A simple, accurate, and precise reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method was for developed simultaneously estimating paracetamol, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine hydrochloride in a combined dosage form. An Inertsil ODS-3V C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) was used to separate the samples. The mobile phase was a gradient of phosphate buffer (pH 3.0) and acetonitrile. The flow rate was 1.0 mL min1, and the detection was done at 220 nm. Paracetamol, guaifenesin and phenylephrine HCl had retention times of approximately 3.84, 8.99 and 5.85 minutes, respectively. The method was linear for paracetamol, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine HCl over the ranges of 51.2–76.8 µg mL-1, 32–60 µg mL-1, and 16–24 µg mL-1, with correlation coefficients of 0.999 or higher for all analytes. The analytes exhibited average recoveries between 98.3 % and 101.6 %. The proposed method was validated in line with ICH guidelines and effectively utilized on a synthetic mixture of the analytes.
The research emphasizes the formulation development and evaluation of a polyherbal effervescent antidiabetic powder by incorporating Syzygium cumini (Jamun seeds), Pterocarpus marsupium (Vijaysar wood), and Withania coagulans (Paneer phool). These herbs were selected for their traditional antidiabetic properties and potential synergistic effects. The powder was prepared using a dry mixing method to ensure the stability of moisture-sensitive ingredients like sodium bicarbonate, citric acid and tartaric acid, which facilitate rapid effervescence. Evaluation revealed excellent flow properties and a rapid effervescence time of approximately 90 sec. In vitro analysis via an α-amylase inhibition assay confirmed significant antidiabetic activity, with 72.9% inhibition at 75 mg mL-1. The formulation offers a patient-friendly, fast-acting alternative for diabetes management.
A reliable, innovative and stability-indicating HPTLC method was successfully developed and validated for estimating inosine pranobex (IP) in both bulk drug and pharmaceutical formulations using a Quality by Design (QbD) approach. To achieve systematic optimization, a Box-Behnken Design was applied to identify and refine key method parameters. Variables such as mobile phase composition, saturation time, solvent front and band length were studied to enhance chromatographic efficiency. The separation was carried out on HPTLC plates precoated with silica gel 60 F254 using a mobile phase consisting of toluene, methanol, ethyl acetate and formic acid in the ratio 6:2:2:0.5 (V/V/V/V). Detection was performed at 272 nm using densitometry. The method underwent thorough validation to confirm its specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, robustness and sensitivity. The drug showed a well-defined peak with an Rf value of 0.56 ± 0.02. The method exhibited linearity in the range of 200–1200 ng band-1 with a correlation coefficient (r²) of 0.999. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were found to be 1.15 ng band-1 and 3.5 ng band-1 respectively. The percentage recovery was found to be 98.6 % to 102.08%. Forced degradation studies under various stress conditions demonstrated method’s stability by effectively separating the drug from its degradation products, proving its applicability for quality control analysis.
Sutures play a critical role in wound closure and healing following surgical procedures, but can also act as a reservoir for microbial colonization, potentially leading to surgical site infections. To address this, the present study evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy of silk sutures coated with different antibiotics against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Four groups were assessed: doxycycline-coated sutures (Group A), amoxicillin–metronidazole-coated sutures (Group B), uncoated sutures as control (Group C), and chitosan polymer–coated sutures (Group D). Using the agar diffusion method, both antibiotic-coated groups demonstrated concentration-dependent increases in zones of inhibition. At 25 % concentration, Group A showed a mean inhibition zone (6.8 ± 1.20 mm), while Group B exhibited a significantly larger zone (9.85 ± 0.91 mm) (p < 0.001). Group C showed no inhibition, whereas Group D showed minimal inhibition (2.1 ± 0.14 mm). These findings suggest that antibiotic-coated sutures, particularly amoxicillin–metronidazole, may effectively reduce postoperative infections.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder affecting women during their fertile years, marked by hormonal imbalance, cystic ovaries and irregular menstruation. Pimenta dioica, a traditional medicinal plant, was evaluated for its therapeutic potential against PCOS using in silico approaches. GC-MS analysis identified key phytocompounds, which were further assessed through network pharmacology, drug-likeness, ADMET analyses and molecular docking studies. Network analysis revealed five crucial PCOS-associated targets: Insulin receptor substrate-1 (1QQG), Androgen receptor (1E3G), Follicle-stimulating hormone (1XWD), Leptin receptor (3V60), and CYP17 (3RVK). Among the identified compounds, eugenol exhibited strong binding affinity towards these targets. ADMET profiling and PASS prediction confirmed its favourable pharmacokinetics, non-toxicity, and non-carcinogenic properties. These findings suggest that Pimenta dioica, particularly eugenol, holds promise as a potential lead compound for developing novel early-stage therapeutics for PCOS management.
