This study reports the synthesis of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) and Zn-doped AgNPs using Aegle marmelos leaf extract. UV-Vis, XRD, FTIR, SEM-EDS, and TEM were used to characterize the synthesized NPs. UV-Vis analysis revealed surface plasmon resonance, while XRD confirmed a face-centered cubic crystalline structure. TEM imaging demonstrated irregular spherical morphology with particle sizes of 27.35 nm and 18.21 nm for AgNPs and Zn-doped AgNPs, respectively. FTIR analysis indicated the presence of diverse functional groups corresponding to phenols, flavonoids, and proteins that facilitated the reduction and stabilization of NPs. The NPs exhibited potent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging between 40–120 µg/mL (AgNPs) and 80–120 µg/mL (Zn-AgNPs). The synthesized NPs effectively scavenged DPPH and ABTS radicals with IC50 between 61.16 µg/mL and 96.84 µg/mL. These findings demonstrate that this eco-friendly approach yields biocompatible NPs with antibacterial and antioxidant potential. In the future, mechanistic and toxicity studies are needed to validate the potential of the NPs.

Dye pollutions are persistent organic pollutants that are receiving much attention. Magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) are substantial compounds for the removal of organic dyes from wastewater. In this study, Azadirachta indica (A. indica) extract and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) polymer were used as an encapsulating agent for Ni/Cu-doped α-Fe2O3 NPs. Those NPs exhibit rhombohedral crystals with the crystallite size of 14–22 nm in a spherical shape, which have a saturation magnetization value approximately between 30 and 36 emu·g−1 under ambient conditions. Bismarck brown Y (BBY) and Rhodamine B (RhB) dyes were used to test the photocatalytic activity, and results showed that Fe2O3 had a removal efficiency up to 96

The medicine is constantly released via a sustained and regulated drug delivery system per unit. However, there are several situations where it is undesirable to keep a drug's blood level constant. In these circumstances, pulsatile drug delivery could be preferable. Pulsatile drug delivery systems (PDDS) are gaining popularity because they deliver the medicine to the correct site of action at the proper time and in the right amount, offering spatial and temporal delivery and boosting patient compliance. These are essentially time-controlled drug delivery systems in which the system manages the lag time independent of environmental parameters such as pH, enzymes, gastrointestinal motility, etc. PDDS can be divided into three categories: time-controlled systems, where the delivery system controls drug release primarily; stimuli-induced systems, where release is programmed by external stimuli like magnetism, ultrasound, electrical effect, and irradiation; and externally regulated systems, where external stimuli like the pH or enzymes present in the intestinal tract or enzymes present in the drug delivery system control release. This article discusses several systems, such as capsular, osmotic, single- and multiple-unit systems based on soluble or erodible polymer covering and rupturable membranes. It summarizes the most recent technical innovations, formulation parameters, and system release profiles. This study also includes products available as once-daily formulations based on pulsatile releases, such as Pulsincap®, OROS®, CODAS®, and Pulsys®. These systems are helpful for medications with chronopharmacological behavior that need night-time dosage, pharmaceuticals with a first-pass solid action, and a particular location of absorption in the GIT. Diseases wherein PDDS are promising include asthma, peptic ulcer, cardiovascular ailments, arthritis, attention deficit syndrome in children, and hypercholesterolemia. PDDS can potentially bring new developments in the therapy of many diseases.

The herbal plants had been utilized for the cure of various general as well as chronic ailments throughout the world from prehistoric times. However, impurities and the use of low quality herbs as adulterants have caused a major problem for consumers and plant entrepreneurs in consideration of bioactivity and quality. The quality and effectiveness of herbal formulations are dependent upon accurate identification and true to type of medicinal plants. Therefore, identification as well as validation of pharmaceutical plants is a high necessity. Molecular markers utilize short oligonucleotides for the identification of plant species. There are different advantages offered by the use of oligonucleotides such as freedom from age dependency, tissue specificity, nutrient availability, and displaying a greater distinguishing power. The array of methods used to check the authentication of medicinal plants exploits morphological, anatomical, biochemical, and DNA-based uniqueness to ascertain the genuineness and truthfulness of the source medicinal plant from the adulterants, substitutes, and spurious drugs. Therefore, identification of plants utilizing nucleotide information is a suitable method for characterization of medicinal plants and similar populations or varieties belonging to the same species. Comparison made with authentic specimens from the herbarium is of utmost requirement for accurate identification through final morphological comparison and analysis. Present review enlists various aspects for validation of medicinal plants and molecular methods that are PCR-based or hybridization-based with special emphasis on DNA barcoding, array-based methods, and high throughput sequencing technologies for authentication of medicinal plants.

