Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics (JDDT)
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A Modern Approach on Mouth Dissolving Drug Technology: Film-Based Oral Delivery
Get PDFSince oral drug delivery is convenient, affordable, and patient-compliant, it continues to be the most used method. However, taking medications can be difficult for both young and old, increasing the danger of choking. Since its introduction in the 1970s, buccal mucosal dosage forms and fast-dissolving drug delivery systems (FDDS) have improved in terms of usability and safety. Fast-dissolving oral films (OFDFs) are one of them that have become more well-liked due to their capacity to dissolve on the tongue rapidly without the need for water or chewing, enhancing self-administration. Improved bioavailability, decreased first-pass metabolism, quick onset of action, and compatibility with water-insoluble medications are just a few of the many benefits that OFDFs provide. They can be made using solvent casting, hot-melt extrusion, rolling, or solid dispersion extrusion procedures, and they can be prepared with polymers, plasticisers, surfactants, sweeteners, and flavor/color agents. Controlled or targeted release is provided by innovations such multilayered, mucoadhesive, and nanotechnological films (e.g., containing nanoparticles or cyclodextrin complexes). OFDFs appeal to a wide range of patients, including youngsters, migraineurs, and those with Parkinson\u27s and Alzheimer\u27s diseases. Strict quality, packaging, and labelling standards are guaranteed by regulatory guidelines issued by organisations like the FDA, CDSCO, and EMA. Film performance is assessed using characterisation techniques such as morphology, thickness, tensile strength, disintegration, moisture uptake, in vitro dissolution, and palatability. New technologies like as WafertabTM, SoluleavesTM, and FoamburstTM, customised and stimulus-responsive films, and environmentally friendly production techniques show great promise as the area develops. This review highlights OFDFs\u27 expanding importance in patient-centric treatments by synthesising recent advancements and potential future approaches.
Keywords: Fast dissolving, Oral film, Drug delivery, regulatory agencies
Exploring the beneficial effect and therapeutic mechanism of phytochemicals present in Selenicereus undatus against Hypertension based on Molecular docking studies
Get PDFAim: Hypertension is a common disease caused by high blood pressure increasing risks of heart and kidney problems. It involves overactivity of angiotensin converting enzyme which primarily raises blood pressure by narrowing blood vessels. Selenicereus undatus exhibits promising therapeutic potential against hypertension, attributed to its rich phytochemical profile including flavonoids, carotenoids, betalains and polyphenols. These compounds demonstrate antioxidative and Anti-inflammatory properties which mitigate oxidative stress — a key contributor to endothelial dysfunction and elevated blood pressure. Many studies reveal that Selenicereus undatus has the ability to improve lipid metabolism by reducing LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while enhancing HDL levels, indirectly supporting cardiovascular health.
Materials and Methods: In this study 3 targets i.e. ACE receptor, AT1 receptor and Beta-Adrenergic receptor were selected on the basis of their mechanism of action in hypertension. The docking analysis was carried out by utilising PyRx 0.8 virtual screening and the visualization of protein-ligand interaction was investigated by utilising the BIOVIA Discovery Studio Visualizer.
Results: Docking simulation of active compounds from Selenicereus undatus against the ACE receptor shows that Beta-carotene (-11.0 kcal / mole), Betanin (-10.2 kcal / mole) and Quercetin (-8.3 kcal / mole) have the highest binding affinity. In the characteristic binding to the AT1 receptor, Beta carotene (-9.2 kcal / mole), Betanin (-8.5 kcal / mole) and Tocopherol (-8.1 kcal / mole) showed highest binding affinity. Docking analysis of Beta-Adrenergic receptor showed impressive binding affinities of Beta-carotene (-9.0kcal / mole).
Conclusion: On the basis of binding affinity and pharmacokinetic parameters our findings strongly support the potential use of phytoconstituents from Selenicereus undatus as a medicinal herb that might be taken in daily life to reduce high blood pressure. Further, additional research, i.e. in vitro and in vivo trials on the same constituents, is required to confirm our results and the clear picture of the mechanism of action by which the medicinal plant demonstrated their antihyperlipidemic effects.