This study presents a novel nanotherapeutic strategy for the treatment of arthritis utilising copper nanoparticles prepared using leaf extract from Baliospermum solanifolium. Known for its antiinflammatory properties, the plant was used as a natural capping and reducing agent during the development of nanoparticles. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, and UV-Vis spectroscopy were utilized to thoroughly evaluate the size, shape and structural integrity of the greensynthesised copper nanoparticles. The anti-inflammatory qualities were assessed in vivo using a carrageenan paw oedema model in rats. The copper nanoparticle gel formulation showed significantly superior anti-arthritic activity. These results suggest that a topical gel containing copper nanoparticles derived from B. solanifolium provides a safe and efficient nanotherapeutic alternative for the treatment of arthritis symptoms, with promising potential.
Dear Reader, Pharmaceutical manufacturing has, for over a century, run on a simple concept: make one formulation, in one strength, at enormous scale. However, the medical fraternity knows how uneasily this sits alongside the reality of patients, who differ enormously in body weight, metabolism, renal function and disease severity, especially children, the elderly, and anyone managing several chronic conditions at once. Three dimensional printing, or additive manufacturing, is now offering a genuine alternative to this one-size-fits-all approach: a dosage form built layer by layer, with a dose, release profile and even shape specified for a single patient.
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 virus as a major health hazard increased interest in traditional formulations from Ayurveda such as Ayush Kwath Churna (AKC), which are recognized for their ability to boost immunity. But due to the possibility of contamination, there is a need for an effective quality control procedure. This study sought to develop and validate a simple, efficient and sensitive highperformance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) technique for the identification and quantification of eugenol as marker substance in AKC. Methanolic extract of AKC was analyzed on HPTLC silica gel 60 F254 plates using toluene:chloroform:methanol and formic acid (4:4:1:0.3 V/V/V/V) as optimized mobile phase. Detection was carried out at 282 nm. The method was validated as per ICH Q2(R1) guidelines. The linear range concentration of eugenol was found to be from 100 – 700 ng spot-1 with Rf value of 0.40 ± 0.018. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) values were 0.13 and 0.40 µg spot-1, respectively.
Nitrosamine impurities, classified as human carcinogens, have been detected in pharmaceutical drugs over the past several years. They are distinguished by the presence of the nitroso functional group and may develop under numerous conditions, including manufacturing and shelf life. Metabolic activation of nitrosamines is primarily mediated by membrane protein cytochrome P450 2E1. This review provides a comprehensive overview of nitrosamines, including compromised risk factors, nitrosation pathway, root causes, and acceptable intake limits. In addition, this review presents mitigation strategies aimed at addressing and controlling the nitrosamine impurity formation.
Dear Reader, For decades the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry has proudly worn the mantle of the “Pharmacy of the World” driven by an unparalleled mastery of small molecules, using efficient manufacturing and chemical synthesis. However, as the global therapeutic landscape rapidly shifts to large molecules, precision biotherapeutics, cell and gene therapy we find ourselves at a critical inflection point. The year 2026 marks a significant milestone in Indian biopharma policy. The recent BioE3 policy and Biopharma SHAKTI initiative, with its Rs.10,000/- crore outlay signals a definitive pivot from volume driven growth to value driven innovations in the move to much needed affordable next generation biologics. The goal is to explicitly reduce import dependence, build shared clinical trial infrastructure and capture a significant share of the global biopharmaceutical market. While blockbuster biologics offer a massive window of opportunity, capitalizing on it requires more than manufacturing scale. It demands integration of advanced biologic technology, rigorous clinical evaluation and an end to end bio-manufacturing ecosystem.