Emerging diseases and drug resistance severely threaten public health worldwide. The majority of bacterial strains are becoming resistant to antibiotics at an alarming rate. So, there is an emergent need for novel antibacterial agents. In this context, phage and antibiotics synergism, and nanotechnology interventions could serve as therapeutic strategies. Phage therapy has demonstrated substantial potential (preclinical and clinical studies). Still, several factors, such as a threshold of bacterial population for phage amplification, low stability, targeted delivery, and others, limit its use. Phage and antibiotics synergy is well-researched and reported to be an effective approach against diverse pathogens, even at low doses. Nanotechnology offers unprecedented options like a broad-spectrum antimicrobial profile of nanomaterials and drug delivery vehicles. For instance, liposomes encapsulated phages have better membrane penetration, survival in the gastrointestinal tract, and intracellular reach compared to free phages. Subsequently, the synergy of nanomaterials and antibiotics paves the way for managing drug resistance; however, research related to toxicity studies of nanomaterials is still in its infancy. A SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis of various therapeutic strategies is also presented in this review. Phage-antibiotic synergy, nanotechnology-based phage delivery, and nanoparticle-antibiotic synergy can be promising and efficacious alternatives to address drug resistance after detailed follow-up studies.

Hypertension, a condition affecting 1.28 billion adults globally, poses significant health risks, including damage to the heart, kidneys, and brain. Factors such as unhealthy lifestyles, poor dietary habits, obesity, and diabetes contribute to its prevalence. While pharmaceutical interventions are effective in controlling blood pressure, their adverse effects have led to growing interest in alternative therapies such as Ayurveda and Yoga. This review explores the potential of these traditional practices, individually and in combination, for managing hypertension. A thorough literature review was conducted using databases like PubMed and Google Scholar to analyze peerreviewed studies up to 2024. Ayurvedic treatments, including therapies like Basti and Shirodhara and herbal formulations such as Raktadabashamak Ghana Vati and Sarpagandha Vati, have shown promise in reducing blood pressure. Similarly, Yoga practices, including OM chanting and Yoga Nidra, have demonstrated stress-reducing and blood pressure-lowering effects. Despite evidence supporting their efficacy, research on their integrated use remains limited. This review underscores the importance of combining Ayurveda and Yoga for holistic hypertension management. Further scientific studies are necessary to validate this integrative approach, which has the potential to offer a safer, non-pharmacological alternative for managing hypertension and improving overall wellbeing.

Sewage sludge (SS) management and its application as a low-cost fertilizer remain a topic of debate among researchers due to its potential to contain microbial pathogens and pollutants. In this context, the composition of SS and its contemporary management practices are reviewed. Furthermore, the sustainable application of SS in agriculture and the effects of its components on human health are outlined. Several studies have found that using SS as a fertilizer reduces farmers’ agrochemical expenses. Despite its rich source of nutrients for crops and its practical agricultural applications in the United States, India, Europe, Australia, and various regions of the world, pathogens and pollutants limit its sustainable use. A wide diversity of pathogens, including bacterial strains (Salmonella Typhi, Escherichia coli, Helicobacter pylori), protozoan parasites (Entamoeba histolytica, Toxoplasma gondii), and viruses (rotavirus, norovirus, hepatitis A and E) exist in SS. On the other hand, antibiotic-resistant genes pose a significant threat and can increase the global burden of disease if they are introduced into soil. Additionally, microplastics (MPs), nanoplastics, and heavy metals (such as cadmium, arsenic, chromium, mercury, and lead) can be detrimental to human health, affecting the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and other systems. Concerns about the toxicity of MPs and nano-plastics have been increasing; however, the investigations are limited. It is crucial to emphasize the need for innovative techniques for pathogen removal and pollutant remediation, as this serves as a call to action for the scientific community to transform SS from waste into a valuable resource.

AbstractCOVID-19, first reported in late 2019, continues to be a significant public health threat due to the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants such as Alpha, Delta, and Omicron. Despite modern medications, mass vaccination campaigns, variant-driven immune escape, and rapid transmission, global containment remains challenging. Currently, KP.3.1.1, XEC, LP.8.1, NB.1.8.1, and XFG are the emerging variants under monitoring. It is too early to comment on the protection provided by current vaccinations against new variants because of initial efficacy trials. Herbal medicine played a crucial role in managing COVID-19, being widely used to alleviate symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue, and respiratory problems. In this context, a narrative review of published literature was conducted, analyzing the therapeutic potential of botanicals, highlighting their antiviral and immunomodulatory effects with a focus on preclinical and clinical evidences. In vitro and in silico investigations identified multiple phytochemicals with strong antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 targets. Additionally, herbal formulations have demonstrated immunomodulatory and antiviral properties in clinical studies. Although preliminary findings are promising, large multicenter clinical trials are required to establish safety, efficacy, and integration of these formulations with conventional therapies. The integration of herbal medicine, modern intensive care, and vaccination has opened up a new front in the fight against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.