Keywords: Hypertension, Selenicereus undatus, Phytoconstituents, Molecular docking, ADMET, Drug likeness
Advancements in Diabetes Mellitus: Pathogenesis, Current Therapies, and Emerging Treatment Strategies
Get PDFThe incidence of diabetes mellitus is sharply increasing globally, making it a serious public health concern. More than 463 million people were impacted in 2019, and estimates indicate that by 2045, that figure may rise to 700 million. Diabetes causes serious consequences, such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and cardiovascular illnesses. It is characterised by persistent hyperglycemia brought on by either inadequate insulin secretion, impaired insulin action, or both. Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), both with unique aetiologies and treatment needs, are part of the complicated pathophysiology of diabetes. In contrast, T2DM is primarily associated with insulin resistance and is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, T1DM, which is often autoimmune in nature, results in total insulin insufficiency. Insulin therapy, oral hypoglycemic medications, and lifestyle changes are examples of traditional management techniques; however, they frequently fall short of providing the best possible glycaemic control. Recent developments in diabetes treatment have led to novel therapeutic approaches, including immunological therapies, novel pharmacological agents, and nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems. The goals of these new therapies are to reduce the risk of complications, enhance patient compliance, and improve glycemic management. This overview provides an overview of the development of diabetes treatments, the pathophysiology of the condition, available treatment options, and the promise of new drugs and methods for managing the condition. We can gain a better understanding of the future of diabetes care and the significance of creating individualised treatment plans to improve patient outcomes and quality of life by investigating these developments.
Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus; Hyperglycemia; Type 1 Diabetes (T1DM); Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM); Novel Therapeutic Strategie
Effect of Zimad (Unani pharmacopeial liniment) in the management of Knee osteoarthritis (KOA): A case study
Get PDFKnee Osteoarthritis (Knee OA) is the most common Musculoskeletal disorder, which causes functional disability, thus increasing the economic burden in society. Conventional medicine uses NSAIDs, COX inhibitors, and steroids, which provide only symptomatic relief. In Unani medicine, Osteoarthritis is treated with variety of regimens and drugs. Among these regimens Zimad (liniments) prepared with number of single Unani pharmacopeial drugs exerts anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-arthritic actions. Keeping this in mind a case study was conducted to assess the efficacy of Zimad containing drugs including Zard Chob, Darhald, Maida Lakdi, Wheat flour, Methi and Sibr in the management of Knee OA for 14 sittings of daily application for 2 weeks. A female patient with chief complaints of pain in the right knee joint, along with swelling, joint stiffness , mild tenderness, and severe pain while performing daily activities for the last 8 months was treated at the IPD of ARINGAR ANNA GOVT HOSPITAL OF INDIAN MEDICINE & HOMOEOPATHY, UNANI IPD, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The patient was assessed at baseline, 7th day and 14th day on the basis of changes in subjective and objective parameters. At the end of the treatment, the patient got significant relief in subjective (pain, joint stiffness, and ROM) and objective parameters (VAS and WOMAC). The present study reveals that Zimad is safe and effective in the treatment of Knee OA without any side effect. Therefore, further randomized clinical studies need to be carried out to validate the effectiveness of Zimad in the management of Knee OA.
Keywords: Knee osteoarthritis, Waja’ al-Rukba, Zimad, Unani pharmacopeial linimen
Impact of ZnO nanoparticles on growth and biochemical characteristics of Macrotyloma uniflorum (LAM.) Verdcourt
No full textThe present work reports the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using green tea leaves and its effect on germination, morphology and some biochemical attributes of Macrotyloma uniflorum (kollu or horse gram). The phytosynthesized ZnO NPs were characterized by UV-VIS, FTIR, Zeta sizer and SEM. After surface sterilization, the overnight soaked seeds of horse gram were treated with different concentrations of green synthesized ZnO NPs (10 – 50 mg/L) and allowed to germinate at room temperature with regular spraying of respective nano-formulations for 15 days. On fifth day of growth, germination percentage of seeds was determined. Shoot and root lengths were measured on 15th day of seedling growth. At the end of the experiment, the whole plants were harvested and used for estimation of some primary metabolites and secondary metabolites using the standard procedures. The data obtained in the experiment were statistically analysed. UV-VIS and FTIR analyses confirm that the polyphenol contents of green tea leaves are involved in the biosynthesis of ZnO NPs. Stronger stability and semi-spherical morphology of green synthesized ZnO NPs were confirmed by zeta potential value and SEM, respectively. Higher levels of germination percentage, shoot and root lengths, primary metabolites (total chlorophyll, protein, carbohydrates) and secondary metabolites (total phenols, flavonoids, tannins and terpenoids) were observed in 10 and 20 mg/L ZnO NPs treated plants compared to control. Thus, the results demonstrate that the application of ZnO NPs at a lesser concentration may increase seed germination, morphological and biochemical attributes of horse gram seedlings.
