Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics (JDDT)
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Artificial Intelligence in Pharmaceutical Research
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the pharmaceutical industry by accelerating medication development and discovery. AI technologies, including machine learning and deep learning, are being applied in various areas, such as drug design, target discovery, preclinical research, and personalized medicine. AI can analyze vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and make predictions, thereby improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the drug development process. This review highlights the applications of AI in pharmaceutical research, including drug discovery, target identification, and preclinical research. We also discuss the challenges associated with AI in pharmaceutical research, such as data quality and integration, regulatory frameworks, and the need for skilled professionals. Also, the future directions of AI in pharmaceuticals, including the potential for AI to revolutionize personalized medicine and improve patient outcomes. Overall, AI has the potential to revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry by streamlining the drug development process, improving patient outcomes, and reducing costs.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Drug Discovery, Personalized Medicine, Target Discovery
Bioactivity of the aqueous extract of Flueggea virosa (Roxb. ex Willd.) Royle, leaves on fertility parameters in rats
Female infertility is becoming a major public health issue. This study aims to evaluate the effects of the aqueous extract of Flueggea leaves virus (F. virosa ) on fertility in female Wistar rats , in comparison with clomiphene citrate (Col 50). Three groups of rats with regular cycles were formed: one group treated by gavage with F. virosa (100 mg/kg), another with Col 50 (5 mg/kg) and a third untreated control, for thirty days. The estrogenic index (OI) was determined by daily vaginal smear. Ovarian follicles were counted by histological sections and estradiol and progesterone levels were measured. The rats treated with F. virosa presented the highest OI (86.66 ± 8.62%), followed by those treated with Col 50 (68.33 ± 3.05%) and the control (62.66 ± 2.51%). The number of follicles was also higher with F. virosa (14.67 ± 1.53) than with Col 50 (13 ± 1.0) and the control (8.67 ± 0.57). Finally, the highest hormonal levels were observed with F. virosa : estradiol (85.80 ± 6.79 pg / mL ) and progesterone (48.58 ± 1.53 pg / mL ). These data show that F. virosa could be used in the treatment of female infertility.
Keywords: Fertility, Flueggea virosa , ovarian follicles, hormones, ra
Redefining Preclinical Research Paradigms: AI-Driven Drug Discovery as a Transformative Approach to Accelerate Innovation, Improve Predictive Accuracy, and Reduce Reliance on Animal Testing
Drug discovery has historically been hindered by extended timelines, high costs, and low clinical success rates. Conventional methods such as high-throughput screening, structure-based design, and medicinal chemistry optimization, while scientifically valuable, often fail to deliver efficient translation into safe and effective therapeutics. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) now provide unprecedented opportunities to accelerate every stage of drug discovery by leveraging large, heterogeneous datasets and powerful predictive algorithms. This manuscript presents a comprehensive review of AI-driven drug discovery, highlighting advances made between 2019 and 2024. Applications are critically examined across the pipeline: target identification, hit discovery, lead optimization, ADME-toxicity prediction, and clinical trial design. Special emphasis is given to transformative model architectures such as graph neural networks (GNNs), transformer models, and generative frameworks, as well as classical machine learning methods that remain relevant for specific tasks. Challenges including data quality, interpretability, regulatory acceptance, and ethical considerations are evaluated alongside strategies to mitigate bias and improve transparency. Case studies such as DiffDock for generative molecular docking, Trial Pathfinder for AI-based patient stratification, and Mol-BERT for chemical representation learning illustrate the tangible impact of these innovations. The manuscript concludes by identifying research gaps and future directions, including explainable AI (XAI), multimodal data integration, federated learning, and democratization of AI tools for global accessibility. Overall, AI is not simply a set of computational tools but a paradigm shift, offering a faster, more precise, and ethically responsible framework for pharmaceutical research and development.
