Chameli Devi Institute of Pharmacy

This research explored the antimicrobial, antifungal, and in vivo anticandidal activities of two herbal extracts: Ocimum basilicum (HEOB) and Ocimum sanctum (HEOS). Additionally, the study analyzed the phytochemical components of these extracts. To examine the efficacy of HEOB and HEOS extracts in terms of their antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-candidal activities and analyze their phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, and immunomodulatory properties in vivo. Dried flowers and leaves from Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum sanctum were extracted using a cold maceration process with a 1:1 ethanol-water solution. Phytochemical analysis followed established protocols, and the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured using colourimetric methods. HPLC was used to determine the concentrations of specific compounds, including rosmarinic acid, rutin, eugenol, and quercetin. Antioxidant activity, specifically nitric oxide (NO) scavenging and antimicrobial properties, was assessed in vitro using the cup plate method. In vivo studies were conducted on immunocompromised mice with systemic candidiasis, treated with plant extracts at 200 and 400 mg/kg or with ketoconazole as a control. Survival rates, tissue histology, and leukocyte counts were evaluated, and statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA. HEOB and HEOS extracts possess strong antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, largely due to flavonoids such as rutin, quercetin, rosmarinic acid and eugenol. In vivo experiments revealed that both extracts effectively reduced fungal load, increased survival rates, and alleviated immunosuppression in mice with systemic candidiasis. The extracts also exhibited significant immunomodulatory properties by boosting cellmediated immune responses. At higher concentrations, the antifungal performance of HEOB and HEOS was similar to that of ketoconazole. HEOB and HEOS exhibited strong antibacterial, antifungal, and anticandidal properties, showing significant effectiveness in treating systemic candidiasis. Their immunomodulatory effects and ability to boost cell-mediated immunity make these extracts promising options for addressing systemic candidiasis, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. This research offers valuable insights and sets the stage for future investigations into the treatment of oral and vaginal candidiasis.

Researchers from a variety of disciplines are investigating the use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as delivery vehicles for pharmaceutical solutions. In order to make the most of the therapeutic potential of EVs, various loading strategies have been devised. Despite the widespread application of exogenous methods, endogenous approaches are becoming increasingly preferred instead. Medicinal macro molecules such as proteins and nucleic acids can be loaded with relative ease using this technology that manipulates parental cells through genetic engineering. We examine the most effective ways for EV loading and demonstrate why endogenous is superior. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are able to transport pharmaceuticals, have the potential to tackle the problems of biologic therapeutic stability and off-target undesirable effects. In addition, we investigate the most recent findings and applications of this innovative method in order to shed light on the numerous potential therapeutic possibilities in the field of EV-based treatments. The possibility of endogenous loading of EVs with big biological medicines has been brought to light by recent research. In order to optimize the loading of biologic drugs in extracellular vesicles (EVs), researchers have been able to apply cargo selection and loading pathway molecules thanks to advancements in EV biogenesis. It has been established that endogenous EV loading is successful in preclinical in vivo trials, which demonstrates its promise in a variety of therapeutic situations.

Jatropha curcas has emerged as a potential feedstock for biodiesel production due to its non-edible nature, high oil content, and adaptability to marginal lands. This review provides an overview of the advantages and challenges associated with Jatropha curcas as a biodiesel source. The non-edible nature of Jatropha curcas makes it an attractive option for biofuel production, as it does not compete with food crops, minimizing concerns about food security. The seeds of Jatropha curcas contain a significant amount of oil, ranging from 30% to 40%, making it a suitable feedstock for biodiesel production. Jatropha curcas exhibits adaptability to harsh environments and can grow on marginal lands unsuitable for food crops. It requires low water and nutrient inputs, making it a potential solution for areas where other crops struggle to thrive. Furthermore, the cultivation of Jatropha curcas can provide economic opportunities, especially in rural areas, contributing to rural development and income generation for farmers. However, there are challenges that need to be addressed for the successful commercialization of Jatropha curcas as a biodiesel feedstock.

