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Volume 16, Issue 5 - 2026 (October 2026 Issue 5)
Issue Details:
Volume 16 Issue 5 (October 2026 Issue 5)Issue Description:
Welcome to the 2026 issue of American Journal of PharmTech Research. This issue showcases the remarkable breadth and depth of contemporary research across multiple disciplines. From cutting-edge applications of machine learning in climate science to the revolutionary potential of quantum computing in drug discovery, our featured articles demonstrate the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing global challenges.
We are particularly excited to present research that bridges traditional academic boundaries, reflecting our journal's commitment to fostering innovation through cross-disciplinary dialogue. The integration of artificial intelligence with environmental science, the application of blockchain technology to supply chain management, and the convergence of urban planning with smart city technologies exemplify the transformative potential of collaborative research.
As we continue to navigate an era of rapid technological advancement and global challenges, the research presented in this issue offers both insights and solutions that will shape our future. We thank our authors, reviewers, and editorial board members for their continued dedication to advancing knowledge and promoting scientific excellence.
Dr H J Patel
Editor-in-Chief
American Journal of PharmTech Research
Articles in This Issue
Open AccessAntibacterial potential of traditional chewing stick plants Mezoneuron benthamianum and Strychnos afzelii against cariogenic Streptococcus spp. in Côte d’Ivoire
Dental caries is one of the most prevalent oral diseases worldwide and is closely associated with cariogenic microorganisms, particularly bacteria belonging to the genus Streptococcus. In western Côte d'Ivoire, several medicinal plants are traditionally used as chewing sticks for oral hygiene, although their antibacterial properties remain poorly documented. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts of Mezoneuron benthamianum Baill. and Strychnos afzelii Gilg. against Streptococcus spp. isolated from dental caries. Plant extracts were prepared by maceration in distilled water and 70% ethanol. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method, while the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration were determined using the broth macrodilution method. Hydro-ethanolic extraction produced the highest yields, reaching 17.60% for Mezoneuron benthamianum and 16.90% for Strychnos afzelii. Neither the aqueous nor the hydro-ethanolic extracts of Strychnos afzelii exhibited antibacterial activity against the tested strains. In contrast, both extracts of Mezoneuron benthamianum inhibited the growth of all tested Streptococcus spp., with inhibition zones ranging from 13.00 ± 0.50 mm to 18.00 ± 0.58 mm. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration were both 25 mg/mL, resulting in a minimum bactericidal concentration to minimum inhibitory concentration ratio of 1, indicating a bactericidal effect. These findings provide experimental support for the traditional use of M. benthamianum as a chewing stick plant and suggest its potential source of antibacterial compounds for future oral health applications.
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Open AccessARTIFICIAL INTELLIGANCE DRIVEN TRANSFORMATION IN REGULATORY AFFAIRS AS PER CDSCO in (India) IN COMPARISION WITH HEALTH CANADA (Canada)
ABSTRACT: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative technology in pharmaceutical regulatory affairs, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and regulatory decision-making throughout the product lifecycle. Recent studies have demonstrated the application of AI and Machine Learning (ML) in regulatory intelligence, dossier preparation, document management, pharmacovigilance, signal detection, and compliance monitoring. Regulatory agencies worldwide are increasingly exploring AI-driven approaches to streamline regulatory submissions and improve review processes while maintaining safety, efficacy, and quality standards. This review aims to evaluate the role of AI in transforming regulatory affairs and to compare the adoption and implementation of AI-enabled regulatory practices by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), India, and Health Canada. The study examines current applications of AI in regulatory operations, including automated document review, adverse event monitoring, data analytics, and decision-support systems. Furthermore, it assesses the opportunities, challenges, and regulatory considerations associated with AI integration, such as data governance, transparency, validation, ethical concerns, and workforce readiness. The study concludes that AI has the potential to reshape the future of regulatory science by improving operational efficiency and regulatory effectiveness. Strategic adoption of AI technologies by regulatory authorities can contribute to faster access to safe and effective medicines while maintaining high regulatory standards4.
