Our aim is to study the properties and applications of okra gum in formulation development. Okra gum is obtained from okra plant (Abelmoschus esculentus), a member of the Malvaceae family which is widely used as both a food ingredient and a traditional remedy. It is a natural polymer which has gained significant attention as a multifunctional pharmaceutical excipient. Its mucilage is rich in natural polysaccharides mainly composed of galactose, rhamnose, and galacturonic acid, along with proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Different extraction methods produced okra polysaccharides are varied with molecular weights and chain structures, leads to unique rheological behaviors. This indicates that adjusting extraction methods allows the regulation of polysaccharide interactions to obtain desired functional properties. Water-extractable okra polysaccharides show high galacturonic acid content and concentration-dependent molecular and rheological behavior. Purified fractions exhibit higher viscosity and shear-thinning, elastic characteristics at higher concentrations, while behaving more viscously at lower levels. These properties highlight their strong potential as natural thickening agents in food applications. Physicochemical properties such as swelling ability, viscosity-building capacity, film-forming behavior, and biocompatibility make it a promising alternative to synthetic polymers. Okra mucilage exhibits several biological activities, including anti diabetic, anticancer, antihypertensive, and antimicrobial effects. Recent research also studied its potential in nanotechnology-based delivery systems and as a green, sustainable excipient in modern drug delivery. Overall, okra gum represents as a versatile, eco-friendly material in pharmaceutical science. This review highlights the extraction methods, and important functional applications of okra gum in formulation development, including its roles as a binder, disintegrant, suspending agent, and controlled-release modifier.
The objective of the present study was formulation and evaluation of Asenapine microspheres by using solvent evaporation technique. Asenapine is loaded with ethyl cellulose & HPMC 15 microspheres and it was prepared by solvent evaporation method. Asenapine used in the treatment of psychotric patients. The results of FTIR indicated the stable character of Asenapine microspheres loaded with ethyl cellulose, HPMC K15M there is no incompatability between drug & polymers. The Morphological characters of Asenapine microspheres is carried out by SEM. From the results it seem that formulation AM 8 was found to be the excellent Morphological properties, % yield of microsphere of best formulation was found to be AM 8 (86.92%), Entrapment efficiency of best formulation was found to be (75.6 %) , Drug loading efficiency of best formulation was found to be (88.1 %), Swelling index best formulation was found to be (1.3 sec), Particle size of best formulation was found to be (102 µm), Drug content determination of best formulation was found to be (97.4) and in vitro drug release was fitted with various Release kinetic studies of a sustained manner with constant fashion over extended period of time for 45 Mints. It was observed that concentration of Ethyl cellulose affected all the evaluation parameter significantly. Hence the prepared microspheres of Asenapine may prove to be potential candidate for safe and effective sustained drug delivery.
The rapid accumulation of lignocellulosic agricultural wastes poses a serious environmental challenge due to its persistence during biodegradation and the release of pollutants during improper disposal. Lignin, a major structural component of agro-waste, is particularly resistant to conventional physical, chemical and biological methods of waste degradation. This study aimed to isolate and characterize an efficient laccase-producing fungal strain and evaluate its potential application in lignocellulosic waste bioconversion. Among the 65 isolates screened from 6 samples, only 4 isolates demonstrated laccase activity and Lividopora benetosta(NCBI accession No. OR262175) was identified as the most potential strain. Optimum production of laccase (1.23 U/mL) by L. benetostawas observed in potato dextrose broth (pH 7) containing 2% glucose,on incubation at room temperature under shaking conditions and absence of inducer (guaiacol).The practical applicability of the crude enzyme was assessed based on cocopeat treatment. Effective lignin degradation was observed on laccase application, and demonstratedfaster seed germination (within 1–2 days), increased root development, and reduced wilting compared to untreated controls in both monocot (Triticum aestivum) and dicot (Vigna radiata) plants. The T. aestivum seedlings showed approximately 25% larger shoot length, while V. radiata plants over 50% improvements in both shoot and root growth. These results demonstrate the potential of L. benetostaderived laccase as an eco-friendly and sustainable tool for agrowaste management and soil improvement.
