Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del. is a plant whose fruit pulp is traditionally used to treat constipation. They possess inherent laxative properties. This study aimed to improve upon the traditional method of use by developing lozenges with these laxative properties. An infusion was performed, and the physicochemical characteristics of the lyophilized extract were determined. The lozenges were formulated from the extract, and their quality and laxative efficacy in vivo were controlled in NMRI strain mice. The extract was yellow, had a bitter-sweet taste, a characteristic smell, and a fine texture. The pH was 5.56, and the RMC was 1.16%. The powder was highly hygroscopic, and the extraction yield was 33.71%, with a saponoside content of 2.76 μgED/mg. Fifteen (15) formulations were prepared, and formulation F7 was selected for the incorporation of the extract. The F7 was yellow, sweet, with an uncharacteristic odor and a hard appearance. The lozenges were uniform (1.95±0.04 g), with an average pH of 5.85±0.07 and a saponoside content of 2.01±0.26 μgED/mg. The lozenges had an accelerated intestinal transit percentage of 75.74±3.22%, comparable to that of the extract (78.10±4.32%) and castor oil (81.84±9.46%). After slowing down transit with loperamide (45.24±2.38%), the lozenges (60.84±7.13%) brought the percentage close to normal transit (65.94±3.33%). This study highlighted the laxative efficacy of lozenges made from Balanites aegyptiaca fruit pulp extract.
Antimicrobial resistance represents one of the most serious global public health threats, and in pediatric care, it poses a growing challenge in the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs), where Escherichia coli is the most frequently identified pathogen. This literature review aimed to analyze recent scientific evidence on the antibiotic resistance patterns of E. coli in pediatric UTIs, in order to identify trends that may guide clinical practice and prevention strategies. A structured bibliographic search was conducted in three databases—PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar—covering the period between 2019 and 2024. A total of 23 studies were selected, including original articles and narrative reviews, that met the following inclusion criteria: population under 18 years of age, microbiologically confirmed diagnosis, and full-text availability. The reviewed literature revealed a high prevalence of resistance to commonly used antibiotics in clinical practice, such as ampicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, with significant geographic variation. In contrast, carbapenems such as meropenem and imipenem exhibited low resistance rates, positioning them as effective therapeutic options for complicated clinical cases. Moreover, multidrug-resistant strains were reported in several countries, increasing the complexity of empirical treatment approaches. These findings underscore the urgent need to strengthen microbiological surveillance systems, regularly update pediatric clinical guidelines, and promote the rational use of antimicrobials. The review also highlights the importance of generating local evidence in Latin America, given the limited number of regional studies, to better inform empirical therapy and improve clinical outcomes in pediatric populations affected by urinary tract infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli.
Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global public health threat driven largely by inappropriate antimicrobial use and inadequate stewardship. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) promotes optimal antimicrobial prescribing to limit resistance. As future prescribers and healthcare providers, undergraduate health students play a critical role in AMR containment; however, evidence regarding their preparedness in Nigeria remains limited. Objective: To assess the knowledge and perceptions of AMR and AMS among final-year undergraduate students in selected health-related faculties at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between September and November 2025 among final-year students in Medicine (MBBS), Pharmacy, Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), and Veterinary Medicine. Using proportionate stratified random sampling, 235 students were recruited from 431 eligible students. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire adapted from validated instruments. AMR and AMS knowledge were each scored out of 7 and categorized as poor (0–3), average (4–5), or good (6–7). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 with descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Overall, 84.7% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of AMR, while 78.3% demonstrated good knowledge of AMS. Knowledge differed significantly by course of study for both AMR (χ² = 46.33, p < 0.001) and AMS (χ² = 28.70, p < 0.001), with MBBS and Pharmacy students outperforming Nursing students. Despite high levels of knowledge, important misconceptions persisted, including a misunderstanding of resistance mechanisms and support for non-prescription access to antibiotics (57.9%). A majority reported limited formal AMS training within the curriculum (70.6%), yet over 90% expressed a desire for more education on AMR and AMS. Conclusion: Although final-year health students demonstrated satisfactory baseline knowledge of AMR and AMS, significant conceptual gaps and permissive attitudes toward inappropriate antibiotic use remain. Strengthening structured, interprofessional AMS education within undergraduate curricula is urgently needed to prepare future healthcare professionals for effective antimicrobial stewardship in Nigeria.
