International Journal of Pharmacy & Integrated Health Sciences
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A NARRATIVE REVIEW ON AUTOMATION AND DIGITALIZATION IN QUALITY CONTROL LABORATORIES OF PHARMACEUTICALS
No full textBackground: The automation and digitalization of pharmaceutical quality control (QC) laboratories can enhance quality assurance. The adoption of automation and digitalization has improved the efficiency, productivity, and compliance of QC testing.Objectives: This review article aims to explore the integration of automation and digitalization technologies, including Full Laboratory Automation (FLA), Total Laboratory Automation (TLA), Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Machine Learning (ML). Methodology: The study investigated the potential of automation and digitalization in the QC department within the pharmaceutical industry—the data collected from various research studies conducted from 2015 to 2024, sourced from authentic scientific databases. The data were sequentially analyzed using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria to draw the findings. The GRADE criteria were used to check quality. Results: The use of TLA has significantly bolstered the development of the QC department. For instance, Sysmex\u27s TLA system enhances automation within QC procedures, leading to increased accuracy and reduced errors. Moreover, technologies like IoT-based monitoring systems, robotic sample handlers, and AI-based tools—such as AI-based pathogen detection systems—are being implemented. Utilization of these developments allowed for effective work and testing of a large number of samples. The advantages of TLA are cost-effectiveness, management of labor, maintenance prediction, and effective decision-making. Automation technologies and AI have helped reduce environmental impact by maximizing the use of resources and integrating green practices.Conclusion: Automation and AI-driven technologies enhance QC efficiency and ensure regulatory compliance, which may result in the production of quality products
HERBAL PHARMACEUTICALS AND CONTEMPORARY DEVELOPMENTS IN INNOVATIVE DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS
No full textBackground: A novel drug delivery system represents an innovative method for administering pharmaceuticals that overcomes the constraints of conventional drug delivery systems. Objectives: This article provides an overview of diverse drug delivery strategies applicable to herbal applications and several examples. Methodology: The data was searched using different databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science and Pub Med. Results: The application of innovative drug delivery technology in herbal medicine may enhance efficacy and diminish the adverse effects of various herbal components and herbs. This encapsulates the fundamental concept of integrating innovative drug-delivery techniques within natural remedies. Therefore, it is essential to incorporate innovative drug delivery systems to address more severe disorders. People have used plants for food and medicine since ancient times, and they are considered natural remedies. Global efforts are to extract plant-based medicines from flora and bring them to market. Due to processing, standardization, extraction, and identification challenges, herbal medicines could not draw scientists\u27 attention. However, due to technological advancements, novel drug delivery systems (NDDS) are developing revolutionary herbal medication delivery methods. Conclusion: There is great potential for monitoring drug delivery systems such as nanoparticles, niosomes, ethosomes, vesicles, micellar solutions, liquid crystal dispersions, hydrogels, and liposomes composed of minuscule components with sizes ranging from 10-400 nm. The main goals of creating such delivery methods are to minimize drug degradation, maximize bioavailability, enhance drug stability, reduce drug toxicity, and prevent undesirable side effects with the provision of drugs at the targeted site. Targeting refers to the capability to focus drug-loaded strategies at a desired time to perform their physiological function
RELATIONSHIP HBA1C AND CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE SEVERITY IN DIABETIC PATIENTS: INSIGHTS FROM A GENDER-BASED ANALYSIS
Full text linkBackground: Diabetes mellitus is known to increase the risk of coronary artery disease by many folds, and the management of this disease involves reasonable glycemic control. HbA1c levels are reported to be positively correlated with increased cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients. Objectives: This survey-based study explores the association between the HbA1c levels of diabetic patients and the severity of their CAD. Methodology: The sample included 100 diabetic patients diagnosed with CAD. Demographic characteristics, HbA1c levels, and angiographic findings were documented, such as the number of affected arteries and the degree of stenosis. Regression models and correlation coefficients estimated the relation between HbA1c levels and the severity of CAD. Results: The HbA1c levels and the extent of CAD in diabetic patients had a significant positive correlation with a value of p < 0.05. Higher HbA1c values correlated with the degree of more damaged arteries and higher degrees of stenosis. Conclusion: More significant HbA1c levels represent a greater CAD in diabetic patients. Therefore, glycemic control could prevent or even slow the progression and extent of CAD