The study aimed to enhance the dissolution and bioavailability of efavirenz, a BCS Class II drug, through solid dispersions (SDs) using PEG 4000 and Gelucire® 44/14 as hydrophilic carriers. The Gibbs free energy values (ΔGo tr) were negative, and decreased with increasing carrier concentration. SDs were prepared at varying drug to carrier ratios by different methods. Dissolution studies using USP apparatus type II in media containing 0.5 % SLS in aqueous medium revealed that SDs prepared using gelucire 44/14 at a 1:1.5 ratio exhibited a ~75 % drug release in 45 min compared to 42 % from pure drug. Characterization via FTIR and DSC indicated no drug-carrier interactions and partial amorphization, respectively. Pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters were calculated using PK Solver software after performing the in vivo studies of the selected SD formulation in rats. The study showed an approximately threefold increase in AUC value when compared to pure efavirenz.
Numerous pharmacological characteristics, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antidiabetic, anticancer, cholesterol lowering, wound healing, cardioprotective and neuroprotective actions, are displayed by ferulic acid (FA), a crucial hydroxycinnamic acid found in plant cell walls. Through mechanisms like immunological modulation, viral replication suppression, and oxidative stress reduction, recent studies demonstrate its antiviral potential. FA boosts antioxidant defenses and inhibits inflammatory pathways to disrupt viral pathogenesis. Despite its mild safety issues, its low bioavailability, fast metabolism and poor water solubility pose problems for therapeutic use. Developments in drug delivery technologies, including nanoparticle-based formulations and bio-improved derivatives, offer intriguing ways to enhance FA’s pharmacokinetics. To increase FA’s effectiveness, future studies should focus on improving its bioavailability and clinical translation.
Dear Reader, Drug repurposing, also known as drug repositioning or reprofiling, is a potentially transformative approach in drug discovery. Novel therapeutic applications for existing drugs, whether licensed, experimental, or previously discontinued drugs for disorders outside their original indications, are explored in a drug repurposing approach. Repurposed candidates bypass early-stage development, usually progressing directly to advanced preclinical or clinical phases, reducing both cost and duration. In 2024, it was forecasted that the drug repurposing market size would increase by USD 8.58 billion at a CAGR of 4.3% between 2023 and 2028.
Aspergillosis, caused by Aspergillus niger, is difficult to manage due to the poor solubility of antifungal agents like posaconazole. To enhance its delivery, an ionic liquid (IL) of posaconazole was prepared in 1:4 and 1:5 molar ratios via employing solvent evaporation method. Structural characterization using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed red shifts in O–H and N–H bands, confirming hydrogen bonding and drug-carrier interaction. X-ray powder diffractometry (XRPD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis indicated reduced crystallinity. Saturation solubility and partition coefficient studies demonstrated improved aqueous solubility and reduced lipophilicity of IL formulations. In vitro dissolution showed significantly enhanced release profiles compared to the pure drug. Antifungal evaluation revealed increased activity against A. niger and retained activity against Candida albicans. These findings suggest that IL based systems can improve solubility, permeability and antifungal efficacy of posaconazole, offering a promising strategy for the treatment of aspergillosis.
Itraconazole is an effective antifungal drug; however, its clinical use is limited due to poor aqueous solubility and low oral bioavailability. The present study was undertaken to develop a submicron emulsion system to improve the solubility, release behavior and antifungal efficacy of itraconazole. Submicron emulsions were prepared using Pluronic® F-127, soy lecithin and soybean oil and were evaluated for physicochemical properties, drug encapsulation, in vitro drug release, and antifungal activity against Candida albicans. The optimized formulation (F12) showed high encapsulation efficiency (95%), mean particle size of 253.6 nm, PDI of 0.29, and zeta potential of −31.2 mV, indicating good stability. Sustained drug release of 92.6% was observed over 24 h. The formulation exhibited enhanced antifungal activity compared to pure itraconazole. These findings suggest that the submicron emulsion is a promising lipidbased approach for improving the oral delivery and therapeutic efficacy of itraconazole.
Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors affecting especially women and globally causing around 300,000 deaths annually. It is caused by a prolonged infection with high-risk subtypes of the human papillomavirus, and viral oncoproteins such as E5, E6 and E7 collaborate with host factors to create and maintain the malignant phenotype. Despite improved survival rate by early detection and advances in the treatment, recurrent and metastatic cervical cancer remains a major challenge for management. Cervical cancer can sometimes spread to other organs like bones, liver, or lungs mostly affecting the lymph nodes. Recurrent cervical cancer is the term used to describe cervical cancer that has come back after therapy. This article emphasizes on innovative therapeutic techniques and combinational therapies which are the upcoming strategies for both recurrent and metastatic cervical cancer. This review focuses not only on the onset and progress of cervical cancer, but also discusses in- depth recurrent and metastatic cervical cancer and various upcoming strategies available for the treatment.
The present study uses molecular dynamic simulations to investigate the molecular interactions, stability and pH responsive behavior of commercially available hypromellose phthalate enteric polymer in complex with drug diroximel fumarate under gastric pH 1.5 and intestinal pH 5.5, and physiological temperature 310 K. Simulations were run for 100 ns at each condition and coulombic energy, hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces, conformational stability and binding free energy were analyzed. At pH 1.5, strong electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding stabilized the complex with energies fluctuating between 275-250 kcal mol-1, preventing premature gastric release. At pH 5.5, hydrogen bonding decreased, and van der Waals forces predominated facilitating drug release, suggesting pH responsiveness of the polymer. This study provides molecular level insights into pH responsive release mechanism of the polymer, offering a cost-effective approach in optimizing enteric coated formulations by reducing experimental trial-and-errors and guiding rational selection of polymeric excipients for enhanced drug stability and bioavailability.
Atorvastatin calcium was complexed with soya lecithin in various ratios using the thin-film hydration method. The formulated pharmacosomes underwent quality control tests, including in vitro dissolution studies, X-ray powder diffraction for crystallinity analysis, scanning electron microscopy for surface morphology, drug solubility assessment and drug content evaluation. The optimized batch (F5) had a particle size of 150.2 nm and an entrapment efficiency of 86.35%. The drug content of the optimized formulation was 91.12% w/w. Scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed the formation of discshaped pharmacosomes, while X-ray powder diffraction data verified the successful formation of the phospholipid complex. Solubility profile of the complex showed a significant improvement compared to pure atorvastatin. The F5 formulation exhibited drug release of 91.12% at the end of a 4h dissolution study. Complexation of atorvastatin calcium with soya phosphatidylcholine significantly enhances its solubility, leading to improved bioavailability and reduced gastrointestinal toxicity, making it a promising approach for atorvastatin delivery.
This study investigates the repurposing of esmolol hydrochloride for ocular diseases such as cataract by formulating and evaluating a temperature-sensitive in situ gel for ocular delivery. The gel was prepared using thermosensitive polymers Poloxamer 407 (Kolliphor® P407), Poloxamer 188 (Kolliphor® P188) and gellan gum, combined with mucoadhesive agents such as HPMC (METHOCEL™) at varying concentrations. Multiple formulations were developed and characterised for clarity, pH, viscosity, gelling temperature, isotonicity, drug content and in vitro drug release. HET-CAM testing confirmed the formulation was non-irritant and blood compatibility studies confirmed isotonicity. Among the tested formulations, the optimised formulation (F10) was selected for accelerated stability testing, and it remained stable and effective throughout the study. These results indicate that the optimised in situ gel formulation is suitable for ocular drug delivery, supporting the potential repurposing of esmolol hydrochloride for the treatment of cataract.
This study focuses an development and evaluation of an antioxidant-rich herbal hair mask incorporating flaxseed and rice water. This mask was formulated from natural ingredients possessing conditioning, moisturizing and reparative characteristics without the use of parabens and sulphates. It demonstrated 72% DPPH radical scavenging activity, stable physical parameters, and promising performance in spreadability, foamability, and dirt dispersion tests. The findings show that the use of the hair mask as a cheap, environmentally superior substitute for the artificial hair products, and resulting in healthier, stronger hair, is achievable.
