This paper presents an in-depth discussion of the development of electronic skin (e-skin) devices for transdermal drug delivery (TDD) for skin health management. E-skin devices, grounded in flexible conductive polymers, demonstrate immense potential as a versatile platform for TDD due to the adaptable properties factors. The integration of sensors and electronic components into e-skin devices seamlessly allows for real-time monitoring of skin health parameters, such as temperature, hydration, and pH levels. Additionally, e-skin devices can also realize the prospect of targeted and controlled drug delivery through the utilization of iontophoresis. This paper explores the current state-of-the-art in e-skin technology, emphasizing its applications in TDD and skin disease management. Furthermore, the paper outlines the prospective directions and prevailing challenges in this rapidly evolving domain.
With the progress of digital technology and innovative drug R&D, machine learning and data-driven algorithms have been increasingly used to support the core work of pharmaceutical areas such as new drug discovery, drug reuse and drug supervision, etc. A new concept of "Smart Pharmacology" has gradually grown into a system with rich connotations and comprehensive coverage, and the related applications and industrial chain have high prospects for development. The so-called "Smart Pharmacology" mainly uses big data, cloud computing, AI, IoT, 5G, Blockchain and other forefront digital technologies to provide whole-process, information-based, intelligence-driven solutions for various scenarios in the pharmacy sectors, including new drug development, drug molecular design, hospital drug management, clinical drug decision support, modernization of traditional medicine, pharmacy informatization, drug regulation and other broad areas, with a wide range covering drug discovery, production, supply, circulation, procurement, allocation and monitoring. In fact, the emergency of smart pharmacology provides a comprehensive and optimized path for modernizing the whole life cycle management of drugs and instills new vitality into the development of modern pharmacy.
Ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3), extracted from the root of Panax ginseng, is one of the most abundant ginsenosides. Rg3 exhibits anticancer activity in various cancer models in vitro and in vivo by modulating several signaling pathways, such as those of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, epidermal growth factor receptor, mitogen-activated protein kinases, p53, nuclear factor kappa-B, and reactive oxygen species. Besides, Rg3 can be used as adjunctive with conventional anticancer therapies, enhancing therapeutic effects and reversing drug resistance in cancer therapy. So, the purpose of this review is to provide a systematic summary and analysis the anticancer effects and the potential mechanisms of Rg3 extracted from ginseng.
A number of dengue viruses can seriously impact public health, and their spread has long been a concern. The development and administration of antiviral drugs have played a crucial role in combating viral infections in recent years. These drugs have shown that they can effectively inhibit viral replication and alleviate associated viral complications. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of current evidence on the effectiveness of administered antiviral drugs in controlling viral replication and treating viral problems. In the present study, the PyRx tool was used to docked proteins and ligands. In summary, the present study shows that rosmarinic acid has remarkable docking values against various dengue viral targets. Specifically, it shows a docking value of -8.0 for DENV1-E111, -8.1 for the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (NS5), -8.2 for the non-structural A chain protein 1 (NS1), and -8.6 for the RNA helicase. These results suggest that rosmarinic acid may have an antiviral effect against the virus's target proteins. Further research is needed to investigate the therapeutic effects of rosmarinic acid in fighting viral infections. In addition, many enzymatic activities of rosmarinic acid have been reported by the PASS (Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances) tool. The present investigation led to the definitive conclusion that rosmarinic acid possesses remarkable antiviral properties. The present study is promising for future applications, particularly in the search for a drug molecule that can effectively combat a variety of viral infections.
Metformin hydrochloride's fast onset of action is very desirable, making it a prime candidate for the preparation of orodispersible tablets in the present study. This medication is prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes, which does not respond to insulin. The tablets were made using direct compression and a mixture of the super disintegrants sodium starch glycolate (SSG) and croscarmellose sodium (CCS). Mannitol is a sugar-based excipient that serves as a binding agent, dissolves well in water, and provides a pleasant mouth feel. The blend's pre-compression results show that the medication excipients work well together and have desirable compression characteristics. Eight distinct formulations with varying amounts of SSG, CCS, and Mannitol were made. The properties of the tablets' drug release were measured, including their in vitro disintegration time, water absorption ratio, mechanical stability, wetting time, and so on. When using a greater concentration of SSG, CCS, and Mannitol, formulations F4 and F8 showed shorter in vitro disintegration times of 10.2 and 7.8 s, respectively, and formulation F8 showed 99.65% in vitro drug release at the end of 30 min. The orodispersible tablet performance can be enhanced through direct compression using the super disintegrants inclusion methodology.
