Medicinal plants with the therapeutic properties like Newbouldia laevis, where its pharmacological attribute is related to the existence of various bioactive compounds. This present study evaluates the physicochemical, drug likeness, pharmacokinetic factors (ADMET), pharmacodynamic factors (biological activity) and pharmacophore analysis of N. laevis phytochemicals by instrumentation of in-silico computational online webservers including SwissADME and ADMETlab2, ProToxII and StopTox, PASS online and ZINCPharmar webservers. The study revealed that 47 phytochemicals were identified from Newbouldia laevis based on the literature search. Based on our findings the 3-Dimentional (3D) structures and canonical SMILES identity of 40 and 44 respectively out of 47 phytochemicals that were found documented at PubChem and ChemSpider databases. Therefore, further analysis was based on the phytochemicals with the reported 3D structures and canonical SMILES identity. All the investigated N. laevis phytochemicals obey Lipinski's rule of five (RO5) except Newbouldiamide, stigmasterol glucoside and beta-sitosterol-3-O-D-Glucopyranoside. The present study disclosed that almost all phytochemicals tend to show decent smooth membrane permeability, oral bioavailability, and high gastrointestinal absorption in human gut. Moreover, these phytochemicals showed excellent bioactivity of enzyme inhibition for treatment of various diseases especially cancer. Lastly, the pharmacophore study revealed the functional descriptors in which almost all the phytochemicals one or more H bond donors, H bond acceptors, aromatic group, and hydrophobic bonds were identified as common descriptors except 1,2,3,4-Butanetetrol. Hence, in-silico results permit us to agree that identified phytochemicals from N. laevis are predicted to be a prospective upcoming drug candidate, particularly through oral administration, owing to its germane Drug-likeness profile, excellent liposolubility, bioavailability, and adequate bioactivity, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacological profile.

Background/Problem Statement Single-target pharmaceutical treatments generally fail to address the complex pathophysiology of chronic illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and neurodegeneration. These conditions are prone to medication resistance and treatment-related toxicity, underscoring the need for approaches that simultaneously activate multiple biological processes while minimizing undesirable effects. Aim This study examines the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals as multi-target drugs, and evaluates current advancements in drug design, delivery methods, and toxicology for clinical use. Methods A narrative review methodology was employed. Literature was gathered from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, emphasizing research published between 2013 and 2024. The Scopus Boolean search syntax was: TITLE-ABS-KEY(("phytochemical*" OR "plant bioactive*" OR "plant-derived compound*" OR "phytomedicine" OR "herbal medicine" OR "natural product*" OR "medicinal plant*") AND ("multi-target" OR "polypharmacology" OR "network pharmacology" OR "molecular docking" OR "drug synergy" OR "synergistic effect*") AND ("cancer" OR "cardiovascular disease*" OR "neurodegenerative disease*" OR "diabetes" OR "autoimmune disease*")). This yielded approximately 3,847 initial results, refined to ∼1,200 documents after applying quality, language, and journal filters. Search terms included: phytochemicals, synergistic effects, network pharmacology, molecular docking, nanotechnology-based drug delivery, and toxicological profiling. Peer-reviewed original studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses were included. Both in vitro and in vivo studies were incorporated. Results Phytochemicals exhibit synergistic pharmacological effects, enabling superior therapeutic outcomes at lower doses. Modern drug delivery systems, notably nanoparticles and liposomes, dramatically improve bioavailability and tissue targeting, with several formulations demonstrating clinical promise. Computational techniques including chemoinformatics, molecular docking, and network pharmacology facilitate polypharmacological target identification. However, significant challenges remain: lack of standardization, safety concerns (particularly with pyrrolizidine alkaloids and aristolochic acids), and limited clinical validation. Conclusion Phytochemicals possess the potential to address complicated, drug-resistant illnesses through multiple molecular targets. Their effective clinical translation depends on advanced formulation technologies, rigorous toxicity screening, and the synthesis of traditional knowledge with modern biomedical methods. Future research must prioritize standardized protocols and robust clinical trials.

