Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics (JDDT)
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Classical Wisdom and Contemporary Science: A Review on Aqaaqia (Vachellia nilotica L. Pod Extract)
No full textAqaaqia, obtained by the mature pod of Vachellia nilotica L. (previously Acacia arabica L. /Acacia nilotica L.), has a glorious place in the Unani system of medicine as a panacean therapeutic agent. This review is designed to present a comprehensive account of the ethnobotanical characteristics, historical context, pharmacological activities, and documented evidence on Aqaaqia as cited in classical Unani literature. The material for this review was compiled from classical Unani texts, published literature, pharmacological references, and data retrieved from scientific databases. Its pharmacological potential is attributed to the presence of diverse phytoconstituents, including tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, carbohydrates, sterols, and glycosides. In USM, Aqaaqia has been described to possess several actions such as Qābiḍ (Astringent), Ḥābis-i-Dam(Hemostyptic), Mujaffif (Desiccant),etc. Pharmacological studies further corroborate these traditional claims, reporting antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, wound-healing, and analgesic activities. The present study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the pharmacological, phytochemical, and therapeutic properties of Aqaaqia. Nevertheless, with significant preclinical data, there is limited clinical data to confirm it, and high-quality human trials are urgently lacking to confirm its safety, efficacy, and therapeutic formulations. Aqaaqia, integrating classical Unani knowledge with initial scientific validation, emerges as a promising agent for integrative medicine. However, extensive investigation through rigorous, evidence-based clinical studies is required to confirm its therapeutic potential.
Keywords: Unani medicine, Aqaaqia, Vachellia nilotica L., Babool pods, phytochemistry
Biodegradable Polymer Use in Drug Delivery Systems: A Comprehensive Review
No full textBiodegradable polymers have revolutionized the field of drug delivery systems, offering a promising solution to the limitations of traditional drug administration techniques. These polymers can be designed to degrade at specific rates, releasing therapeutics in a controlled and sustained manner, thereby improving bioavailability and reducing side effects. This review provides an overview of biodegradable polymers, including natural polymers like collagen, albumin, and gelatin, as well as synthetic polymers like polyesters, polyorthoesters, and polyphosphoesters. Here discuss the types of biodegradable polymers, their mechanisms, and benefits in drug delivery systems, including controlled release, targeted release, transdermal delivery, gene delivery, and tissue engineering. The review also highlights the future prospects and trends in biodegradable polymers, including the development of new polymers, blends, and nanoparticles.
Keywords: Biodegradable polymers, Drug delivery systems, Controlled release, Targeted delivery, Regenerative medicin
Integrating Traditional and Modern Knowledge: A Review on Khulanjan (Alpinia galanga) in Unani Medicine
No full textAims and objective: Khulanjan (Alpinia galanga) is a rhizomatous Zingiberaceae herb long used in Unani medicine. Classical texts ascribe to Khulanjan a warm, dry temperament (Unani mizāj) and describe it as a carminative digestive stimulant and tonic (e.g. Mufarreh, Muqawwi-e-Meda, Muqawwi-e-Qalb), with expectorant and cardiac tonic actions. The objectives of this review are to examine and correlate these traditional Unani uses of khulanjan with modern pharmacological findings; to bridge classical knowledge and contemporary science; and to identify potential therapeutic applications of its bioactive constituents. These traditional uses for indigestion, flatulence, respiratory complaints and weakness reflect its characterization as an aromatic, stimulant herb. Modern phytochemical analyses identify key bioactive constituents in Khulanjan rhizome, including the flavonoid galangin and volatile oils rich in 1,8-cineole, β-pinene, methyl cinnamate, borneol and related terpenes. Such compounds confer demonstrable bioactivities: experimental studies report strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects of A. galanga extracts. For example, high phenolic/flavonoid content in the rhizome correlates with potent radical‐scavenging and antibacterial activity in vitro. Thus, contemporary research largely validates classical claims: Khulanjan’s traditional designation as a digestive/carminative tonic and healer of ‘phlegm’ and inflammation finds support in its phytochemistry and observed pharmacology. This synthesis of Unani doctrine and modern evidence underscores that the age-old uses of Khulanjan have a rational basis, illustrating how classical herbal wisdom aligns with scientific pharmacological validation.