Background:Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with microvascular and macrovascular complications, contributing substantially to the global disease burden. This study aimed to evaluate the real-world safety, efficacy,and prescribing patterns of dapagliflozin in T2DM managementto support tailored diabetes care. Methods: This questionnaire-based study included a 12-item questionnaire that evaluated physicians' perspectives and prescribing patterns related to dapagliflozin, with a specific focus on their last 10 patients with T2DM. Results: A total of 251 physicians from southern India participated. Nearly half (44.22%) reported initiating dapagliflozin in 3-5 of their last 10 elderly patients (≥65 years). Dapagliflozin was most commonly preferred for patients with CKD (28.69%), followed by those with poor glycemic control or cardiovascular disease (27.49%). Adherence was high with 62.55% noting that 9-10 patients continued therapy for at least six months, cost was the main reason for discontinuation (41.43%). Most physicians (37.45%) reported no major concerns in elderly patients. Among female patients, 0-2 out of 10 experienced urinary tract infections (52.99%). Nearly half (47.01%) felt their patients were very satisfied with dapagliflozin. Cardiovascular protection (33.07%) and glycemic control (29.08%) were the main reasons for prescribing, and metformin was the most common add-on therapy (59.36%). Physicians also reported glycemic efficacy comparable to other sodium-glucose co transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors (42.23%) and cardiovascular benefits comparable to glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1) receptor agonists (49.40%). Most (55.38%) expressed a high likelihood of prescribing it in the future. Conclusion: Physicians prefer dapagliflozin as an effective agent for both monotherapy and combination therapy in T2DM management.
As a part of the present thesis work, an extensive survey was conducted across all 28 districts of Andhra Pradesh to study desmid diversity. Algal samples were collected from different freshwater bodies and screened for the occurrence of desmids. Among the various genera identified, the present publication focuses on the genus Micrasterias. A total of seven taxa were identified. Of these, two species, Micrasterias pinnatifida Ralfs and M. foliacea Bailey ex Ralfs. were previously reported from Andhra Pradesh. The remaining five species, namely Micrasterias americana Ehrenberg ex Ralfs, M. crux-melitensis Ralfs, M. mahabuleshwarensis J. Hobson, M. thomasiana W. Archer, and M. tropica Nordstedt are reported here as new distributional records for Andhra Pradesh.
Crude oil contamination poses significant environmental challenges due to its complex mixture of hydrocarbons and organic compounds. Oil spills in soil disrupt plant growth, harm microorganisms, kill soil fauna, and contaminate water, leading to habitat loss and environmental degradation. Many bacteria are known for their potential to synthesize biosurfactant sand sustainably remediate hydrocarbon pollution. This study aimed to isolate a potential biosurfactant producing strainfrom environmental samples, optimize the nutrient and physicochemical conditions for its yield, and characterize the biosurfactant type. In addition, the antimicrobial and Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR) potential was also studied using well diffusion assay and sand pack column, respectively. Among the 31 isolates, Brucella intermedia was identified as the most potent strain with emulsification value of 45%. It reduced surface tension of garage oil by 37.5%. Optimum yield was obtained in media with 6%inoculum, pH 7.2,containing 4%garage oil,0.5% tryptone and 0.3% potassium nitrate, and incubation at 30°C under shaker conditions for 48 h. Optimum biosurfactant recovery was obtained with chloroform:methanol (2:1). The crude biosurfactant contained 2.345 mg/mL carbohydrate, 1.81 mg/mL proteins and 35.77% lipids. FTIR analysis revealed key functional groups that highlight the amphiphilic nature of the biosurfactant. Studies on the antimicrobial potential of the biosurfactant indicated broad spectrum activity, with more prominent effect against Gram positive bacteria. It also recovered 65%used garage oil and 50% mixed vegetable oil, indicating its potential in MEOR. Overall, the biosurfactant producing B. intermedia strain is a potential candidate for industrial applications in the biological and environmental fields.