SARS-CoV-2 is not standing still and creates new forms with greater immune-evasion potential that appear threatening to the effectiveness of the protection provided by vaccinations. Though it is demonstrated on the global data that there is a significant degradation of neutralizing antibodies in 4-6 months, the situation in Africa is different since the population is younger, the prevalence of hybrid immunity is high, and adenoviral and inactivated vaccines are more popular in Africa compared to mRNA platforms. The review summarizes the existing knowledge on the declining immunity, breakthrough infections, booster efficacy, and the peculiarities of the epidemiologic and immunologic situation in Africa, and critically discusses the structural factors that influence the response therein one, including inadequate access to vaccines, limited genomic surveillance potential, and vulnerabilities of health systems. The review has not limited itself to identifying the challenges; it has also tried to give solutions in an area-specific way. These involve the adoption of hybrid models of genomic surveillance, combining national high-throughput hubs with the decentralized models of rapid sequencing, developing sustainable mechanisms of funding that lessens the reliance on donor cycles, incorporation of COVID-19 boosters in other established delivery platforms like HIV and malaria chemoprevention and maternal-child health, and specific actions to overcome vaccine-hesitancy (induced by distrust, misinformation, and inconsistent access). To empower the local production, align the data-governance structures, and operationalize the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regional collaboration is important in preparing the continent in the future waves of variants and pandemics.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1039/D4NA00510D.].

This study investigated the concentrations and human health risks (carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic) associated with heavy metals in liquid herbal cough formulations obtained from the Western Region of Uganda. Twelve brands of registered (government authority) herbal cough formulations from reputable pharmacies were obtained and analysed. The mixtures were acid digested prior to Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) analysis to quantify cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) in the herbal formulations, followed by human health risk assessment, using two different approaches: deterministic and probabilistic (Monte Carlo simulation). The results showed significant variations in heavy metal concentrations, with Cu, Fe, Ni, Cd, Pb, and Zn ranging from 0.020 to 1.272, not detected (ND) to 6.734, ND to 0.129, 0.002 to 0.051, ND to 0.190, and 0.043 to 0.527 mg/L, respectively, within the World Health Organization limit (WHO). Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that anthropogenic activities were the major source of heavy metal contamination. The hazard index (HI) values obtained ranged from 7.0 × 10-4 to 2.59 × 10-2 in children and 6.0 ×  10-4 to 2.49 ×  10-2 in adults, indicating extremely low non-carcinogenic risk (HI < 1) of exposure to heavy metals. Similarly, the incremental lifetime carcinogenic risks (ILCRs) of Ni, Pb, and Cd for both the children and adults were below the acceptable limit of 1.0 ×  10-4, indicating no carcinogenic health risk. Moreover, the probabilistic risk assessment revealed that Pb and Cd had less than a 0.01% chance of exceeding the WHO limit (negligible risk). Findings from this study indicate that heavy metal concentrations in the brands of herbal cough formulations from Western Uganda are below the safety thresholds and are safe for consumption under realistic exposure conditions.

ABSTRACT Background Diabetes mellitus remains a major public health concern in East Africa, and poor glycaemic control continues to drive avoidable complications, deaths and pressure on already stretched health systems. Objective To estimate the prevalence of poor glycemic control and describe the main factors associated with it among people living with diabetes in East Africa. Methods This review synthesized evidence from observational studies, cross‐sectional surveys and regional health databases identified through PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, following PRISMA guidance. Sociodemographic, clinical and behavioural indicators were examined to identify common patterns and predictors of poor glycaemic control. The review also considered how measurement approaches shaped reported estimates. Results Fifty records were identified across PubMed (10), Scopus (23) and Web of Science (17). After screening, 37 records were eligible for full‐text review, and 15 studies met the inclusion criteria for evidence synthesis. Across the region, poor glycemic control was consistently high, ranging from 60% to 85%. Most studies were facility‐based and cross‐sectional. Glycemic control was assessed mainly using HbA1c, commonly defined as ≥ 7% or > 7.5%, and less frequently by fasting blood glucose, typically ≥ 7.2 mmol/L or > 130 mg/dL. Type 2 diabetes was the dominant population studied, with fewer mixed cohorts and only one study focused on type 1 diabetes. Factors repeatedly linked to poor control included older age, longer duration of diabetes, poor medication adherence, limited access to care, low health literacy, inadequate diabetes education, insulin use, comorbidities, diabetic complications, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, sedentary behaviour, substance use and limited self‐management support. Conclusion Poor glycemic control is alarmingly common among people with diabetes in East Africa and reflects intertwined clinical, behavioural and health‐system challenges. Region‐specific strategies are needed to strengthen primary care, improve diabetes education, expand affordable monitoring and treatment and enhance surveillance to guide policy and resource allocation.

