Currents in Pharmaceutical Research

Research Article Evaluation of Viola canescens Wall Ex. Roxb. for anti-asthmatic and anti-tussive activity and isolation of bioactive compound

Abdullah, Irfan Ullah, Waqar Ahmad, Muhammad Ibrar, Bashir Ahmad — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Folklorically, Viola canescens (VC) is used for the treatment of respiratory disorders, such as cough and asthma. The current study aimed to evaluate VC for anti-asthmatic and anti-tussive activities and isolate the bioactive compound. The plant was collected, extracted, and fractionated, with the isolation of compounds via column chromatography. Solvent extracts of VC were evaluated for anti-asthmatic and anti-tussive activities in animal models. The purified compound obtained from ethyl acetate fraction (EF) via column chromatography was identified by Mass and ¹H-NMR spectroscopic techniques. The EF (at 200 mg/kg/day for 21 days) significantly increased latency to pre-convulsive dyspnea (PCD) as compared to control. Similarly, mucous viscosity of the sensitized group was reduced significantly by EF (at 200 mg/kg). In isolated guinea pig’s ileum preparation, the EF (at 25 μg/ml) exhibited maximum relaxant activity (48.83 ± 1.5% inhibition at 0.8 ml) against histamine-induced contractions (p<0.01). The citric acid-induced cough bouts in guinea pigs were significantly reduced by EF (58.13 ± 3.1% at 200 mg/kg). The EF also significantly inhibited the secretion of phenol red dye (43.02 ± 3.1% at 200 mg/kg). A flavonoid (quercetin) was isolated from the EF that may be probably responsible for anti-asthmatic and anti-tussive activities of the plant.

Treatment of Children with Pneumonia and Underlying Causes of Recurrent Pneumonia at a Paediatric Hospital in Abbottabad, Pakistan

Fiaz Alam, Salman Munawar, Anwar, Fahad Khan, Khadifa Shakeel, Laraib Ejaz — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The current study aimed to examine the prescribed drugs, the underlying reasons of recurrent pneumonia in children, and the usage of over-the-counter (OTC) cough suppressants as a supplement to antibiotics for paediatric acute pneumonia. During the study period of one year, more than 420 cases were analyzed comprising 194 males (46.1%) and 226 females (53.8%). Eight drugs were prescribed from Essential Drug List (EDL), while 20 were not prescribed from EDL. The most common prescribed medication included ceftriaxone (inj) 280 times, followed by dexamethasone sodium phosphate 42 times. The most common OTC given was paracetamol 226 times followed by Ibuprofen 137 times. In 96.4% cases, nebulizer ventolin was used to control asthma. The current study identified immunodeficiency, aspiration, and structural abnormalities as significant factors for recurrent pneumonia. The analysis revealed frequent use of antibiotics and OTC medications for symptom management. Understanding these treatment patterns and the role of OTC cough medications as adjuncts to antibiotics may help optimize therapeutic strategies and improve clinical outcomes in pediatric pneumonia.

Awareness about Non-Prescribed Usage of Antidepressants among University Students in Faisalabad, Pakistan

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

University students are most commonly vulnerable to depression among all the other age groups. Antidepressants are mostly used without proper prescription due to lack of awareness and various other factors like negative attitudes, misconceptions, and lack of education, often impacting the proper utilization of antidepressants. This study aims to gauge the awareness and knowledge of university students regarding the non-prescriptive use of antidepressants and to explore students' understanding of the associated side effects. A cross sectional study was performed among 1740 students of both medical and non-medical background from a public sector university, of Faisalabad. Data were collected by using an online questionnaire that contained 26 close ended and 6 demographics-based questions. The questionnaire was designed after thorough discussion with health care professionals. Descriptive statistics were applied in order to analyze the data. The results showed, among total participants (1740), 35.53% agree that females are more prone to depression in comparison to males 18.62%. In terms of economy, 88.28% participants believe that depression badly affects the economy. 92.02% respondents believe that depression remains undiagnosed due to non-cooperative behavior of society and other factors like lack of awareness, and hesitation. Survey showed, 89.06% students do not get any treatment for depression due to lack of awareness. The prevalence of lack of awareness among university students about non prescribed use of antidepressants and their associated side effects was alarming. Universities can take various initiatives to raise the awareness among students regarding non prescribed use of antidepressants like utilization of mobile health apps, establishment of counseling centers, stigma reduction campaigns and collaboration with health services.

