International Journal of Pharmacy & Integrated Health Sciences
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PHYTOCHEMICALS AND ANTI-TUBERCULOSIS POTENTIALS OF ANOGEISSUS LEIOCARPUS AND BALANITES AEGYPTIACA EXTRACTS
No full textBackground: Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major global health challenge, driving the ongoing search for alternative therapeutic agents, particularly from medicinal plants. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the extraction yields, phytochemical profiles, and antimycobacterial activities of Anogeissus leiocarpus and Balanites aegyptiaca, two medicinal plants traditionally employed in the treatment of infectious diseases. Methodology: Crude extracts of root and stem barks were prepared using successive total maceration (STM) in solvents of increasing polarity from least polar hexane to most polar water. The extracts obtained were screened for phytoconstituents and antimycobacterial activities using standard techniques. Results: Extraction of plant samples yielded twenty extracts, with the acetone leaf showing the highest yield of 23.70±0.00. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids, which are well known for their antimicrobial properties. The antimycobacterial activity results demonstrated significant inhibitory effects of the extracts, particularly fraction 2 of the acetone root bark extract of A. leiocarpus and fraction 3 of the water stem bark extract of B. aegyptiaca, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 0.31±0.00 mg/mL each. Conclusion: These findings suggest that both plants possess potent antimycobacterial properties, bolstering their use in traditional medicine and their potential as sources of new antimycobacterial drugs. Further work is needed to isolate, identify, and characterize the active compounds and to assess their safety in vivo
DEVELOPING SYNERGISTIC THERAPEUTIC STRATEGY TO UNCOVER ENHANCED ANTI-TUMOR EFFICACY IN HIGH-GRADE SEROUS OVARIAN CARCINOMA (HGSOC)
No full textBackground: The most deadly gynecological malignancy has a late-stage diagnosis, fast progress, and recurrence, called high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC). The clinical conclusion now requires innovative therapeutic approaches. Objectives: In this study, the anticancer properties of chlorpromazine (CPZ), an antipsychotic, and metformin, an anti-diabetic, were investigated to determine their potential for synergistic therapeutic approaches in HGSOC. Methodology: In vitro assays using the ovarian carcinoma 3 (OVCAR3) cell line significantly reduced cell viability and proliferation in the CPZ + metformin group compared to either alone. The combination of CPZ and metformin demonstrated significant effectiveness during the initial stages of treatment against ovarian cancer cell lines. Results: In early-phase assays, both agents showed synergistic effects, resulting in greater inhibition of cancer cell proliferation than with individual treatments. The initial response included marked reductions in cell viability and suppressed colony formation, indicating that the CPZ-metformin combination holds strong potential as an effective early intervention strategy in ovarian cancer therapy. After drug treatment, hemocytometer and clonogenic assay were used to assess cell viability and colony-forming count, respectively, to define the single- and combined-drug impact; then, molecular analysis was performed using conventional PCR, and the data were analysed by gel electrophoresis. Conclusion: The synergistic system enhanced anti-tumor efficacy and also justifies drug repurposing in ovarian cancer treatment
ANALYSIS OF THE THERAPEUTIC EFFICIENCY OF VONOPRAZAN AND ESOMEPRAZOLE FOR TREATING GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE (GERD)
No full textBackground: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like esomeprazole (ESMP) are first-line therapies for acid-related symptoms in GERD. However, potassium-competitive acid blockers (PCABs) such as Vonoprazan (VPZ) are emerging alternatives. Comparative data on symptom relief and adverse drug reactions (ADRs), especially among South Asian populations, remain limited, despite the high local prevalence of GERD. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the efficacy in symptom relief and the safety profile, including adverse drug reactions (ADRs), of vonoprazan (VPZ) versus esomeprazole ESMP) in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Methodology: In this cross- sectional observational study, 1,208 clinically diagnosed GERD patients were equally assigned to receive VPZ (20 mg/day) or ESMP (40 mg/day) for ≥4 weeks. The treatment allocation was non-randomized and based on routine clinical care. The severity of symptoms was assessed using a 9-item Likert scale, while perceived improvement and ADRs were evaluated through a validated questionnaire. Analysis included chi-square tests, Welch’s t-tests, and multivariable regression. Results: VPZ users had significantly lower mean GERD-TEST scores (16.9 ± 2.9) than the Esomeprazole group (21.1 ± 3.0; p < 0.001), representing a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 1.40) and a 28% relative reduction (Δ -4.21, 95% CI: -4.50 to -3.92). Overall, ADR incidence was lower with VPZ (35.8%) than with ESMP (48.3%; p < 0.001). Specific ADRs such as fatigue (8.9% vs 16.7%; p < 0.001), diarrhea (13.6% vs 19.4%), and nausea (5.6% vs 10.1%) were less frequent with Vonoprazan. Multivariable analysis showed that higher BMI (kg/m²) reduced ADR odds with VPZ (OR 0.62; p = 0.02); conversely, female sex (OR 1.14; p = 0.03) and smoking showed a trend toward increased ADRs with ESMP. Conclusion: VPZ offers superior symptom control and a favorable safety profile compared with ESMP. These findings support the potential use of VPZ as a preferred therapeutic alternative in GERD management