This study examined health risks and outcomes associated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure among pregnant women in Mbarara, Uganda. Thirty-two women in their third trimester were recruited from Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, and maternal blood samples were analysed for PAHs using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry. Health risks were evaluated using the U.S. EPA models and Monte Carlo simulations (MCS). Multiple PAHs were detected, with fluorene (16.38 ± 0.31 mg/L) and chrysene (5.51 ± 4.15 mg/L) showing the highest concentrations. Multivariable linear and logistic regression and Spearman correlation analyses revealed significant associations between chrysene, dibenzo[a, i]pyrene, benzo[e]pyrene, 1-methylpyrene and biphenylene concentrations and adverse outcomes, notably low birth weight and postpartum haemorrhage. Passive smoking, the use of biomass fuel, geophagia, and the consumption of grilled/charred foods were the major predictors of maternal PAH exposure. Diagnostic ratio analysis apportioned PAHs to petrogenic, pyrolytic (vehicular emission), and mixed sources. Hazard indices and benzo[a]pyrene toxic and mutagenic equivalents exceeded 1, while the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR; 1.3 × 10⁰) surpassed regulatory thresholds of 1 × 10− 4 – 1 × 10− 6, indicating considerable non-cancer and cancer risks. The MCS ILCR (3.19 × 10⁻¹) estimates further suggested that, in a population of 10 pregnant women, about three could develop cancer from long-term PAH exposure. The small sample size represents a key limitation which may affect the generalizability of the findings. Nonetheless, these findings underscore the need for public health interventions and policy reforms to mitigate exposure to PAHs among vulnerable populations in Mbarara city and its surroundings, and necessitate further research to assess the long-term developmental impacts on children exposed in utero.

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) contamination of agro-ecosystems poses significant threats to food safety and public health. Study investigated the occurrence, sources, and human health risks of PTEs (As, Pb, Cd, Co, Cr, Hg, Ni, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, Zn, Th, and V) in irrigation water (n = 1), agricultural soils (n = 9 composite samples), and vegetables (onion, cabbage, and amaranth; n = 36 composite samples) collected in August 2024 from the Mubuku Irrigation Scheme, western Uganda. Elemental concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. Health risks were assessed using hazard quotient, hazard index (HI) and total cancer risk (TCR) models, complemented by Monte Carlo simulation (MCS; 10,000 iterations) to address exposure variability and uncertainty. More than 20% of detected PTEs in vegetables exceeded WHO/FAO limits. Arsenic (2.22-3.57 mg/kg), lead (2.02-3.66 mg/kg), and mercury (0.42-0.61 mg/kg) consistently exceeded guideline values (0.1, 0.3, and 0.001 mg/kg, respectively), with amaranth as the highest accumulator. Irrigation water contained elevated As (1.56 mg/L) and Pb (2.73 mg/L). Estimated HI values indicated considerable non-carcinogenic risks (HI > 1). TCR and MCS exceeded acceptable thresholds (10⁻⁶-10⁻⁴), highlighting probable lifetime cancer risks and the need for targeted risk management interventions.

BackgroundAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with progression leading to a decline in cognition. Despite the extensive research, conventional therapies have limited activity and often cause side effects. This demands the need for novel, safer, and effective treatment of AD.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine the phytochemical constituents and determine the anti-Alzheimer's activity of Persicaria hydropiper.MethodsThe total phenol and flavonoid content of the Persicaria (MP) methanol extract was determined, and active principles were identified using GC-MS. The neuroprotective activity was investigated using biochemical assays against Aβ1-42-induced neurodegeneration in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell lines.ResultsPhytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols (258.33 mg GAE) and flavonoids (48.31 mg QE). GC-MS identified the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant bioactive compounds. MP exhibited strong ABTS and DPPH radical-scavenging activities and inhibited AChE and BACE1 enzymes. In SHSY5Y cells, MP prevented Aβ1-42 aggregation, restored cell morphology, reduced reactive oxygen species levels, and preserved mitochondrial membrane potential. It suppressed Aβ and tau fibrillation, downregulated Bax and Caspase, upregulated Bcl2, Beclin-1, LC3B-II, and LAMP1, and reduced IL-6, TNF-α, and GSK3β expression, indicating potent neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.ConclusionsOverall, the results imply that Persicaria hydropiper exhibits protective activity on neuroblastoma cell lines by mitigating oxidative stress, Aβ/tau fibrils, cell death, and inflammation while also inducing autophagy induced by Aβ1-42. Further in vivo studies are needed to validate the findings to establish the plant as a potential source of anti-Alzheimer's drug.

INTRODUCTION:This meta-synthesis summarizes research advances on drug residues associated with using antihelmintic/antibiotics in poultry and livestock farming to highlight their implications on public health. METHODS:The study applied the Preferred Reporting Items guidelines for the Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) on diverse core databases (PubMed, Scopus, Medline and Web of Science) using the title-specific search keywords/terms. RESULTS:Among the 176 included and eligible articles on drug residues associated with the use of antihelminthic/antibiotics in livestock and poultry farms, only 77 were meta-synthesized which revealed a poor growth rate of 1.95% within the periods. The meta-synthesis depicts the most reported pharmaceuticals, residue/metabolite to include Monensin (MON), unchanged Nicarbazin (NCZ), Doxycycline (DOX), Thiabendazole, Dimetridazole (DMZ), concentrated in meat, chicken, eggs, muscle, and liver of livestock with a concentration detected ranging from 0.01 μg/kg to 4840 μg/kg. It is important to note that the residual concentration observed was higher than major countries maximum residual limits (MRLs) for such farm products which reveals the risk of such observed values to consumers. Also, most reported method of residue detection was HPLC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS, usually, this is due to the disease and infection threat of coccidiosis and histomoniasis in livestock production. CONCLUSION:The relatively low annual growth rate of 1.95%indicates poor study between 2000 and 2024 which further emphasizes that the mainstream research in this regard may be neglected gradually if the trend continues, leaving the concern of drug residue unattended while the implications on public health systems remain unengaged. It also revealed high residue and risk associated with the use of antihelminthic/antibiotics in poultry/livestock farming which necessitates intentional and adroit surveillance especially in low- and middle-income nations.

Background: Medicinal plants produce specialised (secondary) metabolites including alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids and phenolics that underpin pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and traditional therapeutics. Although enzyme-encoding genes and transcription factors are established regulators of these pathways, accumulating evidence indicates that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) provide additional, and in some contexts decisive, regulatory control. Objective: To synthesise and critically appraise evidence on how plant ncRNAs microRNAs (miRNAs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) regulate secondary metabolism in medicinal plants, and to map translational opportunities and unresolved gaps. Methods: We conducted a narrative review with a systematic synthesis across PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, CAB Abstracts and AGRICOLA, supplemented by Google Scholar screening using SANRA. Results: Across medicinal and non-model plant systems, miRNAs repeatedly target transcription factors that control biosynthetic pathways (e.g., MYB/bHLH/WRKY families) and, in some cases, key enzymes (e.g., PAL/CHS/DFR modules), thereby supporting stress-responsive and developmentally timed reprogramming of metabolite profiles. siRNAs contribute through RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) and regulation of transposons and gene clusters. lncRNAs modulate chromatin accessibility and function as scaffolds or decoys, including as competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) ‘sponges’, whereas circRNAs are emerging as relatively stable regulatory hubs that may influence miRNA availability and stress-associated transcriptional states. Evidence quality varies across ncRNA classes and species, and mechanistic validation in medicinal plants remains inconsistent. Conclusions: ncRNAs constitute a multilayer regulatory system shaping the ‘phytochemical economy’ of medicinal plants. Progress towards translation will require standardised ncRNA annotation resources, rigorous causal validation, and integrated multi-omics study designs to support precision metabolic engineering and sustainable phytochemical production.

