Currents in Pharmaceutical Research

Exploring Niosomes: A Comprehensive Review of their Structure, Formulation, and Biomedical Applications

2024-07-10T11:22:22+00:00

Niosomes are a novel class of non-ionic surfactant vesicles. They have emerged as promising vesicles for the delivery of a diverse range of therapeutic agents. Niosomes are implied for the improvement of stability and solubility of molecules used in pharmaceutical components. The current study delved into the formulation methods, applications, and recent advancements in niosomal technology. They offer various benefits over other drug delivery systems due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and versatility. The first section of this study outlined the background, detailed structure, and characteristics of niosomes. Niosomes are quite distinct in their characteristics as they have the ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. The second section of the current study highlighted various methods employed for niosome preparation, such as film hydration, reverse-phase evaporation, and microfluidic techniques. By modifying the lipid composition and surfactants, specific physicochemical properties, such as size, lamellarity, and surface charge can be achieved.
The final section discussed applications of niosomes across pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and biotechnological fields. These include targeted drug delivery, gene delivery, cosmetic ingredient encapsulation, and vaccine adjuvant systems. Additionally, the recent advancements in niosome research have been discussed as well.

Enhancing Ticagrelor Solubility Through the Solid Dispersion Method

2024-11-11T11:24:14+00:00

Ticagrelor (TCG) is a pharmaceutical drug used for the treatment of acute coronary syndrome, angina, and stroke. It has low solubility and less permeability and is classified as a BCS (Biopharmaceutical Classification System) Class IV drug. It has low water solubility. So, there is a need to increase the solubility of this drug. Hence, this study was aimed to augment the solubility of TCG using various approaches. Furthermore, solid dispersion of the drug and carriers was prepared and various preparations were estimated for several parameters, including phase solubility, drug release, and chemical compatibility. For this purpose, different chemicals were used including polyethylene glycol-6000 (PEG-6000), poloxamer 407 (PLX), β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), Transcutol-P (TP), Tween-80, and ethanol. Particle size reduction, complexation, change in pH, co-solvency, and solid dispersion via solvent evaporation and kneading were used to improve the solubility of TCG. According to the findings, there was no significant change in the absorbance value of the drug at different pH. The FTIR spectra did not show the emergence of new peaks indicating the drug's and carriers’ chemical compatibility. Moreover, PLX plays a major role in enhancing the solubility of TCG. Furthermore, the phase solubility of all formulations augmented with the increase of ethanol because TCG is soluble in ethanol. These outcomes imply that all these techniques may serve as effective means for enhancing TCG’s solubility.

Detection of Salmonella in Frozen and Raw Chicken from Islamabad Markets: A Conventional and Molecular Approach

2025-01-07T05:28:51+00:00

Salmonellae are one of the most important foodborne pathogens, worldwide. Foodborne outbreaks associated with the consumption of poultry are very frequent. The detection of this bacterium in chicken products is important to ensure food safety and to protect public health. Most of the current detection techniques, although in widespread use, often give false-positive results; therefore, a more accurate, sensitive, and reliable method for Salmonella detection is needed.Hence, This study estimates the efficiency and effectiveness of conventional and molecular detection techniques in identifying Salmonella spp. in poultry.it also caters the evidence of possible risks associated with the consumption of infected chicken products. For the said purposes,a total of 100 poultry samples comprising carcass and liver were collected from different areas of Islamabad, Pakistan. The positive samples were further analyzed through molecular techniques for the confirmation of the pathogen after these samples had been subjected to the conventional detection techniques. The statistical significance of the outcomes obtained from both the methods was tested in order to compare their effectiveness. Based on the results,, the study concludes that conventional and molecular techniques put together can provide more realistic detection of Salmonella spp. in poultry. The occurrences of false-positive results can be reduced to a minimum when detection is done with the use of selective media that can clearly distinguish Salmonella colonies from other bacteria. The use of such specific media is further encouraged to increase the accuracy of Salmonella detection at different levels of poultry industry.