AbstractNardostachys jatamansi (D. Don) DC. (Valerianaceae sensu lato, now Caprifoliaceae), commonly known as spikenard or jatamansi, is a highly valued aromatic medicinal herb endemic to the alpine and subalpine regions of the Himalayan range. Currently placed within the family Caprifoliaceae, the species has been extensively utilized across diverse traditional medical systems, including Ayurveda, Unani, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Tibetan medicine. However, intensive harvesting driven by commercial demand, coupled with ongoing habitat degradation, has led to a severe decline in natural populations, resulting in its classification as a critically endangered species. Phytochemical studies have revealed a rich repertoire of structurally diverse sesquiterpenoids, notably jatamansone, nardal, nardin, and narjatamolide, which underpin many of the plant’s therapeutic properties. These compounds are associated with neuroprotective, antihypertensive, antioxidant, antiepileptic, and central nervous system–modulating activities. Correspondingly, pharmacological investigations have demonstrated a broad spectrum of bioactivities, including antifungal, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anticonvulsant, antiparkinsonian, antioxidant, antidiabetic, tranquilizing, and antiestrogenic effects. The objective of the present review is to comprehensively synthesize existing knowledge on the traditional applications, ethnomedicinal relevance, phytochemical diversity, and pharmacological potential of N. jatamansi. Furthermore, it examines contemporary strategies for genetic improvement, conservation, and sustainable utilization while highlighting critical research gaps and future directions necessary for the long-term preservation and rational exploitation of this highly significant Himalayan medicinal species.

OBJECTIVES:Despite significant advancements in modern medicine, effective hepatoprotective medication with minimal side effects is still lacking. In this context. Tinospora cordifolia, an Indian Ayurvedic liana, has attracted much attention.KEY FINDINGS:Traditionally, T. cordifolia has been found to be effective in the treatment of jaundice; according to the literature, T. cordifolia is a hepatoprotective agent, and the CCl4 model is the most frequently used to evaluate its potential. Its hepatoprotective effects might be attributed to alkaloids (berberine, palmatine, and jatrorrhizine) and sinapic acid. Berberine decreases inflammation by inhibiting the proinflammatory cascade triggered by TNF-α and reduces nitrosative stress by inhibiting iNOS. T. cordifolia also exhibits anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and other activities; it is safe at concentrations up to 2000 mg/kg. Its biological action can be attributed to polyphenols, alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, and glycosides. T. cordifolia has also been found to be an active ingredient in several polyherbal formulations used to treat chemical-mediated hepatotoxicity.CONCLUSION:T. cordifolia's hepatoprotective effects are mediated by the inhibition of lipid peroxidation, the management of oxidative stress, and other factors. T. cordifolia can be used to manage liver disorders and as a hepatoprotective supplement in the food industry. The bioprospecting of its alkaloids can lead to the development of novel formulations against hepatic ailments.

Consumer concerns and government regulations focused on the safety of fruits and vegetables dictate the need to analyze various food contaminants of concern. Major contaminants include pesticide residues, mycotoxins, and heavy metals. The most significant global challenge is their prompt detection in fruits and vegetables (conventionally grown/organic produce). Foodborne outbreaks are detrimental to the economy and public health both nationally and on a global scale. The scope of the study is to analyze and summarize advanced techniques like immunoassay and advances in biosensors for the detection of food contaminants so that the impact of the latter can be minimized. The preferable techniques for pesticide residues, mycotoxins, and heavy metals detections are outlined, along with their merits, demerits, and future recommendations to ensure adequate quality control measures. The Ag and Au-based biosensors and quantum-dot-based biosensors, especially lateral flow immunoassay, have shown fast and on-spot detection of pesticides and mycotoxins, respectively. Whereas, for heavy metals, electrochemical biosensors are recommended. Biosensors are found highly sensitive, specific, simple, and user-friendly. The higher cost of advanced biosensors, single-time use, and specificity to few contaminants limit their use. Nanotechnology interventions can increase biosensor performance, leading to more economical and productive detection of food contaminants. A comprehensive and efficient approach that can quickly identify multiple food contaminants while being cost-effective and user-friendly is the need of the hour.