Keywords: Alpinia galanga; Khulanjan; Unani medicine; Mizaj; phytochemicals; antioxidant; anti-inflammatory; antimicrobial
Development and Characterization of Phytosomal Mucoadhesive Oral Gel of Camellia sinensis Polyphenols
No full textBackground: Epigallocatechin-3-gallate is a polyphenol obtained from Camellia sinesis. Which acts as an antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory. It exhibits poor water solubility, low lipophilicity (log P ≈ 1.2), and extensive first-pass metabolism, highlighting the need for improved drug delivery methods.
Aim: To formulate a stable phytosomal delivery system for EGCG and incorporate it into a mucoadhesive oral gel suitable for effective oral mucosal and topical applications.
Materials and Methods: Phytosomes were prepared by the solvent-evaporation technique using phosphatidylcholine as the lipid carrier to form stable phyto-complexes. The resulting vesicles were characterised for their morphological and physicochemical properties using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and particle size analysis. The prepared phytosomal gels (F1–F3) were further evaluated for pH, viscosity, spreadability, and drug content uniformity. In vitro diffusion studies were performed in phosphate buffer (pH 6.8). Kinetic modelling and stability testing at 25 °C ± 2 °C / 60 % ± 5 % RH for 45 days were also conducted.
Results: SEM revealed uniformly shaped spherical vesicles with smooth surfaces. Formulation F8 exhibited the smallest mean particle size of 244 nm, suggesting improved permeation and stability. In vitro diffusion studies demonstrated a sustained-release profile extending over 12 hours, with cumulative drug release ranging from 96.37% to 98.88%. Kinetic modelling of the optimised formulation (F2) indicated diffusion-controlled release consistent with the Higuchi model. Stability testing showed negligible variations in physicochemical parameters and only a slight reduction in drug release (from 98.88% to 94.37%), confirming the formulation’s robustness.
Conclusion: The developed phytosomal mucoadhesive gel offers a promising delivery system for EGCG, capable of improving its therapeutic potential and bioavailability for effective oral mucosal and topical applications.
Keywords: Camellia sinensis, solvent evaporation method, in vitro drug release, phytosomal gel, mucoadhesive system
Prevalence of Liver Damage in Patients Under Antiretroviral Therapy at Gitwe District Hospital
Get PDFBackground: The emergence of liver diseases as one of the major causes of death in people infected with HIV has paralleled the introduction of more effective antiretroviral therapies. More than 60% of the prescribed drugs are cleared in the liver, and hepatic injury is the most frequent cause of drug discontinuation in clinical trials. Thus, it is not surprising that all ART drugs have some risk of hepatotoxicity, which varies depending on the specific characteristics of the drugs. Measuring liver enzymes is the most common way of determining hepatotoxicity. HIV and antiretroviral medications both cause abnormalities in liver enzymes. Antiretroviral (ARV) medications harm liver cells either directly or through their active metabolites
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of liver damage in patients exposed to antiretroviral therapy at Gitwe District Hospital.
Materials and methods: Retrospective study was conducted in 212 HIV patients attending GITWE District Hospital, Southern province, Rwanda from 2023-2024. Patients under HAART with valid liver function test results for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were included.
Results: Among 212 patients included in the study, from 2023 to 2024, 24(11.32%) presented mild, moderate, and severe liver damage. Very few severe cases 4(1.9%) were observed, Normal female and male represented high percentage among the patients: 116(54.5%) and 72(34.0%) respectively.
Conclusions: Mild and moderate liver damage were present in HIV patients; Severe liver damage were rare 4(1.9%) in all patients but many of the patients showed normal liver function. The effort made by health care providers in regular monitoring of hepatotoxicity among HIV-infected patients and advising patient to moderate alcohol consumption must be supported in order to avoid severe liver damage and other health complications.