ASSESSMENT OF PHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS AND COPING STRATEGIES FOR MANAGEMENT OF INSOMNIA: A SURVEY-BASED STUDY AMONG MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS AND THE PATIENTS WITH INSOMNIA
Full text linkBackground: Insomnia is a common sleep problem that profoundly impacts health and quality of life globally, influencing everyday functioning and mental well-being. Objectives: The study aims to assess the effectiveness of pharmacological interventions and coping strategies for managing insomnia. Methodology: A cross-sectional, online survey-based study was conducted with 238 participants, comprising 196 non-practitioners (NPs) and 42 medical practitioners (MPs). Statistical analyses evaluated relationships between insomnia awareness, prescribed medications, and demographic factors. Results: The study revealed that 30.43% of individuals with secondary education and 16.67% of those with a bachelor\u27s degree were unfamiliar with the term insomnia. A significant relationship was observed between MPs encountering insomnia patients and the most effective medications they prescribe regarding patient satisfaction (p = 0.021). The relationship between MP types and their medicines for managing insomnia was significant (p = 0.058). The statistical association between participants\u27 gender and the sleep issues they experienced was one of the study\u27s significant findings (p = 0.019 and 0.012). Participants of all ages, genders, and socioeconomic groups knew "insomnia" (p = 0.04, 0.000, and 0.024). Conclusion: This study concluded the significance of a comprehensive and individualized approach to insomnia treatment. It also pointed out that more awareness, proactive screening, and a balanced approach to both psychological and prescription drug therapies are required.
RECENT ADVANCES IN TARGETING PROTEINS AND ENZYMES ASSOCIATED WITH DIABETIC PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
No full textBackground: Diabetes mellitus is a multifactorial metabolic disorder involving several pathways, i.e., enzymes and proteins, and is a major causing morbidity and mortality worldwide. Its complex nature makes it a target for multiple therapeutic approaches, each addressing specific dysfunctions to achieve glycemic control and reduce complications. Objectives: The present review explores the different proteins, pathways, and enzymes involved in diabetic pathophysiology, including their metabolic roles and properties as targets of modulations by antidiabetic agents. Methodology: A literature review was conducted via different major electronic databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Ovid, EMBASE, and MEDLINE, to retrieve relevant literature. Results: Some of the significant dysfunctions include insulin absence and resistance, glucose toxicity, dyslipidemia, nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular complications, which are mostly attributed to persistent hyperglycemia. Moreover, different proteins and enzymes are associated with diabetic pathophysiology, including 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, glutamine: fructose-6-phosphate aminotransferase, alpha-glucosidase, glucokinase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, renin-Angiotensin-aldosterone-system, mono-ADP ribosyltransferase-sirtuin-6, and pyruvate dehydrogenase complex which acts as modulative targets of antidiabetic agents to manage diabetes. Conclusion: The diabetic pathology is attributed to glucotoxicity and dyslipidemia caused by persistent hyperglycemia. Modulating these pathways, proteins, and enzymes could play significant roles in diabetes management. Furthermore, novel antidiabetic therapeutics from different pharmaceutical sources might be developed by exploring these pathways
MUTATION ANALYSIS FOR NUCLEOPHOSMIN-1 (NPM1) GENE VARIANT OF CHRONIC MYELOID LEUKEMIA PATIENTS FROM LAHORE-PAKISTAN
No full textBackground: Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is a malignant genetic disorder commonly caused by the translocation of two genes among chromosomes 9 and 22. Nucleophosmin1 (NPM1) is a nuclear protein-coded gene located on chromosome 5q35. NPM1 protein, in association with other tumor suppressor proteins, prevents cell proliferation in an uncontrolled way. Several mutations are located within exon 12 of the NPM1 gene. More than 95% of these mutations are frameshift due to the insertion of tetra‐nucleotides at positions 863 and 864 of exon 12. Three common mutation types (A, B, and D) represent about 90% of NPM1 mutations. Objectives: To analyze the NPM1 gene variants and their association with CML. Methodology: Genomic DNA was extracted from the whole blood of 50 cases and health control subjects. NPM1 (563 bp) was amplified using gene-specific primers by PCR and sequenced using BigDye® Terminator. The mutation was analyzed using Sanger sequencing in an ABI Gene Analyzer (3130XL). The results were analyzed and compared with the reference human NPM1 gene (accession # NG_016018.1). Results: The gene sequencing analysis revealed that NPM1 mutation (type A: Dup TCTG) was not present in DNA-sequenced samples of CML patients. Conclusion: It may be concluded that NPM1 mutations are unlikely to be linked to CML illness in a Pakistani community. Further research with a larger sample size may aid in determining the role of other gene mutations with CML for the effective treatment of this cancer.