Size Exclusion Chromatography coupled with Multi-Angle Laser Light Scattering (SEC-MALLS) and hyphenated analytical techniques have emerged as powerful analytical platforms for molecular weight determination and structural characterization of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical products. The increasing complexity of biologics, biosimilars, proteins, peptides, vaccines, polymers, and nanomedicine formulations has created significant demand for advanced analytical methodologies capable of simultaneous molecular separation, aggregation profiling, and structural analysis. SEC-MALLS combines chromatographic separation based on hydrodynamic volume with absolute molecular weight determination through multi-angle light scattering detection, thereby enabling comprehensive characterisation of molecular mass, size distribution, aggregation behaviour, conformational stability, and molecular heterogeneity without dependence on calibration standards. In addition to SEC-MALLS, several hyphenated analytical systems, including LC-MS, LC-MS/MS, LC-NMR, GC-MS, CE-MS, SEC-DLS, SEC-RI, and SEC-UV, provide enhanced analytical sensitivity, structural elucidation capability, and impurity profiling for complex pharmaceutical systems. The present review comprehensively discusses the principles, instrumentation, working mechanisms, applications, method development strategies, analytical advantages, and limitations of SEC-MALLS and multidetector hyphenated analytical techniques in pharmaceutical characterisation. Particular emphasis is placed on applications in monoclonal antibody aggregation studies, protein characterisation, biosimilar comparability assessment, nanoparticle analysis, liposomal formulations, dendrimers, and advanced drug delivery systems.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition marked by persistent immune activation and disruption of intestinal homeostasis. Although gut dysbiosis is a consistent feature of IBD, the specific microbial species involved vary widely across patients and cohorts. In contrast, microbial functional pathways show greater consistency and represent the components of the microbiome most directly sensed by the host immune system. This review integrates findings from published experimental, clinical, and multi-omics studies investigating microbial functional pathways and immune activation in IBD. Accumulating evidence indicates that IBD is associated with increased pro-inflammatory microbial functions alongside a reduction in regulatory metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate. This review emphasizes that concentrating on microbial functional pathways elucidates how diverse microbial communities can induce analogous inflammatory responses in IBD. Understanding these conserved microbial functions may help explain the biological basis of persistent inflammation in IBD.
Tubal factors contribute to approximately 25%–35% of female infertility, with laparoscopic chromopertubation recognized as the gold standard for evaluating tubal patency. Methylene blue is commonly used during diagnostic hysterolaparoscopy to visualize tubal flow. Although generally safe, systemic absorption followed by urinary excretion may occasionally be mistaken for a postoperative complication. Here we review a case where methylene blue appeared in urine about five hours post-procedure, prompting concerns about dye absorption and emphasizing the need to understand its pharmacokinetics and normal excretory patterns.
The in vitro antibacterial activity of Rhinacanthus nasutus leaf was investigated against various strains of bacteria Bacilus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus (Gram positive) and Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Klebsiella oxytoca, Proteus Mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens (Gram Negative) by disc diffusion method. Among the various solvent extracts tested methanol leaf extract showed greater inhibitions against Enterococcus faecalis (9.3 mm), Escherichia coli (8.3 mm), and Bacilus cereus (8.0 mm). Petroleum ether and acetone extracts also demonstrated moderate antibacterial activities, while chloroform and ethanol extracts showed relatively weaker inhibition. The prominent inhibitory effect of methanol extract can be attributed to the presence of phytochemicals such as flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and naphthoquinone derivatives like Rhinacanthin. In vivo evaluations are essential to isolate the key active constituents and validate their efficacy against resistant pathogens.