This study focuses on the development and scale-up of a capsule formulation based on the dry extract of Annickia polycarpa bark, a West African medicinal plant known for its antimalarial, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. The objective was to adapt the process, initially optimized at laboratory scale, to a pilot scale for pharmaceutical valorization. Hot maceration followed by drying yielded a higher extraction rate at pilot scale (24%) compared to laboratory scale (18.46%). Powder characterization revealed very fine particles (Dx50 < 125 µm), residual moisture within pharmacopeial limits (4%), and good solubility (100-200 g/L). However, the powders exhibited poor flowability, requiring wet granulation with pregelatinized starch or carboxymethylcellulose as binders. This step significantly improved flow properties and particle cohesion. Capsules produced from the granules met uniformity of mass requirements according to the European Pharmacopeia and displayed a rapid disintegration time (< 7 minutes), ensuring efficient release of active compounds. The human equivalent dose (HED), extrapolated from animal studies, was estimated at 3,402 mg/day for a 70 kg adult, allowing the definition of capsule size 2 with 247-296 mg of extract per unit. Overall, these findings demonstrate the technical feasibility and robustness of the encapsulation process for Annickia polycarpa, providing promising perspectives for industrial development and the production of standardized phytomedicines. However, further studies on long-term stability, bioavailability, and clinical efficacy are required to ensure the quality, safety, and therapeutic effectiveness of the final product.
Acne is the leading cause of consultations for facial skin conditions. The aim of this study was to formulate and characterize pectin-based microparticles for the encapsulation of Salicylic Acid (SA), a keratolytic agent widely used in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Two types of pectin were evaluated: a natural pectin extracted from mango peel (Mangifera indica, « Amélie » variety), and a synthetic pectin. Ionotropic gelation was selected for its accessibility and its avoidance of organic solvents. Several formulations were tested by varying the pectin concentration (2% and 3%), the presence or absence of calcium chloride (0.2%), and the type of solvent (water or citrate buffer at pH 5). The microparticles were evaluated using macroscopic, microscopic, and granulometric analyses, as well as through the determination of encapsulation efficiency and yield. The results showed that synthetic pectin allowed the formation of smaller, more regular microparticles with a higher encapsulation efficiency (17.72%) compared to natural pectin (6.08%). Nevertheless, the latter demonstrated interesting potential despite morphological limitations. Both types of pectin showed acceptable encapsulation yields (> 78%). These results suggest that pectin-based microparticles are a promising option for a local delivery system of salicylic acid. Further optimizations, especially concerning the drying process and excipient ratios, could improve the performance of the formulations.
Cancer and hypertension are two of the leading causes of death worldwide. Earlier detection, treatment and better monitoring ensure effective management. The objective was to study the prevalence and identify the medicinal plants consumed by patients with cancer and high blood pressure. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study on the use of medicinal plants by patients undergoing chemotherapy and patients taking antihypertensive drugs, monitored respectively in the medical hematology-oncology department and the cardiology department of the Point-G University Hospital. The prevalence of medicinal plant use was 41.7% (n = 79) among patients undergoing chemotherapy and 59.2% (n = 61) among patients taking antihypertensive medication. Among these patients, women accounted for more than 62% in both cases. The main sources of information on the use of plants were traditional healers, followed by parents. A total of 37 plants species belonging to 22 families were recorded. The Fabaceae family was the most represented, followed by the Combretaceae family. The three most commonly used plants were Guiera senegalensis, Combretum micranthum and Saba senegalensis in patients undergoing chemotherapy and used in combination with carboplatin and ondansetron. Those of patients taking antihypertensive drugs were Euphorbia hirta, Combretum micranthum and Moringa oleifera, used in combination with Amlodipine, Furosemide and Bisoprolol. The risk of side effects was twice as high (relative risk = 2.07) in patients taking antihypertensive drugs who also consumed plants. The study revealed a high prevalence of medicinal plant use. There is a link between the occurrence of adverse effects and plant use.
