity correction. This study evaluated fine, dynamic, and coarse stereopsis, along with perceptual eye position (PEP), in anisometropic individuals with optimal best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). In a cross-sectional study, 204 anisometropic patients and 57 age-matched controls underwent synoptophore-based PEP testing and stereopsis assessment, including the Titmus test. Participants were classified as hyperopic, myopic, or astigmatic. Statistical analysis used chi-square and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Anisometropes showed significantly reduced binocular function. Only 35.6% had normal fine stereopsis versus 86.0% of controls (p < 0.001), and Titmus scores were worse (median 100 vs. 40 arcsec, p < 0.001). Vertical PEP was higher in anisometropes (median 3 pixels, p < 0.001), while horizontal PEP did not differ. Hyperopic anisometropia was most affected, with only 12.8% demonstrating normal fine stereopsis. Even with corrected BCVA, anisometropic patients—especially hyperopes—show persistent stereopsis and vertical alignment deficits. PEP and stereopsis assessments should be part of routine clinical evaluation and rehabilitation planning. Keywords: Anisometropia, Stereopsis, Binocular vision, Perceptual eye position, Amblyopia, Hyperopia, Titmus test
Polypharmacy is common among the elderly due to multiple comorbidities, increasing the risk of drug-drug interactions, toxicities, and adverse reactions. Prescription analysis is essential to ensure rational drug use and to minimize medication- related complications. This study evaluates the rationality of geriatric prescriptions and identifies issues related to excessive medication usage using Phadke’s criteria. An observational study was conducted in the inpatient department of a tertiary care hospital. A total of 144 prescriptions were analyzed using Phadke’s criteria, which assigns score up to 30 points. Prescriptions were graded as rational (25-30 points), semi-rational (15-24 points), or irrational (0-14 points) based on adherence to clinical guidelines. The study included 144 patients with mean age 71.94 ± 6.08 years; of which 24.3% were men and 75.6% were women. Among the prescriptions analysed 59.7% prescriptions were deemed to be rational, 35.4% semi-rational, and 5.5% irrational. The most frequently prescribed medications were Pantoprazole 98.6% and Ondansetron 77.7%, with Ceftriaxone 52.1% as the most common antibiotic. Excessive multivitamin usage was also noted. Most prescriptions were rational; however, the presence of semi-rational and irrational prescriptions and the excessive medication use highlight the need for regular prescription evaluation to enhance geriatric pharmacotherapy. Keywords: Polypharmacy, Geriatric, Prescription analysis, Rational drug use, Phadke’s criteria
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the major cause of global health crisis due to multidrug drug resistance thus being a major health threat calling for a new agent need for a novel of antimicrobial agents. Our previous molecular docking study identified several phytochemicals from Aloe barbadensis as potential inhibitors of MRSA targets. This study experimentally validates the excellent in vitro activity of 7-O-Methylaloesinol compound against S. aureus. 7-O-Methylaloesinol dissociated from FemA/FemB MRSA target during molecular dynamic simulation. Antibacterial activity against S. aureus ATCC 25923 was evaluated using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method. Gentamicin (10 µg/disk) was used as positive control, and DMSO as negative control. Zones of inhibition (ZOI) were measured in triplicate after 48 h incubation at 27°C. Data were analyzed using one way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test. 7-O-Methylaloesinol produced the inhibition zone (38.7 ± 1.2 mm), significantly exceeding the positive control gentamicin (35.7 ± 4.0 mm, *p* < 0.05). While the negative control showed no zone of inhibition. This activity strongly correlated with docking scores (Spearman’s ρ = 0.87, *p* = 0.002). 7-O-Methylaloesinol demonstrate potent in vitro activity against S. aureus, with efficacy surpassing that of gentamicin under disk diffusion conditions. These results showing the high-water solubility- rapid diffusion of 7-O-Methylaloesinol in agar with disk diffusion zones reflecting disc diffusion rate and membrane effects not just binding affinity
A type of illness known as cardiovascular disease affects the heart or blood arteries. The flow of blood to the heart, brain, or body is reduced due to thrombosis (blood clotting). Streptokinase (SK) is an extracellular enzyme that converts plasminogen to plasmin, as a medication in thrombolytic treatment. The current study was focused on streptokinase production and enhanced activity using magnetic nanoparticles. Nutrient agar media and liquid state fermentation at pre-optimized conditions was used. The proteolytic activity of the enzyme was determined by using the casein digestion method and then Biuret test was performed for protein estimation. The product of bacterial culture was extracted, and the partial purification of streptokinase was done by ammonium sulfate precipitation, dialysis and then further chromatographic techniques and gel filtration were applied. Immobilization of streptokinase was done by using Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles to enhance its activity and protein yield. The immobilization of SK on magnetic nanoparticles was characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy and Zetasizer. Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticle showed absorption peak at 224.4 nm and size of 229.4 nm. When compared to the total activity of gel chromatography (5.10 U/ml), immobilization increased the total activity of SK to 7.106 U/ml. In this way enzyme activity of immobilized streptokinase increased by 1.39-fold. Immobilized enzyme was used in in vivo studies and then compared with native one. The activity analysis of immobilized streptokinase was compared with the native one. Immobilized streptokinase exhibited more thrombolytic activity in rabbits than the native form, as demonstrated by in vivo study. Keywords: Streptokinase; Immobilized enzyme; Nanoparticle; Chromatography; Streptococcus pyogenes; Thrombosis