Cancer is a fatal disease that can affect people of any age or gender. Humanity is greatly concerned about it since it is one of the main causes of death worldwide. In the upcoming years, it is anticipated that millions of cases of skin cancer would arise. It was predicted that melanoma will result in new cases and vast number of deaths overall. Skin cancer is among the most deadly forms of cancer, and both its mortality and morbidity rates continue to rise steadily. Chemotherapy is currently one of the most promising options, but it has a number of disadvantages. Skin cancer has become a significant worldwide health problem due to its increasing prevalence among Caucasian populations. Three primary types of skin cancer have been identified: melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Thanks to nanotechnology, which has benefits including more accurate drug delivery, enhanced imaging, and better diagnostic methods, there are now additional treatment choices for skin cancer. Its primary role in this field lies in developing nanocarriers that enable the targeted and efficient transport of therapeutic agents. The primary use of nanotechnology in the treatment of skin cancer is the development of nanocarriers that enable accurate drug delivery. Liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, gold nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, quantum dots, and others are examples of nanocarriers. Nanomedicine is crucial in the treatment of skin cancer because of its strong anti-carcinogenic qualities and ability to deliver drugs straight to the sites of tumors, improving therapeutic results, reducing toxicity, and slowing tumor growth. Although nanotechnology shows great promise, many of its treatments remain under research and development. Before being used widely in clinical settings, more research is required to maximize safety and effectiveness.
Rice is a global staple that requires good germination, temperature regulation, and effective weed control to promote growth, productivity, and food security. This study looked at the impact of seed treatments, temperature regimes, and post-emergence herbicides on rice (Oryza sativa L.) germination, growth, and yield. Seeds were treated with hardening, CaCl₂, NaCl, and KNO₃ and tested for germination rate, mean germination time (MGT), germination index (GI), and energy of germination. Total phenolic content (TPC) and chlorophyll levels were measured, and growth parameters were recorded at temperatures ranging from 30 to 50°C. Hardening and CaCl₂ greatly increased germination and vigor, with 35°C being ideal for seedling growth. Field testing demonstrated that bispyribac sodium offered over 90% weed control, resulting in increased plant height, panicle length, and yield. The combination of seed hardening, temperature optimization, and herbicide use increased rice establishment and productivity.
The objective of the present study was conducted to investigate the nephroprotective activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Lagenaria siceraria against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in Albino Wistar rats. Cisplatin (6mg/kg.bw.t, i.p.) used as nephrotoxicant. The oral administration of hydroalcoholic extract at two different doses (200mg/kg.bw.t and 400mg/kgb.w.t) of Lagenaria siceraria were used to examine the Nephroprotection using Urinary and serum biomarkers, as well as renal oxidative stress biomarkers, histological and immunohistological studies. Enhanced levels of Urinary, serum biomarkers, total protein and lipid peroxidation and decreased urinary creatinine and anti-oxidant enzymes observed after cisplatin induction. Treatment with Hydroalcoholic extract alters the Cisplatin induced nephrotoxic effects. Histopathological studies and immunohistochemical observations provided evidence consistent with the biochemical findings. Thus, the current study reveals the advantageous use of Lagenaria siceraria in renal toxicity.
Green synthesis methods for producing nanoparticles have been explored due to the increasing demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable approaches in nanotechnology. In this work, Tageteserecta (Marigold) flower extract is used to synthesize and characterize iron nanoparticles (FeNPs), It serves as a stabilizing and reducing agent naturally. Traditional chemical methods often involve toxic reagents and energy intensive processes, which pose health and environmental risks. In contrast, the phytochemicals found in Marigold, such as flavonoids, phenols, and terpenoids, allow the reduction of Fe3+ ions to Fe⁰ nanoparticles under mild conditions. The synthesis was conducted by reacting an aqueous solution of ferric chloride (FeCl3) with Marigold extract, optimizing parameters like temperature (60–80°C), time (2–4 hours), pH, and feed ratio (1:1 to 1:3).A number of characterization methods such as UV-Vis spectroscopy (absorption peak around 280–320 nm), FTIR (identifying functional groups responsible for reduction and capping),SEM/Edax (revealing spherical morphology and size) and were used to confirm the formation of FeNPs.The resulting nanoparticles ranged in size and stability from 20 to 50 nm , were impacted by the synthesis circumstances. This green synthesis approach demonstrates an efficient, low-cost, and ecologically benign route for iron nanoparticle manufacturing, contributing to sustainable nanotechnology practices and the valorization of floral biomass waste.
