Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics (JDDT)
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids: From Natural Sources to Clinical Applications: An Integrative Review
Omega-3 fatty acids, including alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are essential polyunsaturated fats known for their vital roles in cardiovascular, neurological, and inflammatory health. Growing awareness of their therapeutic benefits, coupled with sustainability concerns, has intensified research into their natural sources, biosynthesis, pharmacokinetics, and clinical applications. This review provides an integrative synthesis of recent advances in omega-3 fatty acid research, encompassing their sources, bioavailability, sustainability, mechanisms of action, and clinical relevance. Plant-based oils, marine fish, krill, and microalgae remain key natural sources, while innovations such as algal oils and genetically engineered crops present sustainable alternatives. The human conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA is inherently limited due to Δ6-desaturase and elongase enzyme constraints, with efficiency affected by genetic, hormonal, and dietary factors. Bioavailability is influenced by molecular form, with triglyceride, ethyl ester, and phospholipid structures displaying varying absorption and metabolic profiles. Mechanistically, omega-3 fatty acids regulate inflammation, maintain neuronal membrane integrity, and improve vascular function, with emerging evidence suggesting potential anti-cancer effects. Collectively, these insights underscore the significant preventive and therapeutic potential of omega-3 fatty acids and highlight the need for optimizing bioavailability, advancing sustainable production, and personalizing clinical applications to support future nutrition and healthcare strategies.
Keywords: Omega-3 fatty acids, Eicosapentaenoic acid, Docosahexaenoic acid , Bioavailability, Sustainable nutrient sources, Clinical nutritio
Antitussive Activity and Toxicological Profile of the Aqueous Extract of Chenopodium ambrosioides (L.) Used in the Traditional Treatment of Cough in Togo
Introduction : Cough remains one of the most prevalent respiratory symptoms worldwide, particularly in developing countries where access to conventional therapies is often limited. Chenopodium ambrosioides (L.), traditionally used in Togo for the management of cough, was investigated for its antitussive activity and toxicological profile. Design : The aqueous extract of the aerial parts of Chenopodium ambrosioides (AECA) was prepared and evaluated. Antitussive activity was assessed in Wistar rats using an 25 % ammonium hydroxide solution induced cough model. Cytotoxicity was determined by the Artemia salina lethality assay, while acute oral toxicity was evaluated at a single dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight in rats.
Results : AECA significantly and dose-dependently prolonged the cough latency period by 55.5%, 104.8%, and 141% at 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg, respectively, compared with the negative control (p < 0.05). Codeine camphosulfonate (10 mg/kg) increased latency by 168% (p < 0.05). AECA also reduced cough frequency by 30.8%, 51.3%, and 63.3% at the same respective doses, whereas codeine induced a 70.9% inhibition (p < 0.05). The Artemia salina assay revealed an LC₅₀ value of 0.70 mg/mL, classifying AECA as non-toxic according to Mousseux’s scale. In acute toxicity testing, no mortality or clinical signs of toxicity were observed over 14 days, and hematological (RBC, Hb, WBC) and biochemical (ALT, AST, urea, creatinine) parameters remained within normal limits. Conclusion : These findings demonstrate that AECA possesses significant, dose dependent antitussive activity and excellent safety, thereby validating its traditional use in cough management in Togo.
Keywords : Chenopodium ambrosioides (L.) ; Antitussive activity ; Cytotoxicity ; Acute toxicity ; Cough ; Togo
Pimavanserin: a novel therapeutic approach to treat Parkinson’s Disease Psychosis
PDP (Parkinson\u27s disease psychosis) is a neuropsychological nonmotor manifestation that occurs in individuals as a result of Parkinsonism with the advancement of the disease. It is mainly characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and other cognitive features affecting the patient’s quality of life. Although the existing treatments for PDP have a lot of clinical experience, they focus mainly on reducing and regulating the cognitive features. Hence, it is difficult to minimize the exacerbation of motor dysfunction along with the existing motor complications of Parkinson\u27s disease (PD). Previous medications also led to tremors and rigidity as undesirable effects with long-term use by blocking dopamine (D2) receptors. Moreover, patients with PD take several drugs to manage their motor symptoms, which may complicate their medication regimen, causing patient burden. Therefore, as an emergent pharmacotherapeutic approach, pimavanserin, which is a selective 5-HT2A receptor inverse agonist, shows promising benefits in managing disease conditions by reducing psychosis while avoiding motor worsening and other non-motor side effects. This distinguishes pimavanserin from other available therapies for PDP. This review analyzes all the previously and recently published research works that have evaluated the efficacy of pimavanserin in the clinical management of PDP with its screening and pharmacological properties.
Keywords: Pimavanserin, Parkinson\u27s disease psychosis, 5HT2A inverse agonist, Parkinson\u27s disease, psychotic disorders, psychosi
Holistic Approaches to managing female infertility: A comprehensive review
Background: Female infertility is a multifactorial condition influenced by hormonal imbalances, metabolic disorders, and lifestyle factors. Conventional allopathic treatments, while effective, often have limitations, prompting interest in holistic approaches that integrate diet therapy, physical activity, lifestyle modifications, and medicinal plants.