Cancer, an intricate and multifaceted disease, is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of cells that can lead to serious health complications and ultimately death. Conventional therapeutic strategies mainly target rapidly dividing cancer cells, but often indiscriminately harm healthy cells in the process. As a result, there is a growing interest in exploring novel therapies that are both effective and less toxic to normal cells. Herbs have long been used as natural remedies for various diseases and conditions. Some herbal compounds exhibit potent anti-cancer properties, making them potential candidates for nutraceutical-based treatments. However, despite their promising efficacy, there are considerable limitations in utilizing herbal preparations due to their poor solubility, low bioavailability, rapid metabolism and excretion, as well as potential interference with other medications. Nanotechnology offers a unique platform to overcome these challenges by encapsulating herbal compounds within nanoparticles. This approach not only increases solubility and stability but also enhances the cellular uptake of nutraceuticals, allowing for controlled and targeted delivery of therapeutic agents directly at tumor sites. By harnessing the power of nanotechnology-enabled therapy, this new frontier in cancer treatment presents an opportunity to minimize toxicity while maximizing efficacy. In conclusion, this manuscript provides compelling evidence for integrating nanotechnology with nutraceuticals derived from herbal sources to optimize cancer therapy outcomes. We explore the roadblocks associated with traditional herbal treatments and demonstrate how nanotechnology can help circumvent these issues, paving the way for safer and more effective cancer interventions in future oncological practice.

Addiction is a feel good or euphoria like condition which is commonly associated with drug abuse (opioid & non-opioid), alcohol and nicotine intake. There are many reasons behind a man gets addicted to these substances such as recreation purpose, drugs used for long time for treatment of any disorder and gets addicted, unemployment, stress, emotions, professional pressure and social status. It provides enjoyable feelings which results in creating a strong urge to use the substances again and again. These drugs can cause physical dependence or psychological dependence or both. Over time, drug tolerance is produced which means to get the same effect more quantity of the drug is needed. These substances are very harmful physically, mentally, financially and socially too. If someone suddenly terminates using these substances after heavy or long term use, the body needs time to recover and number of withdrawal symptoms arises. These withdrawal symptoms can’t be treated by medications only but it needs counselling and support as well. This article reviews i. the drug abuse (opioid & non-opioid), alcohol and nicotine addictions with their withdrawal symptoms and medications used to treat these symptoms ii. Rehabilitation centers running and other steps taken by Government of India to aware people especially the youths of the country about the harmful effects of these substances.

Background:The present study was aimed at developing and exploring the use of PEGylated Poly (propyleneimine) dendrimers for the delivery of an anti-diabetic drug, insulin.Methods:For this study, 4.0G PPI dendrimer was synthesized by successive Michael addition and exhaustive amidation reactions, using ethylenediamine as the core and acrylonitrile as the propagating agent. Two different activated PEG moieties were employed for PEGylation of PPI dendrimers. Various physicochemical and physiological parameters UV, IR, NMR, TEM, DSC, drug entrapment, drug release, hemolytic toxicity and blood glucose level studies of both PEGylated and non- PEGylated dendritic systems were determined and compared.Results:PEGylation of PPI dendrimers caused increased solubilization of insulin in the dendritic framework as well as in PEG layers, reduced drug release and hemolytic toxicity as well as increased therapeutic efficacy with reduced side effects of insulin. These systems were found to be suitable for sustained delivery of insulin by in vitro and blood glucose-level studies in albino rats, without producing any significant hematological disturbances.Conclusion:Thus, surface modification of PPI dendrimers with PEG molecules has been found to be a suitable approach to utilize it as a safe and effective nano-carrier for drug delivery.

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia resulting long-term secondary complication. Aldose reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme of the polyol pathway, plays a key role in the treatment of diabetic complications. Appropriately, inhibition of this enzyme is emerging as a major therapeutic strategy for the pathogenesis of secondary complication. In this study, we describe a series of 5 aryl benzylidene -thiazolidine, 4-dione derivatives, F3 synthesized as aldose reductase inhibitors. Besides inhibiting efficiently the target enzyme, F4 and F5 showed additional AR inhibitory as well as hypoglycaemic activity (146.15 and 175.20 mg/dl ) thus emerging as novel dual acting compounds. The bezylidene derivative F3, the most promising of the whole series, showed a well-balanced, consisting of ALR2 inhibitory efficacy (83.00% at 10µg/mL), similarly, F3 have lower blood glucose level in the range of 131.11 mg/dl at 15 mg/kg body weight. This compound show robust in vitro and in vivo efficacy, and could be considered as promising dual target antidiabetic drug candidates.
 Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia, Aldose reductase inhibitors