Keywords: HIV, antiretroviral Therapy, liver enzyme elevation, Prevalenc
Risk Factors of Oral Candidiasis Post Teeth Extraction: Scoping Review
Get PDFIntroduction: Tooth extraction can lead to several complications; therefore, it is essential to assess the patient\u27s condition to prevent potential complications carefully. Candida infection is one type of complication triggered by tooth extraction. Oral candidiasis is a common fungal infection in humans caused by the overgrowth of Candida albicans, the primary etiological agent. Tooth extraction can increase a person\u27s risk of developing oral candidiasis due to environmental changes in the oral cavity that can increase fungal growth so that the post-extraction wound area becomes prone to candida infection. This scoping review aims to analyze risk factors for oral candidiasis in patients after tooth extraction. Methods: The writing followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Articles are searched using electronic databases, namely PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Elsevier. The population in this review was patients diagnosed with oral candidiasis after tooth extraction. Full-text journals in English published from 2013 to 2023 non-literature review research method. Results: Seven articles were obtained that met the inclusion criteria. The study design used, namely 2 experimental articles and 5 case report articles, showed the occurrence of oral candidiasis after tooth extraction due to immunocompromised conditions which caused the body to experience decreased immunity, causing a delay in the wound healing process and failure to fight Candida infection. Positive fungal culture results for Candida spp. confirmed the diagnosis of oral candidiasis. Conclusion: The act of tooth extraction increases the risk of oral candidiasis, which is triggered by the patient\u27s underlying condition, rendering the commensal fungus Candida albicans pathogenic. This is proven based on research findings in the last 10 years, post-extraction oral candidiasis occurs, accompanied by Immunocompromised conditions such as diabetes, HIV, grave diseases, hypertensive conditions, and also found due to abuse of heroin, opioids, and marijuana.
Keywords: teeth extraction, oral candidiasis, Candida Albicans, delayed wound healing
Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (RTKs) Mediated Potent Bioactive Ligand Targeted to Autoimmune Arthritis
Get PDFThis review aims to explore the Pharmacological potential of some important bioactive targets linked to Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (RTK) receptors in autoimmune arthritic disorders. RTKs play a role in inflammation, immune cell activation, angiogenesis, cartilage degradation, and autoantibody formation. Focusing on these pathways will pave the way for establishing a new treatment option for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. In conditions like autoimmune arthritis, inflammation results from immune cells such as T cells, B cells, and macrophages becoming activated and infiltrating the joints. The signaling of several immune receptors, including the TNF and IL-1 receptors, which are considered as important mediators of inflammation, is mediated by RTKs. Herbal bioactives are considered safer than other systems of medicine and possess outstanding therapeutic potential. In this review, we have considered some crucial bioactives that interact with RTKs to modulate their signaling pathways to be helpful for the treatment of various autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
Keywords: Receptor Tyrosine Kinase, herbal bioactive, therapeutic potential, autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatio
Integrative Management of Nonspecific Low Back Pain Using Bukhoor (Herbal Medicated Steam): Clinical Insights from a Case Series Bridging Traditional and Contemporary Therapies
Get PDFBackground: Nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) is a common condition that affects people across all age groups and can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life. Conventional treatments, such as pain medications and physical therapy, often provide only partial relief and may be associated with side effects, especially with long-term use. As a result, there is growing interest in traditional systems of medicine, including Unani, which offer holistic and non-invasive treatment options.
Objective: This case series aims to explore the potential benefits of Bukhoor therapy an herbal medicated steam treatment used in Unani medicine in managing chronic NSLBP.
Methods: Three individuals with chronic NSLBP were treated with Bukhoor therapy using Tukhme Soya (Anethum sowa). Each patient received 10-minute steam sessions on alternate days for a total of 21 days. The severity of pain and level of disability were measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) before and after the treatment period.