EVALUATION OF ANALGESIC AND ANXIOLYTIC EFFECTS OF PEROVSKIA ABROTANOIDES IN SWISS ALBINO MICE
No full textBackground: Perovskia abrotanoides is a shrubby plant from a lesser-known genus within the Lamiaceae family, reputed for its notable medicinal qualities. It has been traditionally used for the treatment of liver problems, respiratory disorders, and several other illnesses. However, its analgesic and anxiolytic effects still need further exploration. Objectives: This research provides a thorough investigation into the analgesic and anxiolytic potential of Perovskia abrotanoides, commonly used due to its medicinal benefits. Methodology: Perovskia abrotanoides methanolic extract was subjected to an acute toxicity test to analyze the safety of Perovskia abrotanoides methanolic extract. Acute toxicity of the methanolic extract was evaluated in 25 male Swiss albino mice at dosages ranging from 250 to 2000 mg/kg. The analgesic efficacy of Perovskia abrotanoides methanolic extract was assessed through the acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin tests. The anxiolytic effect of Perovskia abrotanoides methanolic extract was evaluated through behavioural assessments, including the open field test, cage crossing test, rearing test, traction test, and forced swim test. Results: Acute toxicity studies indicated safe administration of Perovskia abrotanoides methanolic extract at 250-2000 mg/kg dose. Moreover, it exhibited a substantial analgesic effect, as evaluated through pain relief, comparable to that of aspirin. Additionally, mice administered Perovskia abrotanoides methanolic extract exhibited enhanced exploratory behavior and reduced immobility time, suggesting potential antidepressant-like properties. Conclusion: This research highlights the safety and therapeutic potential of Perovskia abrotanoides as a natural remedy for anxiety, depression, and pain, underscoring that its methanolic extract possesses significant analgesic and anxiolytic properties attributed to its bioactive components, which modulate inflammatory pathways and alleviate oxidative stres
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANALGESIC ACTIVITY OF HERTIA INTERMEDIA LEAF EXTRACT IN RATS
No full textBackground: Hertia plants have been used in traditional societies to treat pain, but no comprehensive research has been done to prove this plant\u27s analgesic effects scientifically. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanism of action and analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of Hertia intermedia leaf extract. Methodology: In this investigation, rats were given several doses of Hertia intermedia extract and its analgesic effects were assessed using the tail-flick, hot plate, and formalin tests. Rats were pre-treated with naloxone to have a look at the potential mechanism. The levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6 in the blood of rats were assessed. To gain insight into the active substances, phytochemical tests were carried out. Results: The study\u27s findings demonstrated the potential of Hertia intermedia leaf extract to alleviate pain and inflammation at various doses. The obtained extract was dark brown and gummy. The yield of extraction was 28% w/w. The result of the phytochemical study indicated the presence of flavonoids, tannins, steroids, and terpenoids. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory results showed that 150 mg/kg showed a strong analgesic effect on the hot plate; however, all tested doses (10-200 mg) showed analgesia in the tail flick test. Formalin-induced algesia was reduced by 150 mg. It is possible that the extract functions through opioid receptors because naloxone administrations also dramatically decreased the latency in response to pain in the hot plate and tail flick tests. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of this extract were discovered by notably lowering the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α significantly at 150 mg/kg dose. Conclusion: According to the study, Hertia intermedia leaf extract mitigates inflammatory cytokines and has analgesic effects on the central and peripheral nervous systems