Current treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease target neurotransmitters following the disease onset, and they offer limited efficacy without slowing down the disease progression. There has been an increasing concern in recent years targeting the histamine H3 receptor (H3R) in treating cognitive disorders, including dementia. Preclinical studies have shown that antagonists of H3R or inverse agonists enhance the cognitive function in animal models with dementia by increasing the release of neurotransmitters associated with learning and memory. This review employed a systematic literature search across databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov, selecting peer-reviewed studies. The results of this study illustrate the complex landscape of research on H3R modulators in dementia, highlighting both promising findings and ongoing challenges in translating preclinical discoveries into effective clinical interventions. Knowing the role of H3R in dementia and developing novel pharmacological interventions targeting these receptors represent a promising avenue for future research, leading to the development of new treatments for this devastating condition.

Over the last several years, the gut microbiota-brain axis has been the focus of medical study, demonstrating the bidirectional nature of gut and brain communication and the resulting influence on neurological and mental health. Trillions of microorganisms, particularly those found in the gastrointestinal tract, contribute the most to the pathophysiology recovery of organs that are critical to human health, such as digestive processes and metabolism, immune responses, and even cognitive function. Dysbiosis (a disturbance in the microbiome balance) has been identified as one of the risk factors for neuropsychiatric illnesses such as depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Therapeutic strategies aimed at the gut microbiota, such as probiotics, dietary modifications, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, will eventually offer ways to alleviate symptoms associated with these disorders by restoring microbial balance, modulating the immune response, and influencing the production of major neurotransmitters. Innovative drug carriers, such as microbially-derived nanoparticles and probiotics that target particular parts of the gut or microbial communities, may improve pharmaceutical treatment efficacy and specificity. The resolution of difficulties such as ethical concerns, unexpected repercussions, and peak performance optimization in a clinical setting is critical for the advancement of this subject.

Malaria remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, disproportionately affecting children and pregnant women. The increasing resistance to conventional antimalarial drugs underscores the urgent need for alternative therapies. Traditional medicinal plants such as Andrographis paniculata and Allium sativum have shown promise, but their combined efficacy has not been adequately explored. This study aimed to evaluate the antiplasmodial effects of combined ethanolic extracts of Andrographis paniculata leaves and Allium sativum bulbs on Plasmodium berghei (NK65)–induced parasitemia in albino mice. A controlled laboratory experiment was conducted with 30 mice randomly allocated into six groups: normal control, negative control, positive control (artemether-lumefantrine), A. paniculata monotherapy, A. sativum monotherapy, and combination therapy. Extracts were prepared by cold maceration and administered orally at 200 mg/kg. Parasitemia was induced intraperitoneally and monitored microscopically. Antiplasmodial activity was assessed using Rane’s curative test. The combination therapy significantly suppressed parasitemia (43.4% by day 5), showing efficacy comparable to artemether-lumefantrine and A. paniculata monotherapy but more effective than A. sativum alone (p < 0.0467). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the combined ethanolic extracts of Andrographis paniculata leaves and Allium sativum bulbs produced a significant reduction in Plasmodium berghei –induced parasitemia in albino mice, with higher efficacy than either extract alone. These findings provide a scientific basis for the traditional use of herbal combinations in malaria management and highlight the potential of developing phytomedicine formulations as affordable adjuncts or alternatives to conventional antimalarials.