Revolutionizing Hyperpigmentation Solutions: Formulation and Characterization of Kojic Acid Gel

Sumiyya Javaid, Tayyaba Rana, Muhammad Zaman, Zainab Naeem, Azeem Ahmed Iqbal — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Kojic acid is a skin-lightening agent that blocks the tyrosinase enzyme and inhibits melanin synthesis. While kojic acid has demonstrated effectiveness in hyperpigmentation treatment, the existing formulations often suffer from issues, such as poor skin penetration, instability, and skin irritation. The current study aimed to overcome these limitations by preparing a kojic acid gel formulation utilizing biocompatible polymers. These polymers included sodium alginate and xanthan gum to enhance therapeutic efficacy for hyperpigmentation treatment. Sodium alginate and xanthan gum were used as polymers, while the excipients included propylene glycol, glycerin, peppermint oil, methylparaben, and propylparaben. Design Expert 11 optimized topical gels' viscosity, spreadability, and permeation responses. The optimized gels were determined for organoleptic properties, pH, drug content, spreadability, viscosity, in-vitro drug permeation studies, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, anti-oxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, and stability study. Results indicated that the pH of the optimized sodium alginate gel was 6.6 and that of xanthan gum gel was 6.8. The spreadability was 28.5 g.cm/sec and 17 g.cm/sec for sodium alginate and xanthan gum gels, respectively. The viscosity was 5900 mPa.s for sodium alginate gels and 6854 mPa.s for xanthan gum gels. The drug content lied in the range of 90%-110%, which is according to United States Pharmacopeia standards. The permeation study showed an acceptable release profile for both gels. The anti-oxidant assay indicated an optimum anti-oxidant activity, while the antimicrobial activity test showed inhibitory action against bacteria. An accelerated stability study elucidated that the optimized gels had good stability. The results inferred that the prepared gel formulations of kojic acid were stable and reproducible.

Kidney Stones: Pathophysiology, Cutting-Edge Treatments, and Emerging Concerns

Faiza Saifullah, Muhammad Asad Saeed — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 07:30:40 +0000

Kidney stone disease (KSD) is a frequently observed clinical condition globally. It poses multiple diagnostic and therapeutic challenges especially in the case of asymptomatic stones when using standard ultrasonic or X-ray procedures. While CT scan options are available for diagnosis, they raise concerns due to excessive radiation exposure. Etiology of KSD is vast and covers disparate types of stones out of which calcium oxalate stones are the most prevalent ones. KSD is influenced by enormous factors ranging from age, gender and obesity to serious metabolic and genetic disorders. Different treatment protocols are available including medications, lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, PCNL and open surgery. Their pros and cons are discussed comprehensively throughout the review. Surgery is only opted for cases when the stone is either extremely large or highly complicated. KSD is a painful condition and most of its treatment options are costly, resulting in a significant financial burden. Despite the availability of advanced treatment protocols, the cases of KSD continue to rise, which is concerning. This suggests that the changing climate and environmental factors which are significantly raising global temperature along with dehydration, may play a role in increasing the prevalence of the disease. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of kidney stone disease, providing in-depth insights into stone types and their corresponding management strategies. Furthermore, this review also emphasizes the importance of lifestyle and dietary modifications, identifies constraints observed in the literature survey, and discusses the challenges facing healthcare providers, while also suggesting possible future research directions for emerging studies.