Voluntary skin depigmentation is a widespread social and cosmetic practice in sub-Saharan Africa. Although motivated by the pursuit of a lighter complexion, it exposes users to numerous dermatological and systemic complications. In Côte d’Ivoire, a survey conducted in Abidjan in 2008 reported a prevalence of 53%. This study aimed to assess voluntary depigmentation practices, the types of products employed, reported adverse effects, and the level of awareness of associated risks among users. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out from January to March 2019 among 150 patients recruited from five private pharmacies in Abidjan. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire addressing sociodemographic charac-teristics, motivations, products used, adverse effects, and perception of risks. Results were analyzed using frequency and per-centage distributions. The sample consisted predominantly of women (93%), aged 20-40 years. The main motivation was the desire for a beautiful complexion (78%). The most frequently used substances were corticosteroids (38%) and hydroquinone (33%). 94% of participants were unaware of the exact composition of the products applied. Although 35% vaguely acknowl-edged potential dangers, their overall knowledge of complications remained poor. Twenty-five percent of the study population reported adverse effects voluntary skin. An integrated strategy combining health edu-cation, stricter regulatory measures, and the active involvement of pharmacists is urgently required to mitigate the prevalence and consequences of this practice.
Cefpodoxime Proxetil (CP) is an oral prodrug. Its extremely poor solubility in the biological fluids, is what causes its poor bioavailability. And since dissolution is rate-limiting stage in attaining the required bioavailability, co-grinding technique was exploited, it comprises grinding the medicine with excipients (one or more excipients) to create nanoparticles. Formulations were prepared by dry co-grinding technique, for different durations 5, 10 and 20 minutes either alone or with the selected carrier using mortar and pestle. Different premixes of CP as binary or ternary mixtures using fixed concentration of the API (260mg of CP equivalent to 200mg Cefpodoxime base) along with various ratios of other additives. Carriers used were Aerosil 200, Glycine, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) K25 and HPMC E6. The prepared formulations were characterized through dissolution testing, FTIR and DSC techniques. Dissolution parameters such as dissolution efficiency (DE%), amount released after 5 minutes (Q5) and 60 minutes (Q60) were calculated. Statistical evaluation covering student’s T-test, f1, dissimilarity factor and f2, similarity factor was calculated. The findings from the binary mixtures of CP with Aerosil 200 has shown to be very promising, and hence, ternary mixtures of the CP/Aerosil 200 and one of the three carriers -namely, glycine, PVP K25 and HPMC E6- at the ratio of 1:1:1, were separately co-grounded to give mixtures where Q5 ranged from 60% – 68%, Q60 ranged from 80 to 100% and DE% ranged from 67-82%. These results are suggested augmenting effect of the large surface area of Aerosil 200 and the hydrophilic nature of the other carriers. Upon decreasing the weight ratios of Aerosil 200 and other carriers to 1:0.25:0.5, PVP K25 was the most effective tested polymer in terms of improving drug dissolution rate at the lowest weight ratio.
In pharmaceutical manufacturing, cleaning validation is essential for demonstrating the reliability and efficiency of cleaning methods for production equipment. This documented process ensures that cleaning practices effectively and consistently prevent cross-contamination and adulteration of drug, chemical, or biological products. This thesis aims to develop a cleaning validation model specifically for a tablet production line, focusing on four key machines: the double cone blender, fluidized bed dryer, compression machine, and high-shear mixer. Cleaning Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) were developed and implemented for each equipment. Paracetamol was selected as the worst-case API for testing residue levels among all other active ingredients due to its poor solubility and toxicity. To evaluate the efficiency of the cleaning procedure, we collected swab and rinse samples from crucial parts of the apparatus. The residues were analyzed using a UV analytical method, supported by a standard calibration curve with a correlation coefficient R2 of 0.9975 and a maximum absorbance of 243 nm. This guarantees the excellent accuracy of the UV analytical method. The Maximum Allowable Carryover (MACO) was calculated to determine acceptable residue thresholds. The efficacy of the cleaning techniques was confirmed by the fact that every result of the swab and rinse samples was below the calculated limits. The results confirmed that the cleanliness of all equipment was safe before beginning the next production batch and that the cleaning procedures were validated. Furthermore, it ensures the production of safe and effective pharmaceutical products.
