Life Sciences
Intellectual Property Rights Effects on India's Pharmaceutical Industry
The Indian pharmaceutical industry took full advantage of the “process patent regime”. It aggressively pursued the expansion of its market share by offering the most reasonably priced generic versions of pharmaceuticals to emerging and developing nations. The Indian government remained neutral over the implementation of the TRIPS agreement until 2005. Indian pharmaceutical patent law is distinct from legislation in other nations in several ways some of which are among the most critical intellectual property issues in the nation. Over the past thirty years the lack of product patent protection has been a significant setback for the Indian pharmaceutical business. “Molecules” that were patented and protected internationally but which India failed to protect. The Act's ambiguity makes it common for opponents of pharmaceutical patents to file unreasonable serial pre-grant oppositions. In addition the number of pre-grant opposition filings is surging exponentially. The potential for revocation oppositions before and after the grant and counterclaims in cases of infringement are just a few of the challenges that may arise during the process of a patent. The TRIPS Agreement compliance of the Indian patent system will be guaranteed by the Patents (Amendment) Rules 2005 and the Patents (Amendment) Ordinance 2004. Nonetheless another notable accomplishment of the Ordinance and the Rules is the progressive change of the Indian patent prosecution system. In keeping with its international obligations the Indian government is working to create a patent system that encourages technical development. Additionally India is working to alleviate concerns about the inadequate enforcement of its current intellectual property rules.
Evaluation of Pharmacognostical and Anti-Ulcer Potential of Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) Willd Seed in Aspirin-Induced Ulcer Rats
Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) Willd. commonly known as Kalijiri has been used for the treatment of different ailments including stomach aches skin diseases asthma and cough and is popular as a powerful anthelmintic agent.
This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacognostical physicochemical and phytochemical parameters along with the in-vivo antiulcer activity of the seeds of Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) Willd.
The pharmacognostical evaluation included macroscopic and microscopic characterization of the seed and powder of Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) Willd. Physicochemical parameters such as moisture content ash values and extractive values were evaluated and fluorescence analysis was carried out. Phytochemical screening including total flavonoid content (TFC) and total phenolic content (TPC) was conducted along with antioxidant analysis. The anti-ulcer activity of ethanolic extract of V. anthelmintica seeds was also evaluated using an aspirin-induced ulcer model by employing multiple biochemical and histopathological assessment parameters.
The morphological characteristics of V. anthelmintica seeds demonstrated that the seed was 0.8-1 cm in length and 0.1-0 in width with a bitter taste whereas microscopical findings revealed the presence of pericarp endosperm sclerenchymatous zone parenchymatous zone bundles of sclereids seed coat and prismatic crystals. Moisture content and ash values including total ash acid-insoluble ash and water-soluble ash were approximately 10.05% 8.50% 2.06% and 4.35% respectively. Extractive values of different solvents (petroleum ether chloroform benzene ethanol and water) were approximately 16.00% 15.80% 2.00% 7.05% and 1.06% respectively. Moreover fluorescence analysis revealed a characteristic brown colour. Preliminary phytochemical analysis showed the presence of phenolic carbohydrates proteins flavonoids saponins diterpenes steroids and amino acids. The TFC and TPC revealed that the ethanolic extract contained more phenolic content whereas the aqueous extract contained more flavonoids. The ethanolic extract exhibited 90% DPPH radical scavenging activity at a concentration of 100 µg/mL while the aqueous extract showed 85.71% activity at the same concentration. In comparison ascorbic acid demonstrated 94.32% scavenging activity at 40 µg/mL. The ethanolic extract of V. anthelmintica seeds at doses 200 and 400mg/kg showed a significant decrease in the ulcer index values gastric volume and total acidity levels whereas an increase was observed in the SOD and GSH levels. The extract demonstrated a moderate effect on the levels of Hb and total protein when compared with the disease control group. The histopathological findings revealed the antiulcer potential of ethanolic extract of V. anthelmintica seeds at both doses.