EDITORIAL: PROGRESS AND PERSPECTIVES IN ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY TECHNOLOGIES: NOVEL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS
No full textINNOVATIONS IN CONTROLLED AND TARGETED DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS
Despite remarkable advances in pharmaceutical sciences, the clinical performance of many drugs remains constrained by suboptimal delivery strategies. Conventional dosage forms frequently release therapeutic agents at rates that are either excessive or insufficient, compromising both efficacy and safety. Immediate adverse reactions and long-term toxicities often arise not solely from the drug itself, but from the manner in which it is administered (1). Thus, drug delivery is no longer a passive component of therapy; it is a determinant of therapeutic success. The distribution of a drug across tissues and receptor sites directly influences its therapeutic index and overall clinical outcome. Recognizing this, researchers have increasingly shifted their focus to controlled, targeted drug delivery systems designed to optimize pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics while minimizing systemic exposure (2,3). As illustrated in Figure1a, innovative carrier platforms have transformed traditional administration approaches, enhancing both drug stability and therapeutic precision.
Modern delivery systems—including liposomes, nanoparticles, micelles, microspheres, and hydrogels—aim to improve bioavailability by directing the drug moiety specifically to its site of action. Targeted delivery fundamentally relies on two coordinated processes: accurate target recognition and effective pharmacological action at the diseased site (4). The overarching objective is clear: to maximize therapeutic activity while reducing off-target toxicity, thereby improving patient outcomes and safety profiles. In contemporary pharmaceutical development, innovation is no longer limited to discovering new molecules; it increasingly lies in redefining how those molecules are delivered (5).
ACTIVE AND PASSIVE TARGETING STRATEGIES
The development of targeted drug delivery has fundamentally reshaped the therapeutic landscape. Active targeting involves functionalizing carrier systems with specific ligands that selectively recognize pathological sites, enhancing both accumulation and cellular uptake (Figure 1b). This approach has demonstrated significant promise in hematological malignancies such as leukemia and lymphomas, where receptor overexpression can be exploited to improve therapeutic precision (4,6). By directing drugs to their intended targets, active strategies minimize systemic exposure and reduce off-target toxicity.
In contrast, passive targeting relies on the inherent pathophysiological characteristics of diseased tissues. Nanocarriers preferentially accumulate at sites such as the tumor interstitium due to the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, which arises from leaky vasculature and impaired lymphatic drainage (6,7). While less selective than ligand-mediated approaches, passive targeting remains foundational in nanomedicine and has guided the design of numerous clinically approved nanoformulations
INCIDENCE OF DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, AND STRESS AMONG STUDENTS OF HEALTH SCIENCES AND NON-HEALTH SCIENCES; A COMPARATIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY FROM PAKISTAN
No full textBackground: Depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS) are prevalent psychological conditions worldwide, accounting for approximately 15% of the global burden of disease, particularly in developing countries. The overall prevalence of depressive symptoms among university students in Pakistan is 42.66%. Objectives: The main aim of this research was to investigate the incidence of depression, anxiety, and stress amongst both health sciences and non-health sciences university students and their association with socio-demographic characteristics. Methodology: The DASS-21 was used to collect data on depression, anxiety, and stress, in addition to socio-demographic factors. The data was collected through a web-based questionnaire from November 06, 2023, to January 06, 2024, from private and public universities in Punjab, Pakistan. 1177 students participated, including 586 (49.78%) health sciences students and 591 (50.21%) non-health sciences students. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: It was observed that the incidence of depression, anxiety, and stress among the university students of Pakistan was 52.8%, 40.5%, and 44.8%, respectively. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed a significant relationship between social media use and DASD (p < 0.001). In terms of study time, students who studied for less than 3 hours had a significantly higher prevalence of DASD, indicating a substantial association between study time and depression. Conclusions: According to the results of the current study, psychological conditions were highly prevalent in both health sciences and non-health sciences students. Moreover, contrary to male students, female undergraduates have higher rates of depression, anxiety, and stress. Particular attention should be paid to the students, and counselling sessions should be designed to improve their mental health. Hence, a comparative study of different psychological conditions among health sciences and non-health sciences students could be of interest and helpful to higher education policymakers. Screening students’ mental health is crucial to understanding the prevalence rates of DAS and its associated factors
RECENT ADVANCES IN GAS, LIQUID AND SUPERCRITICAL FLUID CHROMATOGRAPHY IN THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABLE/ GREEN CHEMISTRY
No full textBackground: Chromatographic techniques such as gas chromatography (GC), liquid chromatography (LC) and supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) have long been employed in analytical chemistry. However, using or producing certain organic solvents and non-renewable gases is hazardous to the environment. Green chemistry is essential for addressing the environmental hazards associated with traditional procedures. Objectives: This review focuses on recent updates and profound insights into new, greener techniques introduced in GC, LC and SFC. Methodology: To compile this review, several electronic databases were searched, preferably from January 2019-December 2023. Results: This review highlights advancements in miniaturization, rapid methods, and eco-friendly solvents in chromatographic techniques. Integrating micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and nano-electro-mechanical systems (NEMS) in GC enhances sensitivity and resolution while reducing solvent consumption. Innovations like monolithic micro-GC chips and the Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) method further streamline analysis times. In LC, supercritical fluids are utilized as green mobile phases, optimizing techniques like electrochemical flow liquid chromatography (EFLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography UHPLC. In contrast, SFC employs rapid methods, such as ultra-high-performance supercritical fluid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPSFC-MS). These developments collectively promote sustainability and efficiency in chromatographic practices. Conclusion: Green chromatography has become an essential tool in pharmaceutical analysis because it safeguards the operator’s health and the environment. It opens new horizons and generates new ideas for further experimentation while focusing on recent cutting-edge green technologies incorporated in GC, LC and SFC. These advancements significantly enhance safety and sustainability in analytical practices
DETERMINATION OF PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF ANOGEISSUS LEIOCARPUS EXTRACTS
No full textBackground: Plants are rich sources of biologically active formulations employed globally for decades as traditional remedies against various diseases. Objectives: In this study, the extraction yields, phytochemical constituents, number of fractions in each crude extract, and antimicrobial activity of extracts from leaves, stem, and root barks of Anogeissus leiocarpus were determined. Methodology: Extracts from samples of this plant\u27s parts were serially and exhaustively extracted by maceration in solvents of increasing polarity viz n-hexane, chloroform, acetone, methanol, and water for 72 h with 8 hourly vigorous agitation at room temperature. Results: The result showed acetone leaves extract to have the highest yield of 23.66±0.38% and six fractions, while the phytochemicals screening of the extracts revealed the presence of phenols, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, and saponins. Antimicrobial activity showed root bark acetone extract to be the most active with diameter of zone of inhibition of 25.0+1.41 against Staphylococcus aureus, a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.313±0.00 mg/ml against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumonia and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 0.625±0.00 mg/ml against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumonia. Results also showed the extract to be bactericidal and fungicidal with MBC/MIC and MFC/MIC ratios of less than four against all the test fungi, thus possessing both bactericidal and fungicidal activity. Conclusion: The high extract yields and antimicrobial activity shown alongside the presence of various phytochemical constituents in the extracts of Anogeissus leiocarpus justify its use as a remedy for many ailments in alternative medicine. Thus, the correlation between its phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial activity underscores the need to develop new antimicrobial compounds.
PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF SYNTHETIC DERIVATIVES OF HALOGENATED SCHIFF BASE FOR ITS ANTIMICROBIAL, ANTIOXIDANT, AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITIES
No full textBackground: Microbial drug resistance is an emerging worldwide issue affecting developed and developing countries. In order to counter this challenge, scientists are working to synthesize new molecules that are safe and effective and specifically tailored to target resistant microorganisms. Halogenated Schiff bases, in particular, have demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against various bacterial and fungal strains, along with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Objectives: The main objective of study was to investigate the anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effect of new synthetic derivatives of halogenated schiff base E-N-1- bis (4 chlorophenyl) –methaninmine (Sw7) and (E)-N-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,6-dichlorophenyl) methaninmine) (Sw9) against pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Additionally, their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities were assessed. Methodology: In the current study, antimicrobial potentials of E-N-1-bis (4 chlorophenyl) – methaninmine) and (E)-N-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,6-dichlorophenyl) methaninmine) against different bacterial strains and fungal strains were evaluated by disc-diffusion method. Their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities were also analyzed using carrageenan-induced paw oedema assay and DPPH assays respectively. Results: The current study revealed that the tested new synthetic halogenated Schiff bases are sensitive against Escherichia coli at the highest 100 µg/mL concentration. The compounds (E–N-1-bis (4-chlorophyl) -methenamine (Sw7) and (E)-N- (4 chlorophenyl)-1-(2,6- dichlorophenyl) methenamine) (Sw9) showed no anti-bacterial activity against the other tested strains of bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes. New synthetic compounds (Sw7) and (Sw9) showed mild to moderate anti-fungal activity against Candida albicans but no activity against Aspergillus flavus. Conclusion: Results demonstrated that the synthetic halogenated Schiff bases, Sw7 and Sw9, exhibit selective antimicrobial and anti-fungal activity, with Sw7 showing sensitivity against E. coli and mild to moderate activity against C. albicans
MARINE COLLAGEN: FROM EXTRACTION TO APPLICATIONS
No full textBackground: Numerous bioactive compounds discovered in aquatic life are used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical fields. Numerous investigations have been conducted on the potential applications of collagen derived from these species in scientific research. The primary protein of connective tissue, collagen, is derived from a range of organisms. Due to the transmission of spongiform encephalopathy and bovine spongiform encephalopathy, the use of cattle as the primary source of collagen has been re-examined, while collagen derived from pigs is being increasingly rejected for religious reasons. The collection of collagen from marine sources is one substitute. Alternative sources of collagen include jellyfish, sponges, octopuses, squids, cuttlefish, and fish offal, which include bones, skin, scales, and fins. Objectives: The present review article provides a concise overview of collagen, including its properties, marine resources, approaches to extraction, peptides derived from collagen, Biological roles, and applications across multiple domains. Methodology: A variety of scientific sites, including PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, were searched electronically to gather the data. Results: The versatility of marine collagen in repairing skin damage and delaying the ageing process, as well as its potential biotherapeutic uses in bone and wound rehabilitation and cosmetic products, makes it superior to terrestrial sources in many ways. It can also serve as a strategic avenue for technological advancement. Conclusion: The significant interest in marine collagenous materials is evident from their wide range of applications in nutrition, cosmetics, and healthcare
NUTRACEUTICALS: A WAY FORWARD FOR CANCER TREATMENT
No full textBackground: Cancer is a term used for large groups of diseases that are characterized by gene malfunction and cause abnormal cell proliferation that affects different parts of the human body. There are different traditional treatments of cancer, such as radiation and chemotherapy, but they often have significant side effects. Objectives: This review article aims to describe various types of cancer, their treatments, and associated problems. All the treatment methods for cancer are costly. However, the use of nutraceuticals for cancer treatment is cheap. Methodology: Research papers on the therapeutic benefits of nutraceuticals against cancer were collected from various electronic databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct. The research papers from 2000 to 2024 were collected and analyzed. Results: There are different sources of nutraceuticals, such as animal, plant, and microbial origins. They exhibit antioxidant, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects by enhancing the immune system and inhibiting metastasis. For example, a compound beta-sitosterol derived from plants is very effective against cancer of different body parts. Similarly, sulforaphane present in cruciferous vegetables is very effective in reducing the risk of lung cancer. Additionally, curcumin from turmeric is effective in inhibiting metastatic cancer cells. Conclusion: In recent years, there has been a growing focus on the use of nutraceuticals in cancer treatment. This approach offers promising therapeutic potential with minimal or no side effects, making it a safer alternative to conventional therapies. Nutraceuticals are increasingly being integrated into comprehensive cancer care, complementing standard treatments and enhancing patient outcomes