Background and objectiveDespite its critical role in individual and societal health, food hygiene remains underexplored. Antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria in ready-to-eat (RTE) food threaten public health. This scoping review collected data on the epidemiological prevalence of RTE food-contaminated pathogens resistant to antimicrobial drugs and resistance genes in Africa.MethodUsing electronic databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS), handpicked from references, pre-reviewed published articles were retrieved and analyzed according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines.ResultsThe findings indicate 40 previewed published articles qualified for meta-synthesis in the scoping review with a population/case ratio of 11,653/5,338 (45.80%). The most frequently reported RTE foods were meat or beef/beef-soup, chicken or poultry products, salads, vegetable salads, and sandwiches, which harboured pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus. Antibiotic susceptibility tests revealed the use of 48 antibiotics to manage infections, following CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) protocols. Moreover, 10 authors reported 54 resistance genes associated with pathogenic resistant bacteria. In addition, only 15 studies received funding or financial support.ConclusionThese findings from several researchers indicate that RTE street foods in African and resource-limited nations harbour enteric pathogens and are a significant concern to the public health system and reservoir of the spread of antibiotic resistance. This underscores the necessity of implementing effective control strategies to address challenges and limit the spread of resistant bacteria in RTE foods. The antimicrobial resistance surveillance system in the region is a significant concern. Notably, Africa needs to strengthen the national and international regulatory bodies and a health surveillance system on antimicrobial resistance, particularly among developing nations.

Listed amongst first-line of considered and recommended antibiotics by the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) for environmental/clinical Vibrio cholerae strains control/management are Phenicol antibiotics (PA) group (Chloramphenicol). However, recent antibiogram reports has revealed a shift arising from failure to inhibit the enzyme-peptidyl tranferase and prevent elongation of new amino acids architecture after binding to the microbial genome 50S ribosomal subunit. The current study determines PA-resistance (PA/R) status amongst environmental non-O1/non-O139 and Clinical O1/O139 V.cholerae strains: a systematic review and meta-synthesis. Selected published studies on V. cholerae strains in relevant database (Including Scopus, Web of Science and Pubmed) were searched using specific keywords/exclusion criteria and analyzed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A common-effect-model (CEM) and randomised-effect-model (REM) of meta-analysis was performed to access PA/R prevalence amongst V. cholerae strains and its global epidemiological position. Our study revealed high percentage prevalence of PA/R-Vc (73.5 %) among 2794 V. cholerae strains recorded, 2054 strains harbored Flor and CAT-89 chloramphenicol resistant-gene (CRG) whereas, 196 (7.01 %) strains harbored the CAT-89/CATs (CRG), while 71 (2.54 %) strains harbored the STN resistant-gene. Both applied models (CEM and REM) also revealed significant PA/R with high heterogeneity levels {95 % CIs (0.25–0.39), I2= 95 %}, and Q statistic (Q=2286.75, p < 0.0001). Such global prevalence indicates an epidemiological relevance of PA/R and suggests reconsideration of the PA members from the recommendation queue/throe of the decades-long antibiotic consideration scheme. The post-antibiotic-era welcomes antibiotic-stewardship necessities and emphasizes strictness/adroitness in the control of such evolving/emerging V. cholerae strains especially in endemic localities.

Abstract Background Ritonavir is an anti-retroviral protease inhibitor to treat HIV, AIDS infections. Methods The RN-SLNs were prepared by using hot homogenization followed ultrasonication method and optimized by using a two-factor, three-level central composte design (CCD). The independent variables were selected as phospholipids (X1) and type of surfactants (X2), whereas the dependent variables were chosen as percent entrapment efficiency (%EE) (Y1), size of the particle (Y2), and percent cumulative drug release (Y3). Further, the formulated R-SLNs were characterized and in vitro drug release studies were performed. The optimized R-SLNs were subjected to in vivo pharmacokinetic studies. Results The solid lipid soya leccithin showed the maximum solubility of RN (103.34 mg/g) compared to stearic acid (81.44 mg/g), glyceryl monostearate (67.21 mg/g), Gelucire 39/1 (44.22 mg/g), and Compritol 888 ATO (31.23 mg/g). Further, the surfactant blend (Tween 80: Poloxamer 188 (8:2)) showed the maximum entrapment efficiency and was the most suitable surfactant. The optimized RN-SLN formulation showed a particle size of 265.06 ± 5.12 nm, % EE of 86.2 ± 3.16 and cumulative drug release of 94.8 ± 0.16%. In addition, in-vitro drug release studies confirmed a biphasic release pattern, and followed Higuchi’s model. The in vivo pharmacokinetic studies showed an increase in bioavailability by 4.3 folds as compared to marketed formulation. Conclusions The optimized RN-SLNs significantly enhanced the solubility and bioavailability of RN. The results of the present study can become a promising platform for the enhancement of oral bioavailability by novel nano carriers. Graphical abstract