This study confirmed the identity quality and bioactive content of V. anthelmintica seeds highlighting strong antioxidant and significant antiulcer activity of the ethanolic extract. The results support traditional use and suggest potential for developing patented herbal formulations encouraging further research on its therapeutic applications.
This research plays a crucial role in raising awareness about the gastroprotective potential of V. anthelmintica. It encourages researchers to explore and further investigate its gastroprotective properties across varying doses and alternative screening models other than those used in this study.
Unveiling the Modern Therapeutic Properties and Folk Medicinal Riches of Rubia cordifolia
Rubia cordifolia (Manjishtha) a perennial herb of the Rubiaceae family has been valued in traditional medicine for its diverse pharmacological properties. Predominantly cultivated in hilly regions its roots have been historically used for their red pigment and therapeutic applications in Ayurveda. R. cordifolia has been traditionally employed for skin diseases menstrual disorders snake bites herpes eye diseases haemorrhoids and fractures. Modern research highlights its potent antioxidant antimicrobial and hepatoprotective properties with evidence supporting its role in managing acne inflammation cancer diabetes Alzheimer’s disease and infectious diseases. Furthermore its integration into various Ayurvedic formulations emphasizes its clinical significance. A comprehensive literature review highlights its bioactive compounds and their therapeutic relevance in modern medicine. The review aims to provide a comprehensive knowledge of the pharmacological impacts the active components and the medicinal applications of R. cordifolia. It uncovers new bioactive compounds mechanisms of action or novel formulations patent protection becomes essential.
Current Status of Microalgae-based Food Products: Future Trends of Functional Ingredients
The use of microalgae in food and beverages is becoming increasingly popular as a viable way to develop products with enhanced nutritional profiles offering positive health effects. In parallel the plant-based food market is expanding due to the growing vegan vegetarian and flexitarian populations prompting manufacturers to create innovative foods and techniques such as the addition of microalgae to products. These functional and/or nutraceutical foods present an attractive option for consumers seeking plant-based alternatives. Although some challenges remain this is a growing market. Furthermore biotechnological processes are being utilized to optimize the production of microalgae with even more robust nutritional characteristics thereby increasing their added value. This review was based on a structured literature search across major databases applying predefined keywords and selection criteria to identify recent advances regulatory aspects and biotechnological developments in the field. These innovations hold significant potential to meet the rising demand for bioactive products and to propel a new era in the commercialization of microalgae-based products a segment still underexplored in the current market. Additionally progress in this sector depends on the development and protection of biotechnological innovations through patents ensuring greater security and competitiveness in the industry.
In vivo Anticancer Efficacy of Cinnamomum tamala Leaf Extract in Ehrlich’s Carcinoma-Bearing BALB/c Mice
The plant Cinnamomum tamala (Buch.-Ham.) T. Nees & C.H. Ebern. (Family: Lauraceae) is commonly known as ‘tejpaat’ in India has leaves and bark reported to possess anticancer immunomodulatory antidiabetic and diuretic activities. The objective of the present study was to explore the antitumor potential of the chloroform extract of Cinnamomum tamala leaves (CTCE) in BALB/c mice against Ehrlich’s Carcinoma (EC).
Based on preliminary in-vitro cytotoxicity studies CTCE was selected for an in-vivo antitumor study. Anticancer activity of CTCE was evaluated in BALB/c mice against EC at the doses of 50 100 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight. CTCE was administered for 15 consecutive days after induction of the tumor. After 24 hours from the last administered dose and 18 hours of fasting half of the mice were sacrificed while the other half was kept alive to evaluate any potential for increasing the lifespan. The antitumor effect of CTCE was assessed by evaluating tumor volume hematological parameters and the life span of the EC-bearing host.
CTCE showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in tumor volume and increased the lifespan of EC tumor-bearing mice in a dose-dependent manner compared with the untreated group. The hematological profile including RBC count hemoglobin WBC count and DLC was also improved upon treatment.