Introduction: Sickle cell disease is a genetic disease that affects nearly 5% of the world's population and is particularly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. The inaccessibility of modern treatment has led to the development of a phytomedicine called FACA® in Burkina Faso. It is formulated in capsule form and contains a mixture of powdered root barks of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides and Calotropis procera. This study aims to propose an alternative, easier-to-administer form for patients who have difficulty swallowing capsules by developing effervescent granules. Materials and methods: Pre-formulation studies focused on analyzing the physicochemical and pharmaco-technical properties of the powder mixture. These included macroscopic and organoleptic aspects, pH, residual moisture content, hygroscopicity, granulometry, and flow. Effervescent granules were formulated and manufactured by the wet granulation method. Five formulations (F1-F5) were produced. Citric acid and sodium bicarbonate were used as effervescent vehicles at a ratio of 1:1.25. PVP was used as a binding agent, sucrose as a sweetener, and cornstarch as a diluent. The granulation liquid was distilled water. The granules produced were evaluated for their physicochemical properties and disintegration time. Results and discussion: the results of the physicochemical and pharmaco-technical characteristics guided the choice of excipients and the manufacturing process. The formulations were beige in color and granular in appearance. THR values were <10%, pH ranged from 5.20 ± 0.29 to 5.91 ± 0.17. They were more or less hygroscopic and presented good rheological properties with an effervescence time satisfying the specifications of the European Pharmacopoeia 11th edition. Conclusion: F4 formulation had the best characteristics and could serve as an alternative to capsules. Indeed, being dispersed in water before administration, these granules could be well tolerated by the gastrointestinal tract and promote a more rapid action of the drug at a time of crisis.
When it comes to dispensing medicines to children, the use of a suspension agent is sometimes necessary. To ensure that children and adolescents have timely access to safe and effective medicines, including paediatric formulations. The overall objective of this work was to develop an oral paediatric dispensing solution representing the vehicle for suspensions. The specific objectives were to formulate different suspension agents and to determine the physico-chemical characteristics of the paediatric oral suspensions formulated. The suspension preparation method is based on dissolution/dispersion to produce different formulations. Parameters such as pH, viscosity and PA release were determined. The oral suspensions obtained are pleasant and well tolerated, providing precision and consistency, and maintaining physical integrity throughout their shelf life. The pH of the preparations (1 to 6) has an average value of between 3.4 and 3.6. In terms of viscosity, by comparison, Ora Blend® has a higher viscosity than the preparations (1 to 6). The study of the release of sildenafil incorporated in Ora Blend shows that there is very little release in (SGF). In contrast, in (SIF), there is a release from 5 minutes, which increases to 60% after 60 minutes. Omeprazole incorporated into Ora Blend begins to release from 40 minutes in the SGF, and from the first few minutes in the SIF. These results contribute to the advancement of work on the formulation of oral suspension vehicles by providing in-depth knowledge and experimental results. These advances will stimulate innovation in the formulation and administration of paediatric medicines, thereby helping to improve patient care.