Breast cancer remains a significant global health concern, necessitating the exploration of novel preventive and therapeutic strategies. Dietary interventions have gained substantial attention due to their potential to modulate cancer risk and progression. Millets, a group of small-seeded grasses, have emerged as promising candidates in this regard, owing to their rich nutritional composition and diverse bioactive compounds. Among these bioactive compounds, phytate antinutrients have garnered considerable interest for their potential health benefits. This review aims to unravel the intricacies of phytate antinutrients in millets and their therapeutic implications in breast cancer. Phytates are naturally occurring compounds present in various plant-based foods, including millets, and are known for their ability to chelate minerals and inhibit their bioavailability. However, recent research has shed light on the multifaceted properties of phytates, highlighting their potential as functional bioactive molecules. Phytates exhibit various anticancer properties, including “antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative effects”, which have been shown to inhibit the growth and progression of breast cancer cells. Additionally, phytates have been reported to modulate key signaling pathways involved in cancer development, such as PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and NF-κB, thereby exerting their anticancer effects. Moreover, phytates demonstrate the potential to enhance the efficacy of conventional breast cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, while mitigating their adverse effects. Furthermore, the bioavailability and metabolism of phytates are complex processes influenced by factors such as food processing, gut microbiota composition, and genetic variations. Understanding these intricacies is crucial for harnessing the full potential of phytates in breast cancer prevention and treatment. In conclusion, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the intricate roles of phytate antinutrients in millets and their therapeutic implications in breast cancer. The findings suggest that millets, as a rich source of phytates, could be incorporated into dietary strategies to reduce breast cancer risk and complement existing therapeutic approaches. However, further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms of action, optimal dosage, and potential synergistic effects with other bioactive compounds. The information that is given here is supported by accurate facts and arguments that have undergone rigorous scrutiny.
The use of in-silico research in drug development is growing. Aspects of drug discovery and development, such as virtual ligand screening and profiling, target and lead finding, and compound library creation, are simulated by computational approaches. Databases, pharmacophores, homology models, quantitative structure–activity connections, machine learning, data mining, network analysis tools, and computer-based data analysis tools are examples of in-silico techniques. These techniques are mostly applied in conjunction with the production of in vitro data to build models that facilitate the identification and refinement of new compounds by providing insight into their features related to absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
The newly identified COVID-19 variant, B.1.1.529, initially detected in South Africa, was officially designated as the “Omicron” variant by the World Health Organization on November 26, 2021. This variant has raised concerns globally. From January 17 to November 26, 2021, Public Health Ontario (PHO) Library Services conducted extensive searches of published literature and preprints using the MEDLINE database. A total of six articles and one ongoing clinical trial were identified. Data from 15 published and unpublished reports, including interim findings, were collected. The WHO, ICMR, daily updates web page, internet sources, news, and hospitalization or death data were analyzed to assess the risk associated with the Omicron variant compared to non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The data suggested a potential 50% increase in the risk of hospitalization or death among Omicron patients compared to previous variants. Considering the emergence of the Omicron variant, it is important to note that India has an advantage due to its extensive immunization program, which annually vaccinates approximately 2.7 crorenewborns. However, it is crucial to ensure that vaccines meet all validation requirements and regulatory frameworks before they are made available to the public.
Background: Huangqin-Jinyinhua couplet medicines (HQJYH) were often used to treat hand-foot and mouth disease (HFMD), although its mechanism remains unclear. This study investigated the active ingredients in HQJYH and their mechanism when treating HFMD by network pharmacology and molecular docking.
Methods: The TCMSP database obtained the principal active ingredients found in HQJYH. The GeneCards, CTD, PharmGkb and DisGeNet databases were used to obtain the main targets involved in HFMD, and the merged targets were obtained by R software and the Venn package. The DAVID database performed GO and KEGG enrichment analyses on the intersection targets. We also used Cytoscape software to construct an “HQJYH-Active Ingredients-Targets” network and used the STRING platform to conduct protein–protein interaction (PPI) analyses on the intersection targets. Molecular docking of core active ingredients-core targets interactions were modeled using AutoDock Vina software.
