Current Bioactive Compounds - Current Issue

Acridine derivatives represent a promising class of compounds in anticancer drug development, owing to their versatile mechanisms of action and synthetic flexibility. These compounds can intercalate between DNA base pairs, disrupting vital cellular processes such as DNA replication and transcription, which underscores their potential as potent anticancer agents. This intercalation not only inhibits tumor growth but also enhances cancer cell sensitivity to other therapeutic interventions, improving overall treatment efficacy. The synthesis of acridine derivatives involves several named reactions and synthetic schemes, such as the Ullmann, Bernthsen, and Friedlander syntheses. These methods allow for the production of derivatives with specific substitution patterns and biological activities, enabling researchers to optimize pharmacological properties like bioavailability and target specificity. Recent research has produced acridine derivatives with enhanced cytotoxicity and improved selectivity against various cancer types. Notable examples include spiro compounds and 3,9-disubstituted acridines, which have shown potent antitumor activities in preclinical studies, paving the way for further development and clinical evaluation. Acridine derivatives hold significant promise in the fight against cancer, offering novel avenues for therapeutic innovation and advancement in oncology. Interdisciplinary efforts integrating synthetic chemistry, pharmacology, and molecular biology will be essential to fully harness their therapeutic potential and address the complex challenges of cancer treatment.

A complicated neural developmental condition, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is marked by difficulties with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviours. There is increasing interest in complementary and alternative medicines, including medicinal plants, to treat the symptoms of ASD as incidence rates rise globally. This thorough analysis looks at the available data supporting a range of plant-based ASD control strategies. We assess important therapeutic herbs, including Curcuma longa (turmeric), Bacopa monnieri, Ginkgo biloba, Cannabis sativa, and Camellia sinensis (green tea), and talk about their bioactive components, possible modes of action, and clinical results. Several plants have neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant qualities that may work against the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of ASD. The body of data is still small, even if certain clinical studies yield encouraging results, especially in the areas of behaviour modification and symptom treatment. The diverse character of ASD, small sample sizes, and methodological problems are study challenges. We also talk about the restrictions and security issues surrounding herbal remedies. Potential directions for phytopharmaceutical design for ASD in the future, such as combination therapy, enhanced delivery strategies, and the requirement for more extensive, carefully planned clinical studies. The potential of medicinal plants in treating ASD is highlighted in this review, but it also emphasizes the urgent need for further thorough study to confirm their efficacy and safety.

Epilepsy, a prevalent neurological disorder, affects approximately 1% of the Indian population, presenting a significant challenge in clinical management. Noninvasive treatment options are actively being explored, with nose-to-brain drug delivery emerging as a promising approach for effective epilepsy control. This comprehensive review delves into the potential of intranasal nanotherapy, focusing on its applicability in managing epilepsy. A key component of this review is an in-depth analysis of sodium valproate (SVS), a widely prescribed antiepileptic drug known for its effectiveness in treating epilepsy as well as various mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder and migraine. The review examines the chemical structure, pharmacological properties, and diverse therapeutic uses of SVS, highlighting its role as a GABA amplifier. Special attention is given to emerging nanoparticle-based intranasal formulations, which show promise for enhanced brain delivery and improved therapeutic outcomes in epilepsy treatment. Furthermore, it discusses the associated compounds in SVS and their potential impact on its pharmacological profile, including possible side effects, drug interactions, and adverse effects. The importance of precise dosing and rigorous medical monitoring is emphasized to minimize risks. Detailed analyses of the anatomy of the nasal cavity, drug deposition mechanisms, and mucociliary clearance are carried out to illustrate the challenges in optimizing drug delivery via this route. The unique pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic features of divalproex sodium, a formulation of valproic acid, are explored, with insights into its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) characteristics. The review also highlights its broad-spectrum antiepileptic effects and regulation of the GABAergic system, offering a comprehensive understanding of its therapeutic efficacy. The findings underscore the potential of intranasal nanotherapies as an innovative and effective strategy for epilepsy management.