Capsule shells are commonly made of gelatin but can also be made from starch or other suitable materials. An alternative raw material to replace gelatin in capsule shell production is pectin. Natural sources containing pectin include breadfruit peel. This study aims to produce capsule shells from breadfruit peel and determine the characteristics of the resulting capsule shells. Pectin was obtained by extracting breadfruit peel with acidified water to pH 1.5 at 80°C for 150 minutes. The capsule shells were formulated with pectin concentrations of 3% (F1), 6% (F2), and 9% (F3). The characteristics of the pectin obtained include an equivalent weight of 3168 mg, methoxyl content of 3.26%, and galacturonic acid content of 96.27%. The capsule shells produced from this pectin have the following characteristics: white color, not too hard texture, and odorless for F1; light brown color, slightly hard texture, and odorless for F2; dark brown color, hard texture, and odorless for F3. The size parameters (weight, total length, body diameter, and cap diameter) obtained were F1 (60 mg, 21.5 mm, 7.25 mm, 7.5 mm), F2 (70 mg, 22.07 mm, 7.125 mm, 7.5 mm), F3 (80 mg, 21.25 mm, 7.25 mm, 7.5 mm). The characteristics of the capsule shells that only meet Medisca standards are F3 (80 mg), and the total length, cap diameter, and body diameter of all three formulations do not meet Medisca standards. The disintegration time in all three formulations already meets the requirements set by the Indonesian Pharmacopoeia V edition, which is below 15 minutes.
The effectiveness of our antibiotics and other antimicrobial treatments is at risk due to the global public health concern known as antimicrobial resistance. The emergence of resistant diseases presents a serious problem for society as well as for medical professionals. This article delves into the complex problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), examining its causes, effects, and possible remedies. The creation and application of efficient reagents, which are essential for research, diagnosis, and the creation of innovative treatments, is a critical component in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The significance of these agents and how they can help lessen the impending problem of antimicrobial resistance is reviewed. An increasing worldwide health concern, antimicrobial resistance poses a danger to the efficacy of many of our most powerful medications. It is critical to create new antimicrobial reagents to counter this impending threat. But there are many obstacles in the way of developing effective antimicrobial reagents. In order to present a thorough overview of the current state of AMR and its solutions, this article explores the various obstacles and creative approaches in this sector. The quick evolution of resistance in microbial populations is one of the main obstacles to the development of antimicrobial reagents. Many new medications quickly lose their effectiveness due to the astonishing speed at which bacteria and other pathogens adapt to them. The overuse and abuse of currently available antimicrobial drugs is aggravating this progression. Consequently, there is a constant struggle to keep developing novel reagents ahead of these changing microbes. One costly and time-consuming part of developing antimicrobials is getting regulatory approval. The strict guidelines put in place by regulatory agencies to guarantee the security and effectiveness of new drugs may cause a delay in their introduction into clinical settings.
The purpose of this work was to evaluate the permeation of a mixed native starch-based gel of Ipomoea batatas (Convolvulaceae), using acetaminophen as a tracer through a rat rectal membrane (ex vivo method). The formulated gel was composed of a 10 g solution of poloxamer 407 at 20% and 2.5 g of glycerolized potato starch. The gel obtained was a smooth, homogeneous mixed gel with no foam, air bubbles or lumps, there was no characteristic odor, and the gel was whitish in color. This gel was characterized at the physicochemical and rheological level by means of the viscosimeter KINEXUS, pH- meter EUTECH and the study of the permeation was carried out by means of the Ussing chamber of horizontal type (the dual chamber). The formulated mixed gel is thermogelling, rheofluidifying and viscoelastic with a gelling temperature of 23.83; the permeation study gave a relatively low permeation percentage of 0.16% but which can be improved. The different viscoelastic, rheofluidizing and thermogelling characteristics contained in this mixed gel as well as the pH did not influence the permeation of the active ingredient (AP) through the rat rectal mucosa.