Keywords: Artificial intelligence (AI); Machine learning (ML); Drug discovery; Target identification; Lead optimization; Graph neural networks (GNNs); Transformer models; Generative AI; ADMET prediction; Clinical trial design; Drug repurposing; Ethical considerations; Explainable AI (XAI)
Phyto Cosmetic Formulation of Lip Balm from Rosa damascena P. Mill: Preparation and Quality Assessment
The present study focused on the formulation and evaluation of a phyto-cosmetic lip balm using Rosa damascena P. Mill. extract. Fresh rose petals were collected, authenticated, and subjected to hot water percolation to obtain an aqueous extract, which was deep purple in color and rich in phytochemicals including flavonoids, phenolics, and anthocyanins. The extract was incorporated into a lip balm base comprising beeswax, coconut oil, rose oil, and vitamin E. The final formulation was evaluated for physicochemical and performance parameters such as pH, melting point, spreadability, extrudability, and skin irritation. The product exhibited a smooth brownish-yellow texture with a pH of 5.8, which lies within the ideal range for topical applications. The melting point was 67°C, confirming formulation stability. No irritation was observed in skin irritability testing, indicating its safety. Texture analysis demonstrated favorable spreadability with firmness and shear work values of 2341.7 g and 2736.2 g/sec, respectively, while extrudability required only 149.8 g of force, confirming ease of application. These results suggest that the lip balm possesses desirable cosmetic attributes and potential therapeutic benefits due to the bioactive constituents of Rosa damascena. Further studies on stability, microbial safety, and consumer acceptability are recommended to advance this prototype toward commercialization.
Keywords: Rosa damascene, Formulation, Texture analyzer, Lip balm
Green Tea Extract: An In-Depth Review of Its Potential in Weight and Blood Sugar Regulation
Obesity has emerged as a major public health concern, contributing to the growing occurrence of long-term health problems, including elevated blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders. As a result, there is an increasing interest in exploring effective strategies for weight management and metabolic health. Green tea extract (GTE), known for its rich composition of bioactive polyphenolic compounds, especially catechins like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), has gained attention for its potential therapeutic effects in combating obesity and associated metabolic disorders. This review integrates data from diverse scholarly databases, including Google Scholar, ResearchGate, ScienceDirect, and PubMed, to comprehensively evaluate the phytochemical profile, pharmacological actions, and safety considerations of GTE, with a particular focus on its anti-obesity, antioxidant, and metabolic benefits. Preclinical and clinical evidence suggest that GTE promotes fat oxidation, enhances insulin sensitivity, and stimulates thermogenesis, all of which contribute to its role in weight management and metabolic regulation. Additionally, its potent antioxidant properties help mitigate oxidative stress, thereby offering protection against cellular damage and chronic disease progression. Although the results are promising, further studies are required to establish the ideal dosages, assess the long-term safety of GTE, and optimize its clinical uses. This review highlights the potential of GTE as a valuable therapeutic adjunct in the management of obesity, while emphasizing the need for continued investigation into its broader health benefits.
Keywords: Green tea extract, Catechin, Epigallocatechin gallate, Anti-obesity, Antioxidan
Recurrent Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Scalp: A Case Report Emphasizing Early Detection
Objective: To illustrate the clinical presentation, diagnostic difficulties, and treatment strategy of a patient with scalp squamous cell carcinoma and to emphasise the importance of early detection and interdisciplinary care for improved patient outcomes.
Design: This case report provides a comprehensive account of the patient’s clinical presentation, diagnostic process, and treatment approach.
Background: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the scalp is the second most common non-melanoma skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma, with incidence rising due to increasing ultraviolet radiation exposure. While scalp SCC constitutes a significant proportion of cutaneous malignancies, cerebral invasion is uncommon. We report a case of a 64-year-old male who developed a non-healing scalp ulcer following head trauma, persisting for three months. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) revealed a heterogeneously enhancing parietal scalp lesion with small enhancing cervical lymph nodes. Histopathological examination confirmed moderately differentiated SCC. The patient was managed surgically following appropriate preoperative preparation. This case emphasizes the importance of early recognition and timely intervention in scalp SCC to prevent disease progression, morbidity, and regional metastasis.
Intervention: The patient underwent wide local excision of the scalp lesion with adequate surgical margins, followed by primary closure of the defect. Postoperative wound care was provided, and the excised tissue was sent for histopathological examination to confirm complete tumor clearance.
Main Outcome Measure: Postoperative recovery, wound healing, and confirmation of complete tumor clearance on histopathology.
Results: Surgical management resulted in complete excision of the lesion with histopathological confirmation of negative margins. The patient’s recovery was satisfactory, and subsequent follow-ups demonstrated disease-free survival.
Conclusion: This report emphasizes that thorough clinical evaluation, appropriate surgical intervention with clear margins, and consistent follow-up play a crucial role in achieving optimal prognosis in patients with scalp SCC.
Keywords: Squamous cell carcinoma, Scalp tumors, non-healing ulcer, Trauma-induced SCC, Surgical managemen
Antioxidant Potential of Arogyavardhini Vati Extract by DPPH Assay
Arogyavardhini Vati, an Ayurvedic medicine, was commonly used during the COVID-19 pandemic for its immunomodulatory and therapeutic properties. The DPPH radical scavenging assay in this study revealed its antioxidant potential. This Ayurvedic medicine demonstrated considerable antioxidant capability with 78.04% DPPH scavenging activity. These findings support its traditional use and suggest the need for further investigation.