C. tamala chloroform extract (CTCE) showed significant anticancer potential by reducing cell viability inhibiting tumor growth and prolonging survival without toxicity suggesting it as a promising source of bioactive compounds for anticancer drug development.
The results suggest that CTCE exhibits dose-dependent anticancer activity in comparison with EC control mice and demonstrates significant effects relative to doxorubicin. Its antitumor activity may be attributed to the presence of active constituents within the extract. This investigation also highlights recent advancements in intellectual property rights and patent strategies related to plant-derived anticancer agents.
Integrating Biosensors in Phytochemical Research: Challenges and Breakthroughs
Biosensors are devices that generate signals by interaction of biological elements and analytes mainly based on their concentration. These are especially composed of enzymes or antibodies. They are associated with a physio-chemical transducer. Their rapid simple and real-time detection is of great importance in chemistry analysis and drug discovery and development. Phytoconstituents are biologically active compounds mainly synthesized by plants to support their growth and defend against various stresses. Medicinal plants and their products have a vast history of use in traditional medicine but they are not reliable due to their narrow range and adverse and toxic effects. Moreover they have vast therapeutic effects on humans from antibiotics to anti-neoplastic agents. Hence there is a need for an efficient method to detect and measure these phytoconstituents and biosensors seem to be the solution. This article provides an overview of various biosensors that can be utilized to identify widely used phytoconstituents also known as secondary metabolites such as alkaloids tannins flavonoids terpenoids cardiac glycosides and phenolic compounds. The article discusses different types of biosensors including impedimetric immunosensors Riboswitch-based biosensors DNA biosensors electrochemical biosensors and others. Furthermore the potential for patentable innovations in biosensor technologies targeting phytoconstituent detection is also highlighted emphasizing their growing relevance in both scientific research and commercial applications.
Recent Patents of Stent Grafts for Intravascular Aortic Repair
Endovascular aortic repair involves the placement of stents through minimally invasive methods to seal rupture sites near the aortic inflow tract thereby preventing blood entry into the false lumen and promoting thrombosis which reduces the risk of aortic rupture. Endovascular stents typically consist of a metal framework and a flexible membrane graft designed to reopen obstructed aortic segments and maintain blood flow through the true lumen. Consequently stents are widely used to treat aortic expansion diseases and aortic occlusive stenosis. However traditional stents have limitations in terms of adaptability to complex anatomical structures long-term durability biomechanical stability and reliance on radial support force for fixation lacking active fixation mechanisms. These shortcomings remain the primary causes of postoperative complications significantly impacting the quality of life for patients with aortic dissection.
Integrating patent and academic literature the research status of the endovascular stent was discussed in depth and the main factors for the optimal design of the stent (geometry pattern configuration additional fixtures and optimization methods) were analyzed and summarized according to the complications targeted by the repair device.
The composition structure working principle and development status of the stent grafts under review are elaborated in detail. Stent grafts attempt to alleviate postoperative complications through three approaches: enhancing the flexibility of the stent framework improving the fit between the vessel wall and the stent and reducing vascular injury. Blood flow guiding channels are established to alleviate the obstruction of branch blood flow. Additional self-anchoring devices are added to adapt to the dynamic remodeling of blood vessels.
The effects of various factors including geometric parameters structural design and parameter optimization techniques on the optimization of stent primary mechanical performance are discussed. The current research status of functional improvement methods for stents is also summarized.
Refining the quantitative relationship between stent structural parameters and mechanical performance as well as exploring the balance criteria between flexibility and radial support force represent promising directions for future development. These objectives necessitate further in-depth analysis and research.
