Current Indian Science - Current Issue

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug used to treat herpes simplex keratitis, herpes simplex blepharitis, herpes simplex labialis, and other viral diseases. In the current work, the medication acyclovir, which is classified as BCS class III, was effectively incorporated using the solvent evaporation approach into polycaprolactone mucoadhesive microspheres. Additionally, polycaprolactone was used for the formulation of mucoadhesive microspheres for acyclovir.

Polycaprolactone microspheres loaded with acyclovir were prepared by the w/o/w double emulsion solvent evaporation technique. Drug encapsulation in microspheres was verified using DSC and FTIR analyses. In vitro release studies showed that acyclovir was released continuously and in a sustained manner for up to 24 hours. The resulting microspheres had a consistent shape and were nearly spherical.

All of the microsphere formulations’ release patterns fit the Higuchi model, which indicates that the drug is released from granular and homogeneous matrix systems. After 30 days, it was observed that the microsphere formulations were fairly stable at 4 ± 2°C and 25 ± 2°C/60 ± 5% RH.

This work effectively illustrates the capability of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-based mucoadhesive microspheres for the prolonged release of acyclovir. The microspheres demonstrated excellent mucoadhesive properties, favorable particle size distribution, and good drug entrapment efficiency when prepared using a double emulsion solvent evaporation process. In contrast to the rapid release profile of conventionally sold tablets, the optimized formulation (F3) produced extended drug release over a 24-hour period, which is a considerable improvement.

The drug release kinetics followed the Higuchi model, and a diffusion-erosion-based release pattern was confirmed by Korsmeyer-Peppas analysis, showing a non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. Overall, this formulation approach could provide a useful foundation for enhancing the functionality of other drugs with similar biopharmaceutical limitations.

Conventional seed treatments often depend on synthetic fungicides and insecticides to control seed-borne pathogens during storage and germination. However, the high cost and environmental concerns associated with synthetic pesticides highlight the need for eco-friendly alternatives. This study investigates the potential of banana leaf ash (BLA) as a natural seed treatment.

Maize seeds were treated with different doses of BLA (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 40 g/kg seed). Treated seeds were evaluated for their ability to control seed-borne diseases and enhance germination parameters. Key measurements included germination rate, shoot and root length and seedling dry weight.

ANOVA and DMRT analysis (p ≤ 0.05) revealed that major fungi (Aspergillus niger, Fusarium verticilloides, Rhizopus spp.) and minor fungi (Aspergillus flavus, Curvularia spp.) were effectively controlled by BLA. Disease incidence dropped from approximately 90% in untreated seeds to 20% with 5 g/kg BLA and 3% with 20 g/kg BLA. Germination and growth improved significantly. Root length and dry weight increased 2-3× while shoot length and dry weight rose 1.2-1.4× compared to the control.

BLA effectively reduced disease incidence and promoted germination at moderate doses. Its alkaline nature likely contributes to antifungal effects. However, excessive application caused phytotoxicity, reducing growth.

At optimal doses, BLA offers a sustainable, low-cost alternative for disease control and seedling growth promotion. Higher doses may hinder development, requiring careful application rate selection.

The development of multi-drug-resistant microbial strains requires the need to develop new antimicrobial drugs. Green chemistry methods provide environmentally sustainable strategies to develop pharmacologically active compounds. To synthesize a series of novel ethyl 7-phenyl-5-propyl-4,7-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-6-carboxylate derivatives and evaluate their antibacterial and antifungal properties.

The one pot, solvent-free process was used for the preparation of 4a-j from the reaction of benzaldehyde derivatives (1a–j), ethyl 3-oxohexanoate (2), and 1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-amine (3) at 140 °C for 20-25 minutes. The products were characterized by melting point, TLC and spectral data. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were assessed using standard biological screening methods.

The solvent-free conditions afforded good purity, efficient products. Compounds 4g, 4d, and 4f showed good antibacterial activity against Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. Compounds 4g, 4c showed good antifungal activity against Candida albicans.

The solvent free synthesis brought forth triazolopyrimidine derivatives efficiently. Spectra validated their structure. Antimicrobial screening brought forth that hydroxyl- (4g) and halogen-substituted derivatives (4d, 4f) possessed better antibacterial activities, while derivatives 4g and 4c were more antifungal. These observations depict that proper substitutions on aromatic rings bring forth consequences on bioactivities, thus, optimizing structural features on this system will open new ways.

The developed eco-friendly synthetic method provides viable route for synthesising novel triazolopyrimidine derivatives with significant antimicrobial potential, highlighting its promise for future drug development.