Keywords: Arogyavardhini Vati, DPPH assay, antioxidant activity, ethanol extract, COVID-19, Soxhlet’s extraction, etc
Empirical Observation of Akhlāṭ: An Experimental Study
The Unani System of Medicine is rooted in the humoral theory, which posits that the equilibrium of four Akhlāṭ (humours) is essential for maintaining health, while their imbalance leads to disease. This study aims to empirically validate the existence of these humours through an experimental approach. Blood samples were subjected to various conditions, including clotting, the addition of hot water, and centrifugation, to observe distinct layers corresponding to the classical descriptions of Akhlāṭ.
The experiment demonstrated partial confirmation of traditional claims. The upper frothy or yellowish layer was identified as Ṣafrā’, while the lower dark red layer appeared to be a mixture of Dam and Sawdā’. The addition of hot water revealed an egg-white-like transparent layer, potentially representing Balgham. However, differentiation of Sawdā’ remained challenging, likely due to limitations such as sample size, methodology, and the absence of classical phlebotomy techniques.
This pilot study highlights the need for further research with refined methodologies, larger sample sizes, and quantitative comparisons. Correlating humoral imbalances with haematological and biochemical parameters could lead to the development of objective diagnostic criteria, thereby advancing the scientific foundation of the Unani system of medicine. The study highlights the continued relevance and potential integration of the humoral theory with modern biomedical sciences.
Keywords: Akhlat, Humour, Dam, Safra, Balgham, Sawd
Histopathological Changes in the Placentas of Pregnant Women with COVID-19
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the placental histopathologic structure in placentas of COVID-19 pregnant patients.
Materials and Methods: In our study, small pieces of placentas of 20 pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19 and 20 normal pregnant women admitted to Dicle University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology were obtained for histologic follow-up. Placenta samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and examined under light microscopy.
Results: Placentas of the control group showed normal histologic structure. In the placenta samples of the patients belonging to the COVID-19 group, increased apoptotic process with pyknotic changes in the nuclei of decidua cells was observed. Fibrinoid tissue areas were significantly increased and syncytial bridges were enlarged in chorionic villi. In the area where the root villi were located, the membrane structure was disrupted with excessive thinning of the basement membrane and the vessels were highly dilated and congested. In the intervillous area, there were abundant free scattered erythrocytes, leukocyte invasion and hyalinized areas in the villous area.
Conclusion: As a result of the histopathological changes observed in the placental tissues of the COVID-19 group in our study, we concluded that COVID-19 induces degenerative changes in placental structure.
Keywords: COVID-19, placenta, histopatholog
Determinants of choice of childbirth place in the health districts of Anié and Kéran, Togo
Introduction: In low-income countries such as Togo, as well as in middle-income countries, a significant number of births still occur at home without the assistance of skilled health personnel. These home deliveries are associated with maternal and neonatal deaths within communities and remain a major concern for development stakeholders across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Objective of the Study: The aim of this study was to identify the factors influencing the choice of childbirth place in the health districts of Anié (Plateaux region) and Kéran (Kara region) in Togo.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional, mixed-methods, and analytically oriented study that employed logistic statistical techniques alongside qualitative methods. Data were collected from 303 women between December 2023 and February 2024.
Results: The mean age of the women surveyed was 26.33 ± 0.50 years. The results showed that the likelihood of a woman delivering in a health facility increased by a factor of 1.086 for each additional year of age (p = 0.000; OR = 1.086; 95% CI [1.042 – 1.131]). Women residing in rural areas were 2.873 times more likely to deliver at home than in a health facility (p = 0.010; OR = 2.873; 95% CI [1.283 – 6.435]). Women who attended antenatal care (ANC) for each pregnancy were 6.790 times more likely to deliver in a health facility compared to at home (p = 0.000; OR = 6.790; 95% CI [2.637 – 17.481]). Women who had knowledge about vaginal delivery assisted with medical instruments in a Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC) facility were 1.852 times more likely to deliver in a health facility than at home (p = 0.026; OR = 1.852; 95% CI [1.078 – 3.182]).
Conclusion: This study showed that a woman’s age and age at marriage, her place of residence, antenatal care (ANC) attendance for each pregnancy, knowledge of danger signs related to childbirth, and awareness of the services provided by Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC) facilities are key determinants of her choice of delivery location.
Keywords: Home birth, Determinants, EmONC, Kéran, Anié, Tog