Lohita grandis, a pest of economic importance, significantly affects agricultural productivity in many regions. This study evaluates the comparative efficacy of botanical and chemical insecticides in controlling L. grandis populations. Laboratory and field trials were conducted using Azadirachtin (neem extract), Piperine (black pepper extract), and synthetic insecticides including Imidacloprid and Cypermethrin. Parameters such as mortality rate, residual activity, and phytotoxicity were analyzed. Results indicate that while synthetic insecticides exhibit high initial mortality, botanical treatments offer sustainable control with minimal environmental impact. The study underscores the potential of integrating botanical pesticides in IPM programs for sustainable agriculture.
Lissachatina fulica, the giant African land snail, is one of the most invasive and widely imported land snail species globally. It has been introduced to numerous Asian nations, Pacific and Caribbean islands, and Brazil. L.fulica, secretes mucus to help in crawling and protection because it serves as a lubricant to shield sensitive epithelial body surfaces from various physical and mechanical harms. The mucin that L.fulica releases has attracted attention from all around the world due to its pharmacological similarities to other gastropods. Snail mucins have recently emerged as a treasure mine of new possibilities in the domains of biology, chemistry, biotechnology, and biomedicine. Particular applications for snail mucuses include wound healing, skin care products, surgical glues, and stomach ulcer treatment. Recent advances in integrated omics (genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and glycomic) technology have produced more novel biomaterials due to improved characterization of gastropod mucins. Today, antimicrobial resistance caused by microorganisms is one of the gravest medical issues impacting virtually all nations. Newer antimicrobial therapies that lessen this resistance need to be created right away. This research emphasizes on the antibacterial activity of mucin against various bacterial species such as Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Shigella dysenteriae, and Salmonella typhimurium. Therefore, the mucin was extracted by periodically spraying with an acid-stimulating solution i.e., 5% citric acid by diluting with distilled water. The stimulating fluid produced a large amount of mucus without stressing or harming the snail. The antibacterial activity of mucin was detected by using agar disc diffusion method which showed highest zone of Inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus with 25mm and agar well diffusion method showed highest zone of Inhibition against Shigella dysenteriae with 16mm amongst other various Bacterial species mentioned above. Using Bradford’s coomassie brilliant blue assay, the protein estimation of mucin was determined. The snail’s internal and external shell was examined in order to isolate the microorganism present there. This work is aimed at assessing the antibacterial activity of mucin against various pathogenic bacteria.
This study aimed to examine the molecular docking studies of methanol seed fractions of Buchholzia coriacea GCMS identified compounds against target compound protein structure via experimental and computational models. This study identified the active sites, as well as the functional groups (Methane isocyanato, xylene) in the α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes which were competitively inhibited. The mode of inhibition of in vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity on the carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes was established to be competitive inhibition. The result of the oxidative stress enzyme shows that, there was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in super oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH) and a significant increase (p>0.05) in TBARS in diabetic rats when compared with normal and extract treated rats. A closer look at the results of the carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes shows that there was a significant increase (p>0.05) in Hexokinase, Phosphofructokinase (PFK), Glucose-6-phosphatase and Liver glycogen. When looking at the kidney function indices, the results reveal that there was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in Serum creatinine, Serum Urea and Serum Albumin, when compared with the diabetic control and extract treated Rats. Molecular docking of GC-MS-identified phyto-compounds from Buchholzia coriacea methanol seed fractions demonstrates strong binding potential to target proteins, supporting their therapeutic relevance. These findings, validated through experimental and computational models, highlight the plant’s promise for future drug development.