Lozenges, also known as troches or pastilles, are flavoured medicated dosage forms that dissolve slowly in the mouth, delivering active ingredients locally to the oropharyngeal region or systemically via buccal absorption. First introduced in the early 20th century, they remain widely used due to their palatability and ease of use, especially for patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules. Commonly used to treat sore throats, coughs, and oral infections, lozenges are typically prepared through moulding or compression techniques. The present study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of herbal hard lozenges containing Vasaka for the treatment of sore throat.

The direct heat method was employed to prepare lozenges having Vasaka as the key ingredient. The lozenges were further characterized by various evaluation parameters such as organoleptic properties, friability, hardness, weight variation, drug release, moisture content, and mouth-dissolving time.

The dissolution test revealed that in-vitro drug release was 93.8% approximately in 30 minutes. After stability studies, the lozenges displayed no significant variations when evaluated for friability, weight variation, or thickness for a 6-month period. The moisture content of lozenges was found to be 0.98%, but the formulation was slightly sticky at room temperature, maybe because of the thermal sensitivity of some ingredients.

The Vasaka Lozenges meant for treating sore throats were prepared successfully and passed all the test parameters.

The Vasaka lozenges can be effectively used for the management of sore throat, as exhibited by the findings. The hard candy lozenges can be an effective dosage form for improving the stability and bioavailability of Vasaka.

Scalp seborrheic dermatitis is a persistent scalp condition frequently linked to an overabundance of Malassezia yeast and is characterised by excessive oil production, dandruff, and irritation. Antifungal and anti-inflammatory drugs used in conventional therapies might cause dryness and irritation if synthetic formulations are used for extended periods.

This study aimed to formulate and evaluate an emulsion-based herbal-synthetic hybrid shampoo for scalp seborrheic dermatitis. This shampoo combines the therapeutic benefits of herbal extracts with synthetic surfactants to effectively control seborrhoeic dermatitis.

Different herbal extracts and synthetic APIs were incorporated into the herbal–synthetic hybrid shampoo, along with surfactants, co-surfactants, and other shampoo additives. Firstly, an emulsion was prepared using oil and aqueous phase ingredients, followed by shampoo preparation using additive ingredients.

The designed shampoo had good physicochemical properties, including a thick, opaque viscosity, a potent essential oil scent, and an orange hue. As the pH (6-7) was within the range suitable for the scalp, there was less chance of discomfort. Its moderate foaming ability (4.4 cm foam height), decent cleaning action, and 21.4% washability ensured that excess oil and dandruff scales were effectively removed, leaving no residue behind. The solid content (23.57%) indicated that the active components were present in sufficient amounts for stability and effectiveness.

The herbal-synthetic hybrid shampoo exhibited favourable physicochemical properties, effective cleansing, and scalp-friendly qualities, which could make it beneficial for scalp health and treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis. However, further in vivo examination remains necessary.

The hybrid shampoo may prove to be a secure and efficient substitute for traditional antifungal therapies. More research is advised to increase its therapeutic value, including clinical assessments and improvements in formulation properties.

The accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and persistent hyperglycemia play a crucial role in the development of diabetic nephropathy. Fenugreek seed extract (FSE), known for its high flavonoid content, has the potential to mitigate oxidative stress in cells and tissues. This study aimed to evaluate whether FSE could prevent kidney damage in diabetic rats by reducing AGE formation in the renal glomerulus.

The phytochemical constituents of fenugreek seed extract were analyzed, and its antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH assay. A total of 36 albino Wistar rats were used to assess diabetic nephropathy. Normal and diabetic rats were administered FSE orally at low (100 mg/kg), medium (200 mg/kg), and high doses (400 mg/kg) for eight weeks. Renal function markers, adiponectin levels, pro-inflammatory markers, oxidative stress markers, and blood glucose levels were measured.

FSE treatment significantly reduced STZ-induced increases in urine output, urinary albumin excretion, and the albumin-to-creatinine ratio. It also alleviated renal damage caused by STZ. Rats treated with FSE exhibited lower levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in kidney tissue compared to untreated diabetic rats. Notably, serum MDA levels were significantly decreased in the FSE-treated group. Additionally, serum and renal antioxidant capacity were significantly higher in FSE-treated rats than in untreated diabetic rats.

FSE treatment effectively mitigated STZ-induced renal dysfunction, oxidative stress, and biochemical alterations, as evidenced by improved renal markers, reduced oxidative damage, and enhanced antioxidant capacity. These findings suggest FSE's potential protective role against diabetic nephropathy.

This study has demonstrated, for the first time, that FSE at 200 mg/kg not only ameliorated diabetic nephropathy by enhancing renal antioxidant defenses and reducing inflammation, but also exhibited potential as a novel phytotherapeutic intervention. These findings contribute new evidence supporting the role of plant-based antioxidants in diabetic kidney disease management and highlight FSE as a promising candidate for future clinical investigations.