Medicinal plants have been an integral part of healthcare, particularly in Africa, where over 80% of the population relies on traditional herbal medicine. This research focuses on Olax subscorpioidea, a plant recognized for its extensive pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and analgesic properties. The study aimed to identify the bioactive compounds present in the leaf extract of O. subscorpioidea using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The plant was collected, dried, and extracted with methanol, leading to the identification of 199 compounds, including phenols, terpenoids, flavonoids, and fatty acids, some of which possess significant biological activities. Toxicological studies indicated a safe dosage with no adverse effects observed in mice. This research underscores the potential of O. subscorpioidea as a source of novel therapeutic agents, necessitating further isolation and characterization of its bioactive constituents to explore their pharmacological potentials comprehensively.

Abstract Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are toxic substances formed during the incomplete burning of organic matter, and they pose major threats to human health and the environment. This systematic review assesses the public health burden of PAH exposure in East Africa, focusing on sources, health effects, and mitigation strategies. East Africa is experiencing rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and increasing reliance on biomass fuels, all of which contribute to elevated environmental PAH levels. Despite these developments, the region remains underrepresented in global PAH risk assessments, with limited localized data guiding policy and public health responses. This geographic focus is thus critical to identify context-specific exposure sources, assess the unique vulnerabilities of East African populations, and support targeted mitigation strategies aligned with regional socioeconomic and environmental realities. Using the PRISMA framework, studies were screened for quality and bias via the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and JBI checklists, with 20 out of 183 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Key exposure sources include biomass and fossil fuel combustion, urban air pollution, industrial emissions, occupational hazards, and dietary intake. Vulnerable groups, particularly women, children, and low-income urban dwellers, face heightened risks, including the risk of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, adverse birth outcomes, and neurodevelopmental impairments. Despite growing concerns, policy gaps, weak enforcement of air quality standards, and limited public awareness hinder effective mitigation. Therefore, urgent interventions are needed, including clean energy adoption, urban air pollution control, industrial regulations, and stronger public health policies. To address PAH exposure in East Africa, a multi-sectoral approach integrating policy reforms, community engagement, and sustainable environmental practices to protect public health is imperative. Graphical Abstract

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the involvement of oxidative and apoptotic mechanisms in the possible neuroprotective effect of Kaempferide (KPD) and Norbergenin (NRG) against AlCl3-induced cognitive shutdown in rats. INTRODUCTION:Aluminium chloride (AlCl3) is widely known as a neurotoxic agent that induces memory and cognitive shutdown via induction of oxidative stress and apoptosis. KPD is an O-methylated flavonol that possesses anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-dementia and anti-depression properties, whereas NRG, a demethylated compound derived from bergenin, possesses an anti-oxidant property and has neuroprotective effects. Both alleviate D-galactose-induced neurotoxicity in rats. METHODS:Eighty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two experimental models: prophylactic (pre-treatment with donepezil, KPD or NRG; n = 42) and curative (post-treatment with donepezil, KPD, or NRG; n = 42). In each of these models, the animals were divided into seven groups (n = 6 per group): group 1 (normal saline), group 2 (200 mg/kg AlCl3), group 3 (donepezil + AlCl3), group 4 (5 mg/kg KPD + AlCl3), group 5 (10 mg/kg KPD + AlCl3), group 6 (5 mg/kg NRG + AlCl3) and group 7 (10 mg/kg NRG + AlCl3)Results:Kaempferide and Norbergenin averted the increase in TBARS, NO and AChE, and decrease in the number of crossings, time spent and distance moved in the target quadrant, latency of fall, speed, paw withdrawal threshold (PWT), SOD, CAT, GPx, GR and GSH induced by AlCl3. These agents also averted the upregulation of Aβ1-41, p-Tau, caspase-3, Bax and downregulation of Akt, p-CREB, SOD1 and BCl-2 induced by AlCl3Conclusion:The neuroprotective effects of KPD and NRG against AlCl3-induced Aβ accumulation and cognitive shutdown are mediated via suppression of oxidative stress and apoptosis.