Stephania japonica plants appear to be rich in secondary metabolites, widely utilised in traditional medicine to treat and heal numerous illnesses. It is traditionally used to treat wounds, but there is no scientific data on its in vivo wound-healing activity. Pharmacognostical analysis evaluates a drug's identity, quality, purity, and safety through microscopic and macroscopic research. The extraction solvent dissolves significant amounts of the target material. The percentage yields of alcohol and water-soluble extractive values were calculated. After the extraction of the plant material, the herbal ointment was formulated. After checking the evaluation parameter of the ointment, the excision wound healing activity was performed on Wistar rats. The herbal extract was prepared by using a simple Soxhlet extraction process to obtain a good yield of extract, and there was no harm to the chemical constituents and their activity. This study showed that the herbal ointment heals wounds better in less time as similar with the standard ointment by applied to Wistar rats. Keywords: Pharmacognostical, Phytochemical, Wound healing, Stephania japonica, Herbal ointment
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) has been identified to be a major health problem in the world with an estimated number of 250 million individuals being affected by the disease. Though traditional antiviral treatments were proved to be effective, complications like poor cure rates, resistance, and adverse effects are still the burning issues. Network pharmacology has gained great strength in recent years as a possible strategy of recognizing how natural products systematically affect numerous disease targets. Four studies relating to four major formulations of traditional Chinese medicine identified as Jiawei Yinchenhao decoction, Fructus Schisandrae, Ganweikang tablets, Bupleuri Radix, and Scutellariae Radix were based on network pharmacological analysis and synthesized in the review to determine their hepatoprotective effects on CHB. We investigate their bioactive compounds, in silico targets, enriched pathways, noteworthy molecular processes, including management of TNF, IL-6, MAPK, NF-KB and JAK-STAT signalling. This integrative analysis is meant to enhance our knowledge on the use of multi-target therapeutic in management of HBV and provides insights on future investigations regarding adopting network pharmacology as the cornerstone of bridging the traditional and precision medicine. Keywords: Network pharmacology, Hepatitis B, Traditional Chinese medicine, Molecular docking, Multi-target therapy, Hepatoprotection
Psychiatric polypharmacy and fixed-dose combination (FDC) prescribing are frequently observed in tertiary care psychiatry. While appropriate in selected scenarios such as treatment-resistant illness or comorbidities, both practices carry risks of adverse drug reactions, drug–drug interactions, and poor adherence. To determine the prevalence, patterns, and predictors of psychiatric polypharmacy and FDC use among psychiatric outpatients in a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India. A three-month cross-sectional study was conducted in the Psychiatry Outpatient Department of a government tertiary hospital. Prescriptions containing at least one psychotropic drug were obtained by convenience sampling. Socio-demographic, clinical, and prescribing details were recorded using a structured form. Psychiatric polypharmacy was defined as ≥2 psychotropics per prescription; general polypharmacy as ≥5 drugs. Associations were tested using chi-square and logistic regression. Among 150 prescriptions, psychiatric polypharmacy was present in 67.3%, general polypharmacy in 41.3%, and FDC use in 41.3%. Psychotropic FDCs accounted for 22.7% of prescriptions. Polypharmacy was significantly associated with age (p=0.048), socio-economic status (p=0.032), and diagnosis (p=0.001). Logistic regression confirmed schizophrenia spectrum disorders (OR=2.91, 95% CI: 1.24–6.83) and middle socio-economic status (OR=2.37, 95% CI: 1.02–5.49) as independent predictors. High rates of psychiatric polypharmacy and FDC use, particularly in schizophrenia, highlight the need for regular prescription audits, prescriber education, and stricter regulation of irrational FDCs. Limitations include convenience sampling, modest sample size, and single-centre design. Multicentric, longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate outcomes and guide rational psychotropic prescribing. Keywords: Psychiatry, Polypharmacy, Fixed-dose combinations, Psychotropic drugs, Prescription audit, Rational prescribing
Largely plant-based, traditional medicinal systems continue to provide primary healthcare to more than three-quarters of the world’s population. Plant-derived medicines are used in all cultures and, as such, plants have always played a key role in healthcare. Traditional medicines are widely used across India. Scientific knowledge of these uses varies with some regions, such as Eastern Uttar Pradesh state, India, being less reported. The plants being used are increasingly threatened by a variety of pressures and are being categorized for conservation management purposes. The present study describes the floristic elements depletion of Prayagraj district, Uttar Pradesh, India, with special reference to the threatened and endangered medicinal plant species. Altogether, 27 such floral species have been recorded in this study, facing different levels of threats of the genera - Asparagus, Argyreia, Ceropegia, Chlorophytum, Costus, Gloriosa, Rauvolfia, Urginea etc., which are in immediate danger of extinction and need protection and rehabilitation. Keywords: Biodiversity, Threatened flora, Traditional medicine, Prayagraj