Formulation and Clinical Evaluation of a Novel Polyherbal Anti-Acne Cream

2025-01-07T10:51:50+00:00

Natural skin products are safer and more acceptable in the management of various skin diseases. Hence, there has been a shift towards natural products owing to the adverse effects of synthetic medicinal agents. Acne vulgaris is the disorder which occurs mostly through pilosebaceous unit. It is caused by whether, hormonal, microbiological, and immunological factors. The disorder impacts people of all age groups, with the highest prevalence in teenagers (aged 13-19 years) (85%), followed by those aged 25-34 years (8%), and 3% in then individuals aged 35-44 years (3%). This disorder is characterized by the presence of the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Propionibacterium acnes. This skin disease becomes worse with the passage of time and with age. The current study was aimed to formulate three different combinations (F1, F2, and F3) of anti-acne cream containing alcoholic tinctures of Azadirachta indica, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Calendulla officinalis, Echinacea angustifolia Aloe socotrina, Rumex crispus, Symphytum officinale, Thuja occidentalis, and Ginseng panax. Their subsequent evaluation on human subjects was aimed to estimate their efficacy in the management of acne. The clinical efficacy of the formulated polyherbal cream containing alcoholic tinctures and non-comedogenic ingredients was established in this prospective randomized study on 60 human volunteers. The results obtained were statistically significant and revealed the efficacy of the tested formulation, which reduced the acne after 4 weeks of application. Additionally, 70% of participants reported visible improvement in skin texture, while 55% showed a significant reduction in associated inflammation and redness. These findings support the efficacy of the tested formulation in managing AV.

Evaluation of Cost-Effective Therapy by Comparing Brands of the Same Formulation in Pakistan

2025-01-08T03:33:43+00:00

In Pakistan, where millions face the burden of healthcare costs, the choice between branded and alternative drug formulations plays a crucial role in patient outcomes. Often, branded medications are prescribed over more cost-effective options, exacerbating financial strain for patients, especially in low- and middle-income settings. The current study is crucial to address healthcare affordability, highlighting significant cost disparities between prescribed branded medications and alternatives. It critically aimed to evaluate cost-effective therapies by comparing prescribed brands with other options for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes, neurological disorders, and paediatrics. Furthermore, the study also identified the cost-effective therapies for CVDs, diabetes, neurological disorders, and pediatric conditions between branded medications with their generic and alternative counterparts in Pakistan. This would help to achieve cost-effective therapies. Additionally, it also shed light on the hurdles faced by the regulators to impose generic prescribing across Pakistan. It may motivate healthcare providers and policymakers about the benefits of generic prescribing to provide cost-effective treatment plan which may lead towards the overall patients’ satisfaction. Data collected from various regions of Pakistan across public and private healthcare sectors revealed significant cost disparities between branded and alternative medications. The analysis conducted in the study indicated a potential cost reduction of up to 66% for CVDs, 47% for neurological disorders, and 21% and 43% for diabetes and paediatrics, respectively, by opting for alternative brands. These findings underscore the urgent need for policy reforms, promoting generic prescriptions and leveraging pharmacists' expertise to enhance affordability and accessibility in the Pakistani healthcare system.

Balancing Relief and Pain: Effects of COX-2 Inhibitor Valdecoxib

2025-01-09T04:48:10+00:00

Valdecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, was initially acclaimed for its gastrointestinal safety and effectiveness in managing chronic inflammatory conditions and pain. It reduced gastrointestinal complications compared to other anti-inflammatory drugs, benefiting patients with complex medication regimens. The injectable form, parecoxib, was seen as promising for acute post-surgery pain management. However, clinical trials in high-risk cardiovascular patients, particularly those undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, revealed increased risks when using higher doses of parecoxib. These findings led to the re-evaluation of valdecoxib’s safety profile and its subsequent market withdrawal due to cardiovascular concerns and reports of serious skin reactions. Despite its withdrawal, valdecoxib has garnered interest for repurposing in other conditions. Its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties suggest potential in qualifying palmitate-induced insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes and inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases for wound healing. Its efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 highlights drug repurposing strategies for health crises like COVID-19. Valdecoxib's established success in arthritis, dysmenorrhea, and postoperative pain, along with its potential in treating glaucoma, underscores the value of repurposing existing drugs for new therapeutic purposes. In conclusion, valdecoxib exemplifies the balance between drug safety, clinical utility, and innovative repurposing. The aim of this study is to fully harness drug potential in medical science through a concerted effort made by the scientific community, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders to navigate the technological and regulatory hurdles.