Keywords: Macrotyloma uniflorum, horse gram, green synthesis, ZnO NPs, Zeta Sizer, biochemical attribute
Gastroretentive Floating Microspheres of Metaxalone: A Novel Drug Delivery Approach for Muscle Relaxation
No full textFloating microspheres are advanced gastroretentive drug delivery systems that have the ability to extend gastric residence time and increase the oral bioavailability of drugs having narrow absorption windows. This research aimed to develop and characterize floating microspheres of metaxalone to address its short half-life and poor bioavailability, thereby enhancing its therapeutic action. Microspheres were prepared by ionotropic gelation with the aid of sodium alginate, ethylcellulose, HPMC, and sodium bicarbonate as a gas-forming agent. The systems were evaluated in a routine manner for micromeritic characteristics, entrapment efficiency, buoyancy, in vitro release patterns, and stability. Physicochemical interactions were studied by FTIR and DSC, whereas morphology was viewed through SEM. The optimized formulation (F5) had 58.43% entrapment efficiency, 81.32% buoyancy, and 82.34% sustained drug release within 12 h. SEM micrographs illustrated spherical particles with hollow cores, and compatibility studies established the lack of drug–polymer interaction. Stability studies showed minimal fluctuation in drug release and buoyancy during the storage time. Metaxalone-loaded floating microspheres had controlled release and extended gastric retention, indicating their usefulness to increase bioavailability, minimize dosing frequency, and enhance patient compliance in the therapy of muscle relaxation.
Keywords: Gastro-retentive drug delivery, floating microspheres, oral drug delivery systems, hollow microspheres, bioavailability enhancement
AI and Machine Learning in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Revolutionizing Process Optimization
No full textThe pharmaceutical manufacturing industry faces increasing pressure to enhance operational efficiency, maintain high product quality, and meet stringent regulatory requirements. In this context, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have emerged as transformative technologies capable of optimizing various facets of pharmaceutical production. From predictive maintenance and real-time quality control to process optimization, these advanced techniques are reshaping how pharmaceutical companies approach production processes. AI technologies, including machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing, are increasingly being employed to analyse large volumes of data generated throughout the pharmaceutical manufacturing lifecycle. The integration of AI in the pharmaceutical industry marks a significant advancement, offering a multitude of benefits while addressing the complexities and challenges of modern healthcare and drug research. This review article provides an overview of the historical evolution, goals, and applications of AI and ML in pharmaceutical manufacturing. It also explores the various benefits and challenges associated with their implementation, highlighting case studies, exploring their role in improving process design, predictive maintenance, quality control, supply chain management, regulatory compliance and the future prospects of these technologies in revolutionizing the pharmaceutical industry.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, pharmaceutical manufacturin
Adaptive Nanocarriers: A New Era in Transdermal Delivery with Transferosomes
No full textTransferosomes represent a transformative class of ultra-deformable, elastic nanocarriers that have redefined the potential of transdermal drug delivery. Unlike conventional liposomes, which are largely restricted to topical applications, transferosomes possess unique membrane architectures incorporating edge activators such as surfactants or bile salts that confer exceptional flexibility and enable them to navigate the skin’s impermeable barrier via intracellular and transappendageal routes. This self-optimizing capability allows for non-invasive systemic delivers a very wide range of therapeutics, including macromolecules, vaccines, and hydrophobic drugs, with enhanced bioavailability and minimal irritation. Recent advances in microfluidic synthesis, quality-by-design (QbD) frameworks, and intelligent process controls have accelerated the development of robust, scalable manufacturing platforms for transferosomes. Meanwhile, the integration of machine learning and molecular dynamics simulations offers unprecedented predictive power in formulation design, optimizing traits such as vesicle size, encapsulation efficiency, and membrane elasticity. Regulatory pathways are also evolving, with growing emphasis on critical quality attributes like deformability index, stability under stress, and in vitro-in vivo correlation. This review comprehensively examines the biophysical principles governing transferosome behavior, state-of-the-art production techniques, and cutting-edge characterization tools essential for clinical translation. It also highlights emerging applications in personalized medicine, combinatorial therapy, and targeted dermatological treatments. As the pharmaceutical industry shifts toward patient-centric, non-invasive delivery solutions, transferosomes stand at the forefront bridging scientific innovation with tangible therapeutic impact and paving the way for a new era in transdermal nanomedicine.