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Open AccessFormulation and Evaluation of Oral Medicated Jelly Containing Diclofenac Sodium and Dicyclomine HCl
Oral medicated jellies are a promising alternative dosage forms for patients who experience difficulty in swallowing the conventional dosage forms like tablets and capsules. The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate oral medicated jellies containing Diclofenac sodium, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and Dicyclomine HCl, an antispasmodic agent, using different concentrations and combinations of gelatin and xanthan gum. Solid dispersion of with beta- cyclodextrin was prepared by the kneading method. Nine formulations of oral jellies (F1–F9) were prepared by the heating and congealing method using gelatin, xanthan gum, and their combinations. The formulations were evaluated for physical appearance, compatibility using FTIR, weight variation, pH, syneresis, drug content, and in-vitro drug release. The dissolution studies were performed using USP apparatus II in phosphate buffer pH 6.8 for 120 min. Dissolution efficiency (%) and mean dissolution time (MDT) were determined. The results of FTIR studies indicated compatibility between the drugs and excipients. The formulations exhibited acceptable physicochemical properties. Formulation F4 showed the highest drug release of 91.11 ± 0.22% and 94.81 ± 0.21% at 30 min for Diclofenac sodium and Dicyclomine HCl, respectively. The Dissolution efficiency of formulation F4 was 57.31% and 68.75% at 30 min, while the mean dissolution time was 16.56 min and 15.08 min, respectively. Formulation F4 was selected as the best formulation due to high dissolution efficiency and rapid drug release, demonstrating the potential of oral medicated jelly as a patient-friendly dosage form.
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Open AccessDevelopment and Evaluation of Solid Lipid Nanoparticle-Loaded Polymeric Hydrogels Containing Dapsone.
Dapsone is a synthetic sulfone with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, but conventional topical formulations may provide limited skin penetration and short local retention. This study aimed to develop, optimize, and characterize a dapsone-loaded solid lipid nanoparticle (DDP-SLN) polymeric hydrogel for controlled dermal delivery. DDP-SLNs were prepared by hot homogenization followed by probe ultrasonication using glyceryl monostearate (GMS), soya lecithin, and Tween 80. A three-factor, three-level Box–Behnken design using Design-Expert® Version 13 was employed to optimize the formulation based on particle size, entrapment efficiency, and 12-h cumulative drug release. The optimized DDP-SLN dispersion was incorporated into Carbopol 934 hydrogel and evaluated for physicochemical, rheological, drug-release, and stability characteristics. The optimized DDP-SLN showed a particle size of 140.38 nm, PDI of 0.287, zeta potential of −35.0 mV, and entrapment efficiency of 87.93%. The hydrogel exhibited homogeneous texture, pH of 6.23 ± 0.08, viscosity of 8486.67 ± 70.95 cP, and spreadability of 18.42 g·cm/s. Cumulative drug release reached 87.90% over 12 h and followed the Higuchi model (R² = 0.9910), while the Korsmeyer–Peppas exponent (n = 0.612) indicated anomalous transport. The formulation remained stable under the evaluated storage conditions, demonstrating its potential as a topical delivery system for dapsone. The system was designed to enhance drug localization while providing sustained release and hydrogel performance. These findings demonstrate the suitability of combining SLN technology with a hydrogel to improve topical dapsone delivery and maintain formulation quality.
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Open AccessExploring the Botanical Origins, Traditional Uses, and Extraction Methods of Cannabidiol: Role in Pain, Inflammation, Anxiety, Depression, and Neurological Health
This review provides an in-depth exploration of Cannabidiol (CBD), a substance originating from the Cannabis species with noteworthy therapeutic potential. It comprehensively covers CBD's botanical origins, diverse extraction methodologies, and the emerging significance of nanoformulations in addressing a wide spectrum of health conditions, including pain, inflammation, anxiety, depression, and neurological disorders. The section on botanical origins delves into the sources of CBD within the Cannabis plant, highlighting the chemical variations among different strains and the Biosynthesis of the cannabidiol in cannabis sativa. The historical significance of CBD is elucidated, offering insights into its traditional uses across various cultures and historical contexts. The review paper extensively discusses various extraction techniques employed for CBD isolation, presenting a comparative analysis of their efficacy, safety, and environmental implications. Special attention is devoted to advanced extraction methodologies designed to optimize CBD yield while minimizing the content of psychoactive constituents, such as THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). Additionally, this paper emphasizes the burgeoning domain of CBD nanoformulations, elucidating how nanotechnology augments CBD's bioavailability, stability, and targeted delivery. This advancement in drug delivery systems enhances CBD's therapeutic potential in the management of pain, inflammation, anxiety, depression, and neurological disorders. By offering information ranging from CBD's botanical origins to cutting-edge nanoformulations, this review paper is an invaluable resource for researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. This review aims to deliver a succinct overview of the pharmacological, extraction technologies, phytochemical, botanical and ethnopharmacological regarding Cannabidiol. Keywords: Cannabidiol (CBD), Cannabis Sativa, Extraction Methods, Therapeutic effect.
