American Journal of PharmTech Research

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most prevalent urological conditions affecting ageing men. It is characterised by non-malignant proliferation of prostatic glandular and stromal tissues, frequently resulting in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), including increased urinary frequency, nocturia, hesitancy, weak urinary stream and incomplete bladder emptying. Conventional management includes pharmacological interventions and surgical procedures, depending on disease severity and patient characteristics. Ayurveda describes urinary disorders under the broad spectrum of Mutraghata, with Vatashthila being a condition that demonstrates clinical similarities to certain manifestations of BPH. Uttarbasti, a specialised Ayurvedic para-surgical procedure involving the administration of medicated preparations through the urethral route, offers an interesting area for clinical investigation in Ayurvedic urology. This short communication discusses the Ayurvedic rationale, potential therapeutic relevance and clinical considerations of Uttarbasti in the management of BPH. It also highlights the need for standardised protocols, objective outcome assessment and well-designed randomised controlled clinical trials to establish its safety and therapeutic efficacy. Keywords: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Uttarbasti, Mutraghata, Vatashthila, Shalya Tantra, Ayurvedic Urology, Ghrita.

Psoralen is an endogenous compound with a linear furocoumarin structure, having a tricyclic structure in which coumarin and furan ring are present. The psoralen and its analogues are highly researched compounds in medicinal chemistry due to their various biological activities and use in photochemotherapy. It is known for its therapeutic activity in association with DNA interaction and photochemical reactions after exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) light. Psoralen has the capability of forming a covalent adduct with the pyrimidine bases; however, further photochemical reactions may lead to formation of DNA interstrand cross-linking, affecting the replication and transcription of DNA. These reactions are responsible for the therapeutic action of psoralen but may also lead to phototoxicity and DNA damage. Modification in psoralen structure may be helpful in finding analogues with biological activity without phototoxicity. Changes in specific sites, such as C5 and C8, along with the modification of functional groups and heterocycles, have been proposed as methods for studying the properties of molecules. Molecular docking, physicochemical analysis, and ADMET prediction may help in screening potential compounds. Nevertheless, it is impossible to prove by computational models that the compounds are less phototoxic or capable of action without UVA.

The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate Clindamycin hydrochloride-loaded proniosomal gel for topical drug delivery with improved entrapment efficiency, controlled release, antimicrobial activity, and skin tolerability. The formulations were evaluated for preformulation properties, drug–excipient compatibility, entrapment efficiency, particle size, zeta potential, SEM, physicochemical properties, in-vitro drug release, release kinetics, antimicrobial activity, skin irritation, and stability. UV spectrophotometric analysis showed maximum absorption at 210 nm, with good linearity over 2–10 µg/ml (R² = 0.9992). FTIR studies indicated no significant incompatibility between Clindamycin hydrochloride and the selected excipients (Span 60, cholesterol, and soya lecithin). Among the prepared formulations, F6 was selected as the optimized formulation. It exhibited an entrapment efficiency of 86.7 ± 0.3%, particle size of 249.69 nm, PDI of 0.362, and zeta potential of 35.7 mV. SEM revealed discrete, approximately spherical vesicles. The optimized gel showed a pH of 6.45 ± 0.03, spreadability of 28.9 ± 0.05 g·cm/sec, viscosity of 8890 cps, and drug content of 85.7 ± 0.3%. In-vitro drug release reached 86.34% at 7 hours, following first-order kinetics (R² = 0.9901). The formulation demonstrated antimicrobial activity and caused no visible erythema or edema. Additionally, only minor changes in entrapment efficiency were observed during the four-week stability study. Overall, F6 demonstrated promising physicochemical properties, controlled drug release, antimicrobial activity, and topical tolerability.