Keywords: Transferosome, Transdermal Drug Delivery, Edge Activators, Skin Penetration Mechanism, Quality by Design (QbD), Nanocarrier Characterization, Scalability
Maternal Hypoxia and Its Epigenetic Imprint: Long-Term Implications on Immune System Ontogeny and Forensic Biomarker Identification in Offspring
No full textMaternal hypoxia is a critical disruptor of fetal development, with enduring consequences for immune system ontogeny. This review examines the multifactorial impacts of intrauterine oxygen deprivation, emphasizing its role in impairing immune competence through disruptions in T and B cell differentiation, altered cytokine signaling, and long-lasting epigenetic reprogramming. The fetal immune system, highly sensitive to oxygen levels during gestation, is particularly vulnerable to these changes, which elevate lifelong susceptibility to infections, allergies, autoimmune diseases, and chronic inflammation. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) mediate many of these effects by interacting with epigenetic regulators such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs that modulate gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. In addition to pathophysiological outcomes, the review highlights the forensic potential of hypoxia-induced epigenetic markers. These stable, exposure-sensitive modifications offer promising tools for reconstructing prenatal environments in post-mortem investigations, especially when traditional pathological indicators are absent. Technologies including bisulfite sequencing, pyrosequencing, and droplet digital PCR are evaluated for their utility in detecting these markers in degraded biological samples. This paper also addresses geographic and socioeconomic disparities that exacerbate hypoxia risks, particularly in high-altitude and low-resource settings, and underscores the importance of prenatal care, nutritional optimization, and early intervention. Based on a structured literature review of peer-reviewed studies from 2019 to 2024, this work integrates emerging evidence linking maternal hypoxia to immune dysfunction, developmental programming, and forensic science. It advocates for interdisciplinary research and public health strategies aimed at mitigating hypoxia-related risks and improving maternal-fetal outcomes across the lifespan.
Keywords: Maternal hypoxia, Forensic Biomarkers, Forensic Epigenetics, Immune dysfunction, Epigenetics Marker
Nipah Virus (NiV) at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface: Emerging Insights into Spillover Dynamics, Neurotropism, and Future Pandemic Risk
No full textNipah virus (NiV), a highly pathogenic member of the Henipavirus genus within the Paramyxoviridae family, continues to represent a critical zoonotic threat at the intersection of humans, animals, and the environment. First identified in Malaysia in 1998, NiV has since emerged as a paradigm of viral spillover driven by ecological disruption and anthropogenic activities. This review elucidates contemporary insights into the complex interplay governing NiV transmission dynamics, molecular neurotropism, and its potential to precipitate future pandemics. The spillover of NiV from its natural reservoir, Pteropus fruit bats, to intermediate hosts such as pigs, and ultimately to humans, is profoundly influenced by habitat fragmentation, agricultural intensification, and climate-induced alterations in bat foraging behavior. At the molecular level, NiV exhibits pronounced neurotropism and vasculotropism mediated through its interaction with ephrin-B2 and ephrin-B3 receptors, leading to widespread endothelial infection, microvascular damage, and neuronal dysfunction that culminate in fatal encephalitis. Moreover, the virus demonstrates immune evasion strategies that suppress interferon signaling, thereby facilitating systemic dissemination. Despite its high case fatality rate and recurrent outbreaks in South and Southeast Asia, the absence of licensed antiviral therapies or vaccines underscores the urgency of advancing translational research and cross-sectoral surveillance frameworks. The convergence of ecological perturbations, viral adaptability, and limited healthcare infrastructure in endemic regions amplifies the likelihood of future spillover and sustained human-to-human transmission. A unified One Health approach integrating virological, ecological, and epidemiological disciplines is imperative to mitigate NiV’s pandemic potential and to strengthen global preparedness against emerging zoonoses.
Keywords: Neurotropism, Nipah virus (NiV), One Health, Pandemic preparedness, Spillover dynamics, Zoonotic transmission.