The Aim of this present study was to develop an oral sustained release matrix tablet of metformin HCl and evaluate the influence of Xanthum gum on the drug release profile. The use of FTIR for drug – excipient compatibility is appropriate. The wet granulation method is suitable for matrix tablet preparation, incorporating hydrophilic HPMC K100M, PVP K30, and Xanthan gum as controlling agents for the release rate. Lactose served as the filler. The physicochemical tests (weight variation, hardness, friability, content uniformity, and in vitro dissolution) were standard and appropriately listed. Both pre- and post-compression parameters are good that both stages were evaluated in this study. The data on drug release were analyzed using multiple models to determine the kinetics and mechanism of drug release. A clear comparison between HPMC alone and HPMC – Xanthum gum combination was made. Quantify the difference in drug release, HPMC alone released 90% of drug within 6 hours, while the combination extended release to 12 hours. Release kinetics following Zero order kinetics with Higuchi model diffusion-controlled release mechanism. Formulation F8 was identified as the optimal formulation. The dissolution profile of formulation F8 can be characterized by Release kinetics following Zero order kinetics with Higuchi model diffusion-controlled release mechanism. Keywords: Matrix tablets, Metformin hydrochloride, Xantham gum, HPMCK100, PVPK30
The aim of the study was to evaluate the antispasmodic properties of the leaves of Urtica dioica. The gastrointestinal tract plays a vital role in consuming and digesting food, absorbing nutrients, and removing waste from the body. Various diseases affecting the GI system can adversely impact digestion and overall health. Common digestive issues include diarrhoea, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), constipation, peptic ulcers, and other gastrointestinal disorders. GIT disorders encompass any ailments that influence the gastrointestinal tract, including symptoms that arise in the middle or lower gastrointestinal system. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antispasmodic effects of Urtica dioica leaves on the voluntary motility and contractility of chicken ileum smooth muscle in vitro. The research utilized chicken ileum to evaluate the muscle-relaxing properties of Urtica dioica rhizomes on intestinal contractions. Traditional remedies for GIT disorders often involve the use of herbal treatments such as Zingiber officinale and Artemisia vulgaris. Consequently, this study determined that the ethanolic extract of Urtica dioica exhibits antispasmodic properties in intestinal tissue, indicating its potential application as an antidiarrheal agent. Keywords: Urtica dioica, Antispasmodic, Gastrointestinal disorders, Chicken ileum, Antidiarrheal agent
The objective of the study is to document and evaluate the effects of cotrimoxazole combined with beclomethasone lotion on fungal infections in three household plants: bamboo (Bambusoideae), money plant (Epipremnum aureum), and hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis). Three household plants with visible fungal infections were treated with a topical application of cotrimoxazole and beclomethasone lotion: Case 1 - Bamboo developed black fungal growth along one stem. Treatment daily for two weeks halted fungal spread; the middle section was removed, while the upper and lower segments recovered. Case 2 - Money plant exhibited white powdery fungal coating. Treatment twice weekly for three weeks led to complete resolution, with new healthy shoots and no recurrence. Case 3 - Hibiscus presented with dark circular fungal spots and reduced flowering. Weekly treatment for one month resulted in leaf recovery and resumption of flowering. All three plants showed suppression of fungal growth, preservation of healthy tissue, and partial or complete recovery. Bamboo survived despite partial stem loss, money plant fully recovered, and hibiscus regained both foliage and flowering capacity. Cotrimoxazole combined with beclomethasone lotion may offer a novel, unconventional approach for controlling fungal infections in household plants. Early intervention appears critical for full recovery. While anecdotal and uncontrolled, these observations suggest potential avenues for experimental plant pharmacology and warrant further controlled studies.
Drug allergies are commonly attributed to active pharmaceutical ingredients, but excipients; the inactive ingredients comprising up to 90% of medication formulations, can also cause adverse reactions that are often overlooked. The recent cough syrup tragedy in Oct 2025 in India, due to an excipient, underlines the seriousness of the matter. We present five patients who experienced allergic reactions to specific medication brands but tolerated identical active ingredients from different manufacturers. All patients showed complete resolution when switched to alternative brands containing different excipients. Cases included reactions to phenobarbital, diclofenac, aspirin, and rabeprazole formulations. Analysis of 200 tablet formulations revealed magnesium stearate, lactose, and microcrystalline cellulose as the most common excipients. Excipient allergies represent an under recognized cause of drug reactions. Clinicians should consider excipient sensitivity when patients report brand-specific medication intolerance, as this can prevent unnecessary active ingredient avoidance. Keywords: Drug Allergy, Excipients, Pharmaceutical Formulation, Adverse Drug Reactions, Case Series, Brand-Specific Intolerance