MATERNAL HEALTH CARE CHALLENGES IN PAKISTAN AND FAMILY PLANNING APPROACH: A SCOPING REVIEW OF CURRENT POLICIES AND FUTURE IMPLICATIONS
No full textBackground: Maternal health is of high concern in Pakistan, mainly due to high healthcare disparities. According to WHO, maternal mortality is primarily affected by different social and economic factors that influence women during their pregnancy and even after birth. According to the Pakistan Maternal Mortality Survey (2019), Pakistan has a maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 186 per 100,000 live births. Thus, Pakistan is lagging far behind the global target for MMR. Pakistan has launched initiatives like the Lady Health Worker program to reduce MMRs. However, there are various factors and barriers in its implementation.
Objectives: This paper aims to collect and review recent data on MMRs in Pakistan to highlight maternal healthcare challenges and disparities and current policies to fight these cultural, social and economic challenges, focusing on the family planning approach.
Methodology: This paper follows a scoping review approach that involves a broad search, analysis and review of literature, articles, survey reports and studies done in Pakistan regarding maternal health, Lady Health worker program and family planning.
Results: Efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.1 to reduce global MMR are crucial. The Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Program (MNCH) and family planning initiatives are pivotal strategies to improve maternal health outcomes in Pakistan. Enhancing contraceptive prevalence rates and addressing healthcare resource shortages are identified as key interventions.
Conclusion: This paper underscores the importance of targeted interventions, increased funding, and public health awareness campaigns to sustain progress and mitigate maternal health disparities nationwide
PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND ANTI-OBESITY POTENTIAL OF VARIOUS EXTRACTS FROM DIOSPYROS MALABARICA WHOLE FRUIT
No full textBackground: The Diospyros malabarica plant is a commonly growing plant in various regions of Pakistan. It has important biological compounds possessing unique biological activities. However, the role of these compounds is not reported in managing obesity. Objective: The purpose of the presented work is to evaluate the effect of solvents of varying polarities on the extraction yields of total polyphenol contents and total flavonoid contents and the anti-obesity potential of various extracts from the fruit and peel of Diospyros malabarica. Methodology: Four solvents—methanol, methyl acetate, acetone, and petroleum ether—were selected for extraction optimization. Extracts of both fruit and peel of Diospyros malabarica were prepared using these solvents and analyzed for phytochemical content and biological activities. Results: Methanol extracts of both fruit and peel exhibited the highest total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC), with values of 115.05 ± 1.22 mg/g and 105.12 ± 0.34 mg/g, respectively. Phytochemical screening indicated that the methanol extracts were rich in bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, steroids, coumarins, quinones, and saponins. Antioxidant activity assessed via the DPPH scavenging assay revealed that the methanol peel extract showed the strongest activity, with the lowest IC₅₀ value of 35.45 ± 1.23 µg/mL. Similarly, the methanol extract demonstrated the highest anti-obesity potential, exhibiting the strongest pancreatic lipase inhibition with an IC₅₀ value of 38.45 ± 1.04 µg/mL. HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of key polyphenols and flavonoids responsible for these pharmacological activities in the methanol peel extract. Conclusion: These findings support the potential use of Diospyros malabarica fruit—particularly its methanol extract—as a promising natural candidate for managing obesity due to its rich phytochemical composition and significant antioxidant and lipase inhibitory activities