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Open AccessFormulation and Evaluation of Methimazole-Loaded Emulgel for the Treatment of Melasma
Melasma is a common acquired hyperpigmentation disorder characterized by the development of irregular, symmetrical, and brownish facial patches, which can significantly affect the appearance and quality of life of affected individuals. Methimazole, an antithyroid drug, has been investigated for its potential topical depigmenting activity due to its ability to interfere with melanogenesis. The present study was undertaken to develop and evaluate a methimazole-loaded emulgel intended for topical application in the management of melasma. Pre-formulation studies were carried out to determine the solubility, melting point, ultraviolet absorption maximum, and drug–excipient compatibility. The prepared formulations were evaluated for their physical appearance, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, spreadability, drug content, and in-vitro drug release characteristics. Drug–excipient compatibility was assessed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, while differential scanning calorimetry was employed to investigate the thermal characteristics of the formulation. The developed emulgels exhibited satisfactory physical characteristics with acceptable pH, viscosity, spreadability, and drug content, indicating their suitability for topical administration. In-vitro drug release studies demonstrated sustained release of methimazole from the emulgel formulations over the studied period. The release data were further analysed to understand the mechanism of drug release. Short-term stability studies were also performed to assess the physical and chemical stability of the prepared formulations. Overall, the study demonstrated the successful development of a methimazole-loaded emulgel with desirable physicochemical properties and controlled drug-release characteristics, suggesting its potential as a topical formulation for further investigation in the management of melasma. Emulgel have several merits like greaseless, easily spreadable, easily removable, emollient and transparency.
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Open AccessCDK7 targeting in cancer- A review on current trends. Keywords-CDK7,CDK7 inhibitors, cancer
Cholecystokinin has been found to be a potential target for the treatment of various conditions including pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, and gastrointestinal disorders. CDK7 (cyclin-dependent kinase 7) is an enzyme that is a key regulator of the cell cycle and gene transcription. It functions as a component of the Cdk-activated kinase (CAK) and transcription factor IIH (TFIIH) complexes. CDK7 phosphorylates other CDKs to promote cell cycle progression and phosphorylates RNA polymerase II to initiate gene transcription. CDK7 is often overexpressed in cancer due to its role in regulating cell proliferation. Hence CDK7 inhibitors have been researched in clinical trials as they are responsible for cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and antiproliferative activities. This review particularly focuses on various synthetic and naturally occurring CDK7 inhibitors and their role in preventing various cancers including breast cancer, leukemia, hepatoma or cancer of liver and so on.