Results: 56 active ingredients were found in HQJYH, corresponding to 212 targets, 5323 HFMD targets, and 156 intersection targets. KEGG enrichment analysis found that genes were mainly enriched in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway and other pathways. Cytoscape showed that the core active ingredients were quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, wogonin, baicalein and acacetin. The PPI network showed that the core targets involved were TP53, CASP3, AKT1, IL6, MAPK14, EGFR, and HIF1A. The molecular docking results indicated key binding activity between Baicalein-AKT1, quercetin-AKT1, wogonin-AKT1, kaempferol-AKT and wogonin-MAPK14.
Conclusion: This study was based on network pharmacology and revealed the potential molecular mechanisms involved in treating HFMD by HQJYH.
This study focuses on the development of a liposomal preparation for the targeted delivery of Telmisartan in the context of breast cancer treatment. Telmisartan, a pharmaceutical agent with potential anticancer properties, has been encapsulated within liposomes, lipid-based vesicles known for their capacity to enhance drug delivery and improve therapeutic outcomes. The formulation and characterization of Telmisartan-loaded liposomes were conducted, evaluating factors such as size, shape, and drug release profiles. The findings demonstrate that the liposomal preparation effectively encapsulates Telmisartan, maintaining its pharmacological properties. The development of such liposomal formulations holds promise for advancing breast cancer therapies, offering the potential for enhanced treatment efficacy and reduced side effects. This research contributes to the ongoing efforts to explore innovative drug delivery strategies in the realm of breast cancer treatment. Breast cancer is a pervasive and challenging malignancy affecting women worldwide. In the quest for more effective and targeted treatment approaches, the development of liposomal preparations for delivering therapeutic agents to breast cancer cells has emerged as a promising avenue. Telmisartan, originally recognized for its antihypertensive properties, has been increasingly investigated for its potential anticancer effects. This study delves into the design and evaluation of a liposomal formulation for Telmisartan, aiming to enhance its therapeutic potential in breast cancer. The formulation process involved the encapsulation of Telmisartan within lipid-based liposomes, which are well-known for their ability to carry a variety of drugs, protect them from degradation, and enhance their selective delivery to tumor cells.
MAOs are flavoenzymes that aid in the oxidative deamination of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and epinephrine. MAO inhibitors are antidepressants that act by inhibiting neurotransmitter breakdown in the brain and controlling mood. MAO inhibitors with the chlorophenyl-chromone-carboxamide structure have been shown in investigations to be extremely effective. The current study employs in-silico screening, MD simulation, and drug kinetics evaluation, all of which are evaluated using different criteria. The study comprised 37 ligands, and three stood out as the best, with greater binding scores above the threshold value. Docking analysis found that compound 34 had the highest docking score in the series (-13.60 kcal/mol) and interacted with the important amino acids TYR 435, CYS 397, CYS 172, PHE 343, TYR 398, and LYS 296 required for MAO inhibitory activity. The ADMET study revealed that the compounds had drug-like properties. The results of this study could be used to develop chromone drugs that target the MAO inhibitor. The top three ligands with the highest force and work were then simulated using molecular dynamics. The protein-ligand complexes had steady trajectories throughout the 100 ns simulation, according to the data. Furthermore, the drug likeliness predicted by ADMET analysis findings indicated that the top three lead compounds had strong inhibitory efficiency, superior pharmacokinetics, and were non-toxic under physiological settings. As a result, these compounds have the potential to be exploited as possible treatment medications for PD.
This study assessed Lavandula stoechas flower extract's impact on Isoprenaline-induced myocardial necrosis in rats. Five groups of five rats each were used. Group I received 1 ml/kg normal saline orally for 13 days, Group II received 10 ml/kg normal saline orally, Group III received 200 mg/kg Lavandula stoechas extract orally, Group IV received 400 mg/kg Lavandula stoechas extract orally, and Group V received 10 mg/kg Metoprolol orally. On days 14 and 15, Group I received 0.5 ml/kg subcutaneous normal saline, and Groups II to V received 85 mg/kg Isoprenaline subcutaneously. On day 16, rats were weighed, and cardiac blood samples were collected. Serum was analyzed for total protein, triglycerides, and cardiac enzymes (cardiac injury markers). Rats were sacrificed, and heart tissues were histologically examined.