Objective: This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of holistic approaches in managing female infertility, focusing on diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, and allopathic treatments.
Methods; A systematic review of literature was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Studies exploring the role of diet, exercise, medicinal plants, and conventional therapies in improving female fertility outcomes were analyzed.
Results: Holistic management strategies for female infertility encompass: (1) Diet Therapy- Nutrient-rich diets, emphasizing antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and low glycemic index foods, improve hormonal balance and reproductive function, (2) Exercise and Lifestyle Modifications – Regular physical activity, stress reduction, and weight management enhance fertility by regulating ovulation and reducing inflammation, (3) Medicinal Plants- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)- Adaptogenic properties reduce stress-related infertility. Manjistha/majeeith (Rubia cordifolia)- Detoxifies the body and improves uterine health. Kalonji (Nigella sativa)- Enhances ovarian function and hormonal balance. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)- Supports hormonal regulation and uterine health. Asarun (Asarum europaeum)- Improves menstrual cycle regulation. Ashoka (Saraca asoca)- Strengthens the endometrium and alleviates menstrual disorders, and (4) Allopathic Interventions-Hormonal therapies, ovulation-inducing drugs, and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) remain primary treatments, but their effectiveness improves when combined with holistic strategies.
Conclusion: A holistic approach integrating diet therapy, lifestyle changes, medicinal plants, and allopathic treatments provides a promising strategy for managing female infertility. Future research should focus on clinical validation of herbal remedies and the synergistic effects of integrative treatments.
Keywords: Female infertility, holistic approach, medicinal plants, diet therapy, lifestyle modification, allopathic treatmen
In vitro, ex vivo and in vivo studies on anti-hypertensive-loaded transdermal and buccal patches
The occurrence of hypertension is increasing slowly among urban and rural segments of the Indian population, irrespective of gender. It can affect quality of life and also lead to mortality under serious circumstances. Although several oral anti-hypertensive medications are available in the Indian market, the management of hypertension is reported to be poor. Anti-hypertensive–based transdermal or buccal patches may be necessary for patients where oral or parental route of administration is not possible or when no better control is achievable. Apart from Catapres®TTS, no other transdermal or buccal film of anti-hypertensive could be identified in the global market to date. However, the literature survey of published research articles since 2004 in the specialized databases of Elsevier, PubMed, and Cambridge using the keywords such as “anti-hypertensive”, “buccal”, and “transdermal” reveals more than 30 studies on fabrication, in vitro, and ex vivo characterization of transdermal and buccal films of anti-hypertensive agents. Among these, only 10 articles presented in vivo studies in animal models with no studies on human volunteers. Few reported stability studies as per ICH guidelines and skin irritation studies. The present review article aims to reflect on the polymers, plasticizers, and penetration enhancers employed, outcomes of different studies on drug release, diffusion, and permeation, identify limitations and weaknesses of the reported studies, emphasize future research directions, and establish the potential reasons for not finding another successful anti-hypertensive loaded transdermal or buccal patch being launched.
Keywords: Anti-hypertensive, buccal, ex vivo permeation, in vitro drug release, in vivo studies, transderma
Determination of the toxicity of zinc sulphate hydrate solution using the Spirotox biotesting method
Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the toxicity of zinc sulphate hydrate solutions of different forms using the Spirostomum ambiguum.
Methods: An experiment was conducted using a solution of the pharmaceutical substances of ZnSO₄·H₂O, ZnSO₄·6H₂O, ZnSO₄·7H₂O. The process of filtration was conducted using a submicron filter. The biological activity of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) samples was investigated using the Spirotox method, with the calculation of the activation energy obsEa before and after filtration. An energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer was used. The dispersed fraction was subjected to analysis by dynamic light scattering (DLS).
Results: The solution of zinc sulphate monohydrate exhibited the highest biological activity and the lowest activation energy (obsEa) of 68±7 kJ/mol. The solutions prepared from zinc sulphate hexahydrate and zinc sulphate heptahydrate displayed obsEa values of 113±5 kJ/mol and 119±5 kJ/mol, respectively, which were found to be equivalent in terms of their biological activity.
Conclusion: The findings of the study, conducted using the Spirotox method, revealed that API zinc sulphate, when administered in different forms of hydration, exhibited disparate biological activity despite the identical concentration. The results of the measurements demonstrated that the method of sample preparation of zinc sulphate solutions of equivalent concentration affects the value of the obsEa, which in turn causes different biological activity.