Introduction: Operations with medicines require compliance with the requirements established in Good Practices with the objective of guaranteeing their quality, safety and effectiveness. The Quality Management System incorporates quality risk management as an integral part. In the injectable plant, the aseptic processing of Cephalosporins and Carbapenems is carried out in the form of sterile powders for injection. Production is subject to special requirements to minimize the risks of microbial, particulate and pyrogen contamination. The environmental microbiological monitoring program is one of the critical elements in the production process; it must be applied routinely and periodically. The objective of this work is to carry out risk assessment in the environmental monitoring process of controlled areas of the plant by identifying the risk points and the causes that originate them and establishing preventive and/or corrective measures to minimize their frequency and impact on processes. Materials and Methods: Failure Modal Analysis and Process Effects are used for risk assessment; it is a prevention method aimed at achieving Quality assurance. Supporting techniques such as Brainstorming and Cause-Effect Diagram were also used. Results: Through the application of this technique, reference criteria are obtained for monitoring viable and non-viable particles in the environment, monitoring frequencies, sampling frequency and number of sampling points according to m2 of the area to be monitored and determination of points by priority level. Discussion: A flow chart of the process is built to analyze the inputs of raw materials and the most critical points where contamination can be generated for different causes. The identification of risks was carried out by applying the brainstorming technique and as a result, 4 critical areas with a high probability of contamination occurrence were determined. By building the Ishikawa diagram of the process to be improved, the environmental monitoring program becomes a powerful tool to avoid the undesired effect, which is product rejection. The risk priority number was calculated for each failure mode and corrective measures were established to mitigate the effect level. Conclusions: As a result of the risk assessment in the environmental monitoring process of controlled areas, risks were identified and evaluated in order of criticality. Preventive and/or corrective measures were established for each stage in order to reduce the possibility of risks of product contamination.
Background: Fever is one of the most frequent symptoms of disease in childhood and a common cause of emergency admissions in infants and children. Aspirin is salicylic acid and is used to treat pain and fever. Aspirin should not be administrated to a child under 16 years old of age because it might lead to a serious and sometime fatal condition in children called Reye’s syndrome. Reye syndrome is a rare and potentially fatal pediatric illness defined as acute noninflammatory encephalopathy with fatty liver failure. Objective: To assess attitude and practice among mothers towards self-use of aspirin in management of fever in children under 5 years and its complication in Dar-alsalam almaghariba. Method: A descriptive, cross- sectional community-based study applied in sample size of 195 using non probability convenience sampling method, among mothers in Dar-alslam almaghariba area in February 2022. The data was collected by interview questionnaire. Which include sociodemographic data, close end questions contain 21 questions about knowledge, attitude and practice of self-use of aspirin, Data analysis was done by SPSS program and Microsoft excel. Results: the study report that (41.5%) of the respondents aged more than 40 years, (95,9%) of them were married, (75.4%) were housewife, (20%) were employee, (2.1%) were students and (2.6%) work, Majority of mother (87.2%) measured children’s temperature when felt subjectively rises by touch, irrespective to their beliefs about home management of fever (73.8%) used antipyretics. most of them know about complications of high-grade fever (93.8%) said high grade fever can cause convulsions. About (97.9%) of the participants know Aspirin and most of them (48.7%) get it from booth. Most of the participants (65.1%) used aspirin to lower temperature of their children, about (78.5%) of mothers know how to use aspirin. Majority of mothers (71.8%) don't know the side effect of the irrational aspirin to the children, about (96.4%) don't heard of Reye’s syndrome. Conclusion: Study concludes nearly all mothers used aspirin without prescription to reduce children’s body temperature, mothers’ awareness about hazardous use of aspirin and the Reye’s syndrome is extremely low, there is relation between low level of education and irrational use of aspirin by mothers. Ministry of health should increase the awareness of mothers about complications of aspirin aimed at eradication of the practice.
Introduction: The liquisolid technique presents a promising avenue for enhancing the dissolution rate and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs like celecoxib. This study investigated the formulation and evaluation of celecoxib tablets using this technique. Aim: To formulate and evaluate celecoxib tablets using the liquisolid technique, with the objective of enhancing its dissolution rate and bioavailability. Methods: Celecoxib tablets were prepared using the liquid-solid technique by incorporating a non-volatile liquid medication carrier and a suitable solid carrier. Various formulations were developed by altering the ratios of drug, carrier, and coating materials. The prepared tablets were characterized for their physical properties, drug content uniformity, in vitro dissolution behavior, and compatibility using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Results: The solubility profile showed that the maximum rate of solubility was recorded in PEG-400 (11.03 ± 0.01) when compared to other non-volatile solvents. The angle of slide, indicated that the excipients used were within the acceptable limit of 33°. The FTIR spectroscopy showed compatibility of the drug and excipients. The results of the SEM showed that spherically-shaped vesicles were formed. Evaluation of the pre-compression parameters indicated that the drug content was highest in batch F-11 hence its optimization (96.1 ± 0.90). The post compression evaluation indicated that the official tests were within the acceptable range for disintegration time (2.25 ± 0.35). The results of the in vitro release studies of the optimized formulation, conventional tablet and reference commercial tablet showed that the amount of drug released increased steadily with time over the 1-hour period. Conclusion: Our findings underscore its viability as a strategy to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of poorly water-soluble drugs, offering promising prospects for pharmaceutical formulation.