Cognition, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease: A Review
As the global population ages the health of older adults has become a growing concern. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common ailment affecting older adults but the diagnosis and treatment of AD are difficult given our insufficient understanding of the disease. This review article and patents aim to provide reliable information for patients and their families by presenting a detailed overview of the pathogenic factors diagnostic methods and clinical manifestation of AD as well as advances in drug and physical therapies. The information presented here should help provide a more comprehensive understanding of AD for patients and their families and encourage family- or self-screening based on clinical manifestations thus improving early AD detection. In addition the current treatment methods for AD are summarized. Although a gold-standard treatment for AD is yet to be developed controlled-release therapies and medications that slow disease progression or improve cognitive function are available. The appropriate treatment method depends on the patient’s diagnosis and the local medical level and the effectiveness of the treatments may vary. Therefore improving our understanding of AD and cognition-related symptoms in the public is necessary to improve early AD diagnoses. This review provides information that will facilitate self-screening for AD based on clinical manifestations which can improve the early clinical diagnosis rate.
Assessment of Blockchain Technology in the Improvement of Supply Chain Management in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Blockchain technology has drawn a lot of interest in the healthcare industry in recent years. Efficient data management is crucial for pharmacies. Blockchain technology is a novel technology that has the potential to make many pharmaceutical processes safer and more transparent. In 2013 the US Congress created the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) to prevent the distribution of stolen contaminated or counterfeit drugs. Blockchain technology serves as an answer to this problem as it enables the tracking and tracing the product from manufacturer to patient through an electronic immutable digitized tracking record of all steps from inventory to consumer in the drug supply chain. To ensure the safety of a peer-to-peer network of transactions blockchain technology employs cryptographic methods to create a distributed ledger that is not centralized. Incorporating it into a product ensures its safety and marketability. Blockchain technology offers solutions to enhance the validity reliability and efficiency of medication manufacturing by facilitating easy compliance with legislation. Additionally it offers an opportunity to address a major problem: the proliferation of counterfeit drugs that enter the system and ultimately reach consumers. The pharmaceutical industry's deficient supply chain management results in counterfeit and fake drug entering the supply chain and negatively affecting patients’ health leading to serious complications or even death. Supply chain management may benefit from blockchain technology's transparency and immutability at every step of the process which increases confidence security traceability and transparency. Blockchain technology designed to manage electronic data holds promise for enhancing clarity. Every user of a computer network has access to the same immutable record of transactions known as a blockchain. Patent innovations have significant implications for pharmaceutical patent protection supply chain transparency and counterfeit prevention.
Synthesis and Biological Properties of Formulated Skin Serum Containing Coelomic Fluid of Earthworm Eisenia fetida/andrei
In this study the coelomic fluid of Eisenia fetida/andrei species was used for the first time to prepare an anti-aging serum and its antioxidant and antibacterial properties were investigated. In addition its cytotoxicity on mouse fibroblast cells was measured as material for the production of natural anti-aging products.
This study investigates the antibacterial antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of coelomic fluid extracted from Eisenia fetida/andrei. Earthworms were cultured for a year and their coelomic fluid was extracted using an electroshock method sterilized and lyophilized into powder. Antibacterial activity was tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using MIC assays. Antioxidant properties were evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Cytotoxicity effects on L929 and NHEK cell lines were assessed using MTT assays. Oxidative stress and enzymatic activities were analyzed by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and catalase activity in NHEK cells treated with coelomic fluid. A serum formulation incorporating coelomic fluid was prepared and subjected to stability tests including pH temperature mechanical and heavy metal residue analysis. Antibacterial and antioxidant properties of the serum were also evaluated. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS software (version 0.26). Results highlight the multifunctional potential of coelomic fluid for biomedical and cosmetic applications.
Coelomic fluid exhibited antibacterial activity with MICs of 0.15 mg/mL for both E. coli and S. aureus showing significant inhibition at higher concentrations. Ciprofloxacin and penicillin demonstrated stronger effects compared to the coelomic fluid. Antioxidant activity increased with concentration achieving 77% inhibition at 10 mg/mL with an IC50 of 10.67 mg/mL. Cytotoxicity analysis revealed no significant toxicity below 20 mg/mL with enhanced cell viability at 2.5–5 mg/mL and restorative effects on fibroblasts at 10 mg/mL. Oxidative stress assays indicated reduced lipid peroxidation and increased catalase activity without inducing significant oxidative stress. Measurement of residues of mercury and lead in the sera showed that they were less than 0.01 ppm for mercury and less than 0.03 and 0.05 ppm for lead respectively. These levels are below the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approved limits for these metals. Aqueous serum containing coelomic fluid showed similar antibacterial and antioxidant properties emphasizing its potential for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.