Keywords: zinc sulphate, Spirotox-method, activation energy, bioactivity, toxicity
Studies on the Evaluation of Teratogenic Potential of SSRI (Escitalopram) on Chick Embryogenesis (Gallus gallus domesticus)
Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used for the treatment of depression, anxiety and panic disorders. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of Escitalopram on the early developmental stages of chick embryo Gallus gallus. Escitalopram’s teratogenic potential was further assessed using YSM analysis and protein biochemistry. The treated embryos showed mild to severe teratogenic effects at 5mM and 10mM dose respectively. Enzyme Assay was conducted to see whether the drug treatment interfered with the cellular pathways. The levels of Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Acetylcholinesterase (AChase) were found to be reduced in the treated embryos. YSM Assay reveals that in ovo drug administration has an impact on the angiogenesis of the embryo. In depth further studies are needed to understand the long-term effects of Escitalopram on the developing embryos at cellular and molecular level so as to take caution while prescribing the drug during pregnancy.
Keywords: Gallus gallus domesticus, Enzyme Assay, Escitalopram, Teratogenesis, Yolk Sac Membrane (YSM) Assay, Protein Biochemistry
Comparison of the clinical implications of stellate ganglion block versus interlaminar cervical epidural deposition of steroid and local anesthetic in the treatment of unilateral cervical radicular pain
Objective: To demonstrate through electronic chart review that the same analgesic efficacy reported in patients with unilateral cervical radicular pain undergoing ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block versus fluoroscopy-guided epidural depot can be obtained.
Material And Methods: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study, carried out from March 1, 2020 to August 31, 2024, through the medical records of patients who met the inclusion criteria.
For the descriptive analysis, frequencies and percentages were used for qualitative variables and for quantitative variables, measures of central tendency and dispersion. The inferential analysis was carried out with the Wilcoxon test.
Results: 10 patients were divided into two groups, the first group consisting of three patients undergoing stellate ganglion block and the second with 7 individuals undergoing cervical epidural steroid deposition, who met the inclusion criteria and showed improvement in pain control with lower use of daily oral morphine doses and a high satisfaction scale.
Conclusions: There was a decrease in the daily oral morphine dose and a positive satisfaction scale in the two groups of patients undergoing pain intervention, as well as a decrease in neuropathic symptoms, thus opening a new interventional option for the control of cervical radicular pain.
Keywords: Unilateral cervical radicular pain, stellate ganglion block, epidural steroid depo
Formulation, Evaluation and Comparative Study of Polyherbal Shampoo with Marketed Synthetic Shampoo
Shampoo is one of the most common form of taking care of hair for cleansing, remove dirt, grease and debris from the scalp. Polyherbal shampoos were prepared using extracts of Phyllanthus embilica L, Orange peel along with Lemon juice, Reetha powder in different concentrations. Visual assessment, pH, wetting time, detergency, foaming ability, viscosity, conditioning action were evaluated for formulated Polyherbal shampoo. The pH of shampoos produced with natural extracts is closer to the skin\u27s pH of 5.0 to 6.0. The formulated shampoo has good rheological capabilities and is nearly identical to its marketed counterparts. The deeper areas of skin can be affected by synthetic surfactants like SLS, Span 20, and Tween 80, which can harm cell membranes. In our study powdered soapnut, sometimes called Reetha is used as natural detergent, the detergency percentage of F1 formulation was found to be 23.8%, which is satisfactory. Conditioning action of F1 and F2 formulation is found to be score 2.8 and 3, which is good while comparing with marketed shampoo. The manufactured shampoos were stable, unvarying, thicker and comparable as that of commercially marketed shampoos. The formulated polyherbal shampoos have consistent organoleptic properties, favourable pH, and good cleansing, detergency, conditioning, and foaming capabilities.
Keywords: Polyherbal, shampoo, detergent, hair, cosmetic, aml
UV Spectrophotometric Method for Estimation of Pure Nicotine
Background: Nicotine is an alkaloid that has high addictive and toxic properties. It can be found in all parts of tobacco plants (Nicotiana tobacum).
Objective: The aim of investigation was to develop a simple UV-visible Spectrophotometric method for the determination of Nicotine in its pure form further to validate the developed method.
Material and Methods: Nicotine was estimated using UV Visible double beam spectrophotometer at the wavelength of maximum absorption (261 nm) in Methanol. The drug was characterized by boiling point, and Infra-Red (IR) techniques. The analysis of the drug was carried out by novel UV-Visible method which was validated analytical parameters like linearity, precision, accuracy, robustness, ruggedness per guidelines laid down by International Conference on Harmonization (ICH).
Result: By the interpretation of spectra the drug was confirmed. The linear response for concentration range of 2–12 µg/ml of Nicotine was recorded with regression coefficient 0.998. The accuracy was found between 98–101 %. Precision for intraday and interday was found to be 0.886 and 1.06 respectively, which are within the limits. To establish the sensitivity of the method, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were determined which were found to be 0.422 µg/ml and 2.513 µg/ml respectively.
Conclusion: The UV method developed and validated for nicotine drug was found to be linear, accurate, precise and economical which can be used for the testing of its pharmaceutical formulations.
Keywords: Nicotine Estimation, Spectrophotometric Method, Analytical Method Development, Validation Parameters, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Linearity and Precision, LOD and LOQ Determinatio