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Open Accessβ-Lapachone and Its Derivatives: Synthetic Strategies, Structure–Activity Relationships, Pharmacological Activities, and Computational Approaches
β-Lapachone (β-Lap) is a naturally occurring ortho-naphthoquinone found in the heartwood of Handroanthus impetiginosus and other lapacho trees. The compound has been studied extensively due to its promising anticancer potential in cancer cells with high expression of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). Reduction of β-Lap by NQO1 leads to the formation of a highly unstable hydroquinone intermediate which undergoes oxidation in a futile redox cycle, generating excessive amounts of ROS. The resultant oxidative stress can lead to DNA damage, hyperactivation of PARP1, reduction of NAD+ and ATP levels and cell death in cancer cells. Although β-Lap exhibits promising pharmacological effects, its poor solubility in water, problems with formulation and pharmacokinetics, possible toxic effects associated with dosing and limited therapeutic window limit the clinical applications of the parent compound. Therefore, various modifications of β-Lap structure were performed using the arylamino, alkoxy, thiosemicarbazone, oxime and prodrug strategies. Computer-assisted drug design approaches such as molecular docking, electronic-structure calculation and ADMET predictions serve as additional methods of selection of promising β-Lap derivatives before synthesis and testing. The present review gives a summary of the chemistry, physicochemical properties, SAR, pharmacology, synthetic and computational approaches to β-Lap and its derivatives [1-3,6]. The review was performed on published scientific papers based on β-lapachone, structural derivatives of β-lapachone, anticancer potential, molecular docking, and computational ADMET study. β-Lapachone was taken into account as the main parent compound, and structural derivatives, including arylamino, alkoxy, oxime, thiosemicarbazone, and other groups, were discussed. The computational methods, including molecular docking, were considered for the assessment of the interaction between the ligands and their targets (proteins) involved in the process of cancer development such as NQO1 and Topoisomerase IIα. Binding interactions, docking score, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic, and π-π interactions were studied according to the reported studies. Besides, the pharmacokinetic and toxicity properties were also evaluated through ADMET prediction to obtain better anticancer agents [1,4,6,7]
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Open AccessFormulation and Evaluation of Herbal Antifungal Ointment containing p-Chloro m-Xylenol and Herbal extracts
Aim: Aim of the present research study is to formulate herbal anti-fungal cream with p-chloro-m-xylenol. Herbal extracts are becoming popular alternatives to synthetic treatments because they offer multi-target effects with fewer toxic side effects. formulation F1, F2, F3 were subjected for characterization and evaluation of physiochemical parameters like FTIR studies, color and odor, type of smear, irritancy test, spreadability test, washability test, antifungal test of formulation Conclusion: ointment showed white color with smooth texture and free of gritty particles. FTIR studies confirmed that PCMX, basil oil, terpineol oil, aloe vera gel with excipients does not show any significant change in peak hence, it is found to be compatible. All the test parameters evaluated were in acceptable range with no skin irritation. Anti-fungal studies were performed with standard control samples as Fluconazole against the fungal strain candida albicans by well diffusion method. All the formulation possesses effective anti-fungal properties. F1 showed 1.6 cm zone of inhibition, formulation F2 showed 2 cm and formulation F3 showed 2.1 cm zone of inhibition compared to standard sample fluconazole that is 1 cm. comparative study showed that there was minimum difference between F2 and F3 as anti-fungal action. By considering the entire test and result formulation F2 was found to be optimized formulation with effective anti-fungal activity.
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Open AccessCapecitabine-Loaded Thermoresponsive Nanoemulsion In Situ Gel for Intranasal Delivery in Glioblastoma Therapy
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive primary brain tumor with limited therapeutic options, largely due to poor drug penetration across the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Capecitabine, a prodrug of 5-fluorouracil, has demonstrated potential against glioblastoma; however, its short half-life and limited brain delivery may restrict its therapeutic efficacy. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a thermoresponsive intranasal nanoemulsion-based in situ gel of capecitabine for potential nose-to-brain delivery in GBM therapy. Capecitabine-loaded nanoemulsion in situ gels were prepared using triolein, egg lecithin, and Pluronic F127 and F68 by emulsification followed by probe sonication. The formulations were evaluated for physicochemical characteristics, drug content, thermal compatibility, morphology, and in vitro drug release. The optimized formulation (F5) exhibited a gelation temperature of 33.2 ± 0.45 °C and a pH of 6.4, indicating suitability for intranasal administration. F5 showed an average droplet size of 219.7 nm, polydispersity index of 0.12, and zeta potential of −16.6 mV, indicating a uniform and stable nanoemulsion system. The drug content was 97.67 ± 1.564%. Differential scanning calorimetry confirmed compatibility between capecitabine and the formulation excipients, while scanning electron microscopy revealed spherical lipid droplets dispersed within the gel matrix. The optimized formulation demonstrated sustained drug release, achieving 99.64 ± 0.119% cumulative release over 8 h. Drug release kinetics followed the Higuchi and Korsmeyer–Peppas models, suggesting diffusion-controlled release. Overall, the developed thermoresponsive intranasal nanoemulsion-based in situ gel demonstrates promising physicochemical and drug-release characteristics for potential nose-to-brain delivery of capecitabine in glioblastoma therapy.