Because of its nutritional and medicinal qualities, honey is a significant dietary supplement that should be safe to consume. Honey samples (n=33) of different origin from various geographical locations in Bosnia and Herzegovina were examined with the aim of characterization. The study revealed following mean values: 16.95 %; 4.36; 0,19%; 72.56%, 0.73 mS/cm; 24.17 mEq/kg; 18.50 mg/kg and 34.84 mEq/kg for water content, pH, ash, sugar, electrical conductivity, diastase activity, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and free acidity, respectively. Ten samples (30.30%) did not meet the required level of physicochemical quality. For each sample, total viable count, Enterobacteriaceae, sulfite reducing clostridia, yeasts, molds and Salmonella sp., were determined. Total viable counts varied between 10 and 8300 cfu/g, sulfite reducing anaerobic bacteria between 10 and 50 cfu/g and molds level were between 100 and 7000 cfu/g, respectively. None of the samples contained Salmonella sp. or bacteria from Enterobacteriaceae gender. With reference to Bosnia and Herzegovina standards, maximal levels of selected microbiological properties were exceeded for two samples (6.06%) regarding clostridia and 14 samples (42.42%) for molds count. Cladosporium sp., Penicillium sp., Mucor sp., and Alternatia sp. were molds identified in Bosnian honey. These molds originate mainly from primary sources of contamination. It is of great importance to maintain and improve the quality of domestic honeys since a large percentage of them are intended for export or domestic consumption due to it antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a pervasive metabolic illness that has a substantial influence on world health and is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and an array of consequences. This paper investigates the potential of dietary polyphenols, natural substances in many plant-based foodsas a novel diabetes control strategy. Polyphenols have exceptional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics that can reduce oxidative stress and improve insulin sensitivity, ultimately improving glucose metabolism. The paper explores how polyphenols, including quercetin, resveratrol, and epigallocatechin gallate, promote pancreatic β-cell health and modulate inflammatory pathways. The essay also emphasizes the socioeconomic impact of diabetes, particularly in low and middle-income nations where access to healthcare and nutritional education is limited. By advocating for introducing polyphenol-rich foods into dietary regimens, this article hopes to give a comprehensive approach to diabetes care that addresses metabolic health and improves general well-being. The necessity for additional study into polyphenol absorption, appropriate doses, and long-term benefits is emphasized, opening the path for their use in clinical practice. Finally, this study underscores the importance of dietary treatments in diabetes management and improving health outcomes for those affected.
Background: A balanced diet is essential during pregnancy to support healthy fetal development and prevent adverse outcomes. Due to increased nutritional demands, supplementation with key micronutrients like folic acid, pyridoxine, and mecobalamin is often necessary. Thus, this questionnaire-based study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of these three supplements in pregnant women to improve pregnancy outcomes. Methods: This questionnaire-based study was conducted among 51 physicians treating pregnant women prescribed the Folinext tablet, which contain L-methylfolate, pyridoxal-5 phosphate, and mecobalamin. A self-explanatory questionnaire comprising 17 closed-ended questions. The questionnaire focuses on last 10 pregnant women treated with Folinext tablet. Results: A total of 51 physicians were included in the study. Out of the 51 physicians, more than half (56.86%) reported treating women with an obstetric history of inability to conceive. The majority of the physicians observed micronutrient deficiency, mainly folic acid, in 6/10 women. Thus, 78% of physicians prescribed the Folinext Gold tablet to all the women preconception and during pregnancy to improve fertility and avoid various complications like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and pregnancy related hypertension. Also, all the physicians agreed to use a high dose of 5mg/day of folic acid as a supplement in women. More than 70% of the physicians rated the efficacy, safety and patient adherence to the treatment with this tablet as excellent. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the Folinext Gold tablet, containing L-methylfolate, pyridoxal-5 phosphate, and mecobalamin, is highly rated by physicians for its efficacy and safety in improving pregnancy outcomes.