The last two decades have seen an increase in active-led skin care products in over the counter and retail market places. Consumers have become more knowledgeable about ingredients used in topical products resulting in formulations with vitamins and other active ingredients gaining popularity. Further, the need for instantaneous and short-term benefits, consumers are moving towards high doses of active products. This poses a challenge for formulation scientists to stabilize high active doses and ensure potency over shelf life. Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is one such ubiquitous active commonly found in topical products claiming brightening, skin firming and toning benefits. As humans lack the enzyme required for synthesis of Vitamin C, we obtain it through diet or topical application. Vitamin C consumption results in insignificant benefits due to limited bioavailability, making topical application the major route of delivery. Ascorbic acid is an antioxidant; when applied topically it protects the skin from damaging free radicals produced due to exposure to UV-rays and other environmental stressors. However, ascorbic acid has been reported to be unstable in aqueous systems and readily undergoes oxidation making it inactive. This has led to the generation of multiple pro-drugs and derivatives which dissociate to release free ascorbic acid or its ionic form in the skin. In this review, we have focused on the clinical efficacy of vitamin C and its derivatives, suitable for various applications. This will serve as a ready reckoner for formulators creating vitamin C based products.
In structural molecular biology and computer-assisted drug creation, molecular docking is a crucial tool. Predicting the prevailing binding mode (s) of a ligand with a protein having a known three-dimensional structure is the aim of ligand-protein docking. Effective docking methods use a scoring system that correctly ranks candidate dockings and efficiently explore high-dimensional spaces. Lead optimization benefits greatly from the use of docking to do virtual screening on huge libraries of compounds, rate the outcomes, and offer structural ideas for how the ligands inhibit the target. It can be difficult to interpret the findings of stochastic search methods, and setting up the input structures for docking is just as crucial as docking itself. In recent years, computer-assisted drug design has relied heavily on the molecular docking technique to estimate the binding affinity and assess the interactive mode since it can significantly increase efficiency and lower research costs. The main concepts, techniques, and frequently utilized molecular docking applications are introduced in this work. Additionally, it contrasts the most popular docking applications and suggests relevant study fields. Finally, a brief summary of recent developments in molecular docking, including the integrated technique and deep learning, is provided. Current docking applications are not precise enough to forecast the binding affinity due to the insufficient molecular structure and the inadequacies of the scoring mechanism.
Background: To determine the efficacy of treatment of central nervous system (CNS) hemangioblastomas in von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL), long-term outcomes in patients with hemangioblastoma and VHL variant were accepted.Hemangioblastoma is rare, histological origin.Highly vascularized tumors that can be found throughout the neuraxis but are mainly located in the cerebellum and in the spinal cord.The most common primary tumor of the posterior fossa in adults.Hemangioblastomas may also occur within the spine.Material and Methods: This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate headaches in Hemangioblastoma (HBL) tumors structurally and separately based on randomized controlled trial studies.Electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library) were searched for randomized and controlled trial studies that searched for the results of treatment of brain tumors (Hemangioblastoma type) and headache in Hemangioblastoma (HBL) tumors.Result: This meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager (Rev Man) software (version 5.2) provided by Cochrane Collaboration.The data used were hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals calculated for time-to-event data extracted from survival curves and local tumor control rate curves.A consecutive series of patients with hemangioblastomas on between 2010 and 2020 by the senior author (A.AN) is Reviewed.Conclusion: Adequate knowledge of the treatment and correct use of microsurgical techniques allows complete resection of these tumors with minimal complications and maximum functional improvement.The result appears to be directly related to the preoperative condition.