Results showed significant serum marker enzyme reductions (p < 0.01) in Lavandula stoechas-treated rats. Total protein and triglyceride levels (p < 0.01) decreased, and heart weight-to-body weight ratio (p < 0.05) decreased in Lavandula stoechas-treated rats. Histopathology confirmed the extract's protective effect.
In conclusion, Lavandula stoechas flower extract offers protection against Isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction in rats.
Ficus benghalensis is the ingredient of a variety of Ayurvedic herbal formulations for the management of blood-related illnesses. In the current study, the new-fangled stem ethanol extract fractions in chloroform and methanol (CFFB & MFFB) were assessed for antiplatelet, thrombolytic and toxicity studies, as well as for phytoconstituent identification GC/MS was performed. The dried powdered stem bud was extracted with 80% ethanol and successively fractionated by chloroform and methanol (CFFB & MFFB). The anti-platelet, anti-thrombotic, and thrombolytic, activity of CFFB & MFFB were tested in ex vivo mode and toxicity of methanol fraction (MFFB) was tested in in vivo. The chief feasible marker components for antiplatelet activity recognized by GC-MS in the MFFB are Diethyl phthalate, (E)-4-(3-Hydroxyprop-1-en-1-yl)-2-methoxyphenol, 7,9-Di-tert-butyl-1-oxaspiro (4,5) deca-6,9-diene-2,8-dione and trans-Sinapyl alcohol might act as irreversible cyclooxygenase inhibitors like Aspirin. In the study, at 50 μg/mL, the antiplatelet activity of CFFB, MFFB, and aspirin was 50.41, 82.19, and 86.34%, and a substantial adjournment in clot development was observed whereas CFFB at different dosages did not exhibit significant outcome on the adjournment of clot formation, antiplatelet, and antioxidant activity. The toxicity examination of MFFB did not confirm any substantial signs of toxicity and mortality up to 1.5 g/kg, b.w and non-toxic up to 1.0 g/kg, b.w which is capable of the comportment of atherothrombotic ailments. The MFFB exhibited anti-platelet, anti-thrombotic, thrombolytic, and anti-oxidant activity, and capacity to prevent cardiovascular disorders without causing toxicity.
The significant gap between animal experimentation and clinical trials has resulted in immense expenses in time and money in drug development. The popularity of researches on alternative models to animal experimentation has grown, with the development of artificial organs at its forefront. Three state-of-the-art technologies used to simulate organs are organ-on-a-chip, organoid, and 3D bioprinting. Organ-on-a-chip technology utilizes flexible fluidic manipulation and accurate recreation of the cell microenvironment. Organoid technology allows for the development of personalized mini-organs and the testing of drugs on different human species. 3D bioprinting technology is capable of creating artificial organs with intricate 3D structures. All these technologies play a significant role in developing drugs in highly efficient mode.
This research investigates the potential of bioactive compounds derived from cyanobacteria as inhibitors of alpha-amylase and beta-glucosidase enzymes, which are involved in starch digestion and glucose release. The study reveals strong molecular interactions between these compounds and the enzyme active sites through docking analysis. Notably, compounds such as Abietic, Anilide, Nostocarboline, Noscomin, Tanikolide, Tubercidin, Cryptophycin, and Cyanobacteria exhibit the lowest binding energies when interacting with alpha-amylase. Among them, Noscomin demonstrates the lowest docking score and binding energy against alpha-amylase, outperforming the reference compound metformin. Similarly, these compounds also display low binding energies when interacting with beta-glucosidase. The bioactive compounds from cyanobacteria show significant potential as inhibitors of alpha-amylase and beta-glucosidase, suggesting their efficacy in managing diabetes by slowing down starch digestion and controlling glucose release. Their superior binding affinities and lower binding energies, particularly Noscomin, indicate their potential in regulating blood sugar levels by interacting effectively with these enzymes. Thus, these compounds hold promise as valuable leads for developing alpha-amylase and beta-glucosidase inhibitors, contributing to the management of diabetes. Further research is required to understand the underlying mechanisms of action and assess the bioavailability, toxicity, and pharmacological potential of these cyanobacterial compounds. This investigation provides valuable insights into the potential of cyanobacterial bioactive compounds as effective candidates for the development of novel therapeutics targeting alpha-amylase and beta-glucosidase enzymes in diabetes management.