These results show that the use of earthworm coelomic fluid in skin care serum slows the aging process and restores damaged cells. The results of the present study can be considered as a patent.
Exploring the Two-Way Role: Biological and Anti-Epileptic Properties of Imidazole and 2-Mercaptobenzimidazole Derivatives
Imidazole and 2-mercapto benzimidazole analogues are a group of molecules that have various biological activities and good therapeutic potential in the treatment of epilepsy. This review explores their dual role focusing on their biological properties and anti-epileptic effects. A spectrum of biological activities is displayed by imidazole derivatives and 2- mercaptobenzimidazole such as antifungal antioxidant anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions leading to their therapeutic flexibility apart from epilepsy treatment. Imidazole derivatives mechanistically modulate Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) receptors inhibit ion channels and exert neuroprotective effects enabling them to be used for seizure control. Their mechanisms of action involve modulation of oxidative stress pathways as well as providing neuroprotective effects against epilepsy. In terms of structure both imidazole and 2-mercaptobenzimidazole derivatives have gone through extensive structure-activity relationship studies to enhance their biological and pharmacological aspects. However numerous concerns such as bioavailability selectivity and side effects hinder their effective application in the treatment of various diseases. Looking forward further research into novel derivatives and patented formulation strategies holds promise for enhancing efficacy and reducing adverse effects. This review consolidates current knowledge emphasizing the multifaceted roles of imidazole and 2-mercapto benzimidazole derivatives in biological systems and their potential as anti-epileptic agents thus providing insights for future research and clinical applications.
Molecular Variation of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus Isolated from Patients in Ramadi City, Iraq
The increasing prevalence of Staphylococcus haemolyticus infections in community and hospital settings presents a significant health challenge due to growing antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation.
This study aims to:(1) perform a molecular analysis of prevalent native strains in Anbar Iraq (2) differentiate between various pathogenic strains using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) to enhance epidemiological and surveillance efforts by relevant patents on molecular diagnostics and pathogen typing. The objective is to trace the origins of these strains and distinguish between invasive and indigenous strains. While S. haemolyticus is generally part of the normal human microbiota it can lead to serious infections in individuals with prior injuries or surgical procedures. It is particularly skilled at developing antibiotic resistance making it a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections largely through the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). Methicillin-resistant S. haemolyticus (MRSH) has developed resistance to oxacillin/cefoxitin through SCCmec acquisition and hospital-associated MRSH strains are increasingly resistant to multiple antibiotics.
The preparation of blood agar medium followed the manufacturer's guidelines. After autoclaving at 121ºC for 15 minutes the medium was cooled to 50ºC. The mixture was then thoroughly mixed and poured into sterile Petri dishes. This medium is used for isolating and cultivating bacteria as well as for detecting hemolytic activity and identifying the type of hemolysis. Genomic extraction and molecular screening of multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates were performed followed by MLST analysis. Data were processed using the University of Nebraska Medical Center's pubMLST website.
To explore the genetic relationships among S. haemolyticus strains their genomic DNA was analyzed using MLST typing based on the protocol from the MLST Institute database. All S. haemolyticus isolates in the study underwent MLST gene screening through PCR to verify the presence of housekeeping genes (arc SH1200 hemH leuB SH1341 cfxE and ribose ABC). PCR electrophoresis results demonstrated successful amplification of all target genes confirming their appropriateness for MLST analysis. Three isolates were recognized as novel global strains designated ST153 ST154 and ST155. In addition five other strains were previously registered as ST3 ST9 ST29 ST123 and ST124.
The findings diverge from the established global understanding of type distribution in Asia. To combat the spread of highly resistant strains it is crucial to monitor virulence factors and antibiotic resistance closely.