Results: All three patients reported noticeable improvements in both pain levels and functional ability. VAS and ODI scores showed consistent reductions from baseline to the end of treatment. No adverse effects were observed, and all patients tolerated the therapy well.
Conclusion: These preliminary findings suggest that Bukhoor therapy may serve as a safe and promising complementary treatment for chronic NSLBP. Further research, including larger and controlled studies, is needed to establish its efficacy and integrate it more effectively into comprehensive pain management strategies.
Keywords: Nonspecific low back pain, Unani medicine, Ilaj bit Tadbeer, Medicated steam, Bukhoor therap
Clinical Efficacy of Classical Unani Formulations in Management of Qubāʼ (Tinea Corporis): A Case Series Approach
Get PDFBackground: Tinea corporis, identified as Qubāʼ in Unani medicine, is a common superficial fungal infection. Classical Unani texts offer a holistic management framework, integrating principles of temperament (Mizāj), humoral balance, and both topical and systemic therapies.
Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of individualized Unani regimens in managing Qubāʼ through symptom monitoring and temperament-based selection of formulations.
Methods: Five patients clinically diagnosed with Tinea corporis were treated at HSZH Unani Medical College & Hospital, Bhopal. Oral polyherbal formulations—Itrifāl Shahātra, Majoon Ushba, Habbe Musaffi, Dawā-e-Musaffi, or Arq Shahātra—were administered alongside the standard topical application of Marham-e-Qūba. Treatment duration was 28 days, with assessments on Day 1, 14, and 28 using the Dermatophytosis Symptom Score (DSS).
Results: All patients demonstrated progressive improvement with a mean DSS reduction of 75.6% by Day28. Pruritus showed the most significant reduction (85.7%), followed by erythema (76.9%) and scaling (54.5%). The combination of Itrifāl Shahātra + Marham-e-Qūba was the most effective. No adverse events or recurrence were observed.
Conclusion: This study highlights the clinical potential of Unani therapies in managing superficial fungal infections. The integration of temperament-based oral regimens and a standardized topical application showed marked symptom relief, safety, and patient satisfaction. Further controlled trials are recommended to validate these findings and expand therapeutic options in integrative dermatology.
Keywords: Dermatophytosis, Mizāj, Marham-e-Qūba, Polyherbal Formulations, Qubāʼ, Tinea Corporis, Unani Medicin
Effect of extraction method on the antioxidant activity of cashew apples collected in northern Côte d\u27Ivoire
Get PDFThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of extraction method on the antioxidant activity of cashew apples. The aqueous extracts studied were obtained either by maceration or decoction. Their polyphenol and flavonoid contents were determined by spectrophotometric assay, then their free radical scavenging activity was assessed using the DPPH method. Characterization of the phenolic compounds in the various extracts showed that the DAd, AMd and SId aqueous extracts obtained by decoction contained higher levels of polyphenols at 197.15 ±2.65, 183.49 ± 3.55 and 161.16 ± 2.02 mg EQ/g extract respectively, and higher levels of flavonoids at 274.32 ± 2.65, 196.44 ± 2.65 and 193.55 ± 2.31 mg EQ/g extract respectively. DAm, AMm and Sim, extracts obtained by maceration had the lowest phenolic compound contents of 170.09 ± 2.74, 168.19 ± 3.45 and 123.38 ± 3.65 mg EQ/g extract respectively, and flavonoid contents of 158.94 ± 3.57, 147.40 ± 1.45 and 110.86 ± 1.02 mg EQ/g extract respectively. Taking harvest sites into account, extracts from the DAO site were richer in phenolic compounds than extracts from other sites. Determination of antioxidant activity showed that decoctions have better antioxidant activity than macerations. This anti-free radical activity is thought to be correlated with phenolic compound content. The good antioxidant activity would justify its use in traditional diets and therapeutics.
Keywords: Anacardium occidentalis, cashew apple, antioxidant activity, extraction method, food and therapeutic us