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Open AccessThienopyridine and Its Derivatives as Potential Anti-Inflammatory Agent: Heterocyclic Chemistry, SAR, COX-2 Inhibition, Molecular Docking and In Silico Drug Design
Thienopyridines consist of fused heterocyclic structures that incorporate thiophene and pyridine rings. They are important in medicinal chemistry because different substituents can be introduced into their structure to modify their biological and pharmacological properties. Thienopyridine derivatives have been reported to show several activities, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiplatelet, antimicrobial and anticancer effects. Tinoridine hydrochloride is an important example of a thienopyridine with anti-inflammatory activity and can be used as a reference compound in the development of new derivatives. Some newly studied thienopyridine derivatives have shown anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic activity, with certain compounds showing lower ulcerogenic effects than indomethacin. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an important target for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs. Molecular docking can be used to study the possible binding of thienopyridine derivatives with COX-2, while structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies can help identify structural features related to activity. ADMET prediction can also provide information about the pharmacokinetic and toxicity properties of the compounds. Therefore, combining SAR, molecular docking and ADMET studies may help in the design of new and potentially safer thienopyridine-based anti-inflammatory agents. (1,4,6,11) Keywords: Thienopyridine; COX-2; Molecular Docking; SAR; Nsaids; Tinoridine Hydrochloride.
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Open AccessINFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING ON HEALTH CARE PRODUCT AWARENES
Nowadays Socail media has become an important tool for healthcare marketing and communication through some platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, You Tube, Linkedin and X healp pharamaceutical and healthcare organizations communicate information, education for consumers and promotion of the healthcare and other products. Advertisements, instructive postings, patient testimonials, and awareness campaigns are examples of social media material that can increase customers' awareness of and familiarity with healthcare products. The general public frequently uses social media as a source of health information. Social media platforms must take steps to improve access to and exposure to high-quality, science-based information because of the potential for material shared through these platforms to affect health outcomes. The work of an independent advisory group organized by the National Academy of Medicine is summarized in this paper. The group discussed and gathered data to create a set of preliminary principles and characteristics that could guide platforms' identification and potential elevation of reliable sources of health information. The authors explore the possibility of trustworthiness among main categories and types of government and nonprofit organizations that disseminate health information via social media using these principles and characteristics as a framework. In addition to source evaluation, the authors stress the necessity of parallel methodologies, such as content assessment, as well as crucial ethical considerations like the defence of free speech and human autonomy. The study also emphasises that social media companies should share data with behavioural and public health experts to comprehend the effects of such rules on both online and offline behaviours in order to be regarded as credible themselves Research on the use of social media by medical professionals is still lacking. Only a small portion of chemists utilize social media for work-related purposes, despite the fact that the majority have at least one account, according to the scant study on the subject.
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Open AccessFORMULATION, OPTIMIZATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ORNIDAZOLE NANOSTRUCTURED LIPID CARRIER GEL FOR TOPICAL DELIVERY
The study aimed to formulate, optimize and characterize ornidazole NLCs using glyceryl monostearate (GMS), oleic acid and Tween 80 and to incorporate the optimized dispersion into a topical gel. NLCs were prepared by hot homogenization followed by ultrasonication. A three-factor, three-level Box–Behnken design comprising 17 runs was used to investigate GMS concentration, Tween 80 concentration and homogenization time. Particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, drug content and in vitro drug release were evaluated. FTIR and SEM were used for physicochemical and morphological characterization. The NLC dispersion was incorporated into a Carbopol 934-based gel and evaluated for pH, spreadability, viscosity and stability. The optimized formulation (F13) had a particle size of 222.8 nm, PDI 0.289, zeta potential −26.7 mV, entrapment efficiency 83.6% and drug content 91.0%. The optimized formulation showed sustained drug release, with 82.3% cumulative drug release reported at 12 h in the response-optimization section. The optimized gel showed pH 5.73 ± 0.03, spreadability 6.28 ± 0.21 g·cm/s and viscosity 5080 ± 78 cP. FTIR analysis showed retention of characteristic ornidazole peaks without major drug–excipient interaction. The optimized formulation remained physically stable during the reported 60-day study. The study demonstrates the feasibility of developing an ornidazole-loaded NLC topical gel using a Box–Behnken design. The optimized formulation exhibited nanoscale particle size, acceptable PDI, measurable negative zeta potential, good entrapment and sustained drug release, supporting further investigation as a topical delivery system.