Presently, 13% of the global adult population is living with obesity, which is characterized by excessive body fat accumulation. This metabolic disorder is often associated with chronic illnesses such as type II diabetes, hypertension, certain cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and psychosocial issues, and is often accompanied by Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) dysfunction. While the impact of exercise on obesity is well studied, the specific effects of submaximal exercise on cardiovascular functions in young obese adults, particularly in the Indian context, remain unclear. This retrospective study aims to assess the influence of ANS on cardiovascular responses to submaximal exercise among young obese students and to compare these effects with those in underweight and non-obese peers.

Sixty undergraduate students of either sex from Brainware University were classified into non-obese, obese, and underweight groups. Participants performed a treadmill run, and Pulse Rate (PR) and Blood Pressure (BP) were recorded before and after exercise.

No significant differences were observed in resting PR and BP between non-obese and obese groups, irrespective of sex, except when compared to the underweight group. Post-exercise, PR and Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) recovered completely within five minutes in non-obese and underweight individuals, but not in the obese group.

Although obesity is linked to cardiovascular dysfunction, conflicting evidence exists regarding resting Heart Rate (HR) in obesity. This study did not find any significant difference in resting HR between obese and non-obese individuals; however, underweight participants showed significantly higher HR in comparison to normal. It was also found that obese individuals exhibited higher resting MAP with presentation of delayed post-exercise recovery, suggesting ANS dysfunction among those obese students.

Impaired post-exercise recovery of PR and BP in obese students indicates underlying ANS abnormalities in this group.

Physalis angulata Linn. contains chemical components, such as flavonoids, phenolics, and alkaloids, that can neutralize free radicals. This study aims to assess the antioxidant activity of the roots, stems, leaves, and fruits of Physalis angulata Linn. using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC, and BCB (β-Carotene Bleaching) methods.

Roots, stems, leaves, and fruits of Physalis angulata Linn. were extracted using 70% ethanol as a solvent and then extracted by sonication. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power), CUPRAC (Cupric Ion Reducing Antioxidant Capacity), and BCB (β-Carotene Bleaching).

Antioxidant activity assays of Physalis angulata Linn. using various methods showed that the highest antioxidant activity was found in the following parts in the respective order: fruit at 25.09 ppm (BCB method); leaves at 165.45 ppm (ABTS), leaves at 158.80 ppm (DPPH), 45513.04 μM/g (FRAP), and 30567.90 μM/g (CUPRAC); roots at 615.65 ppm (ABTS), 14039.13 μM/g (FRAP), and 11234.56 μM/g (CUPRAC); stems at 730.47 ppm (ABTS), 95.32 ppm (BCB), 2278.26 μM/g (FRAP), and 10817.90 μM/g (CUPRAC).

The antioxidant test using the thin-layer chromatography method was indicated by the white plate changing to a purple background. Samples containing antioxidants were indicated by the presence of yellow on the TLC plate. The fruit of Physalis angulata Linn. exhibited higher antioxidant activity with a value of 25.09 ppm, indicating very strong antioxidant intensity. This was supported by the presence of flavonoid content in the fruits of Physalis angulata Linn.

The fruit of Physalis angulata Linn. exhibits higher antioxidant activity with a value of 25.09 ppm, indicating very strong antioxidant intensity using the β-Carotene Bleaching method.

The therapeutic properties of goat milk in alleviating various human diseases have prompted research to harness its potential applications in cancer prevention and treatment.

The cancer preventive effects of lyophilized goat milk were studied using human epidermoid carcinoma cells (A431) by examining several key parameters. The anti-proliferative effect of goat milk was assessed through MTT assay, while cell migration was evaluated using an in vitro scratch assay. Additionally, flow cytometry was employed to determine the number of cells in different phases of the cell cycle. Furthermore, goat milk’s free-radical scavenging activity (DPPH, ABTS, ferrous-ion chelating) was determined along with its GC-MS analysis for the identification of compounds with anti-oxidative and anticancer properties.

The study found that goat milk exhibits a dose-dependent toxicity towards A431 cells and significantly hinders the migration of cancer cells, accompanying a prominent G1/S phase cell cycle arrest. Complementing these findings, remarkable free-radical scavenging activities and the presence of significant anti-oxidative and chemopreventive chemical compounds were also detected, highlighting the mechanism behind the observed chemopreventive effects by goat milk.

The outcomes indicate that goat milk's excellent anti-oxidant qualities are the primary explanation for its notable chemo-preventive effectiveness, suggesting the possible utilization of goat milk as a functional food to provide supportive therapy in the management of skin cancer, particularly in contexts where conventional treatments may have limitations or result in adverse effects.