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Open AccessFORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF ROXITHROMYCIN NANOSPONGE GEL FOR ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY
This investigation examined a Roxithromycin-loaded nanosponge gel intended for topical delivery, to enhance the drug’s solubility in an aqueous medium and maintaining its presence in the intended area of treatment. Roxithromycin is categorized within BCS category II compound, combining low water solubility with high permeability. Seven distinct formulations were produced using ethyl cellulose by the emulsion–solvent diffusion technique and assessed using physicochemical tests. Preliminary analysis identified a wavelength of maximum absorption (λmax) of 210 nm; the calibration response was linear from 1–5 µg/mL (R² = 0.9989). FTIR findings supported suitability of the polymer for use with the drug. Formulation F5 had a Particle size average 382.1 nm, a polydisperse index of 0.483, and with a corresponding zeta potential value of −41.9 mV; its nanosponge dispersion released 86.0% by 7 h. The nanosponges were subsequently dispersed in Carbopol 934 gel. The optimized F5 gel contained 89.10% drug and showed diffusion rising from 21.46% at 1 h to 83.2% at 7 h. Its release profile fitted the first-order model most closely (R² = 0.9977). Against Staphylococcus aureus, the gel produced a 3.4 cm inhibition zone. No visible irritation was reported during the 14-day observation period, and the measured stability parameters showed no notable change under the storage conditions tested. Taken together, the findings support further investigation of this nanosponge gel as a topical formulation with sustained Roxithromycin release and antibacterial activity.
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Open AccessFORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF FACIAL CLAY CLEANSERS BY USING ZINC PCA AND KAOLIN CLAY
Background: Facial cleansers remove excess oil and impurities while maintaining skin comfort. Zinc PCA was selected for its sebum-regulating properties, and kaolin clay was used as an adsorbent. Objective: To formulate and evaluate eight clay-based facial cleansers containing Zinc PCA and kaolin clay using xanthan gum or guar gum as thickening agents. Methods: The formulations (F1–F8) were prepared using a simple mixing method. Zinc PCA (0.5%), kaolin clay (5%), glycerin (10%), disodium EDTA (0.3%), cocamidopropyl betaine (6%), and sodium benzoate (0.5%) were kept constant. Xanthan gum concentrations ranged from 0.2% to 0.5% in F1–F4, while guar gum concentrations ranged from 0.4% to 0.7% in F5–F8. The formulations were evaluated for FTIR compatibility, appearance, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, spreadability, washability, phase separation, and foam height. Results: All formulations appeared milky, cloudy, and off-white, with visual homogeneity. The pH ranged from 5.16 to 5.51, viscosity from 260 to 2100 mPa·s, and foam height from 1.40 to 4.53 cm. Spreadability values ranged from 220.8 to 528.57 g·cm/s. No phase separation was observed in F1–F4, whereas F5–F8 showed separation. F2 and F7 were identified as preferred candidates based on the overall evaluation. Conclusion: Zinc PCA–kaolin clay facial cleansers were successfully formulated. However, guar-gum formulations require further optimization to improve stability. Long-term stability, safety, and efficacy studies are necessary before confirming their skin benefits. Keywords: sebum regulation; skin barrier; adsorbent; xanthan gum; guar gum
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Open AccessDesign and Characterization of A Loratadine-Loaded Ethosomal Gel For Transdermal Drug Delivery
This study examined loratadine-loaded ethosomal dispersions and the incorporation of the selected batch into a Carbopol-based gel for potential topical/transdermal use. Eight distinct formulations (F1–F8) were prepared and subsequently evaluated for vesicle size, drug entrapment and in-vitro release. Particle size ranged from 118.6 ± 2.41 nm for F1 to 236.8 ± 4.12 nm for F8; entrapment efficiency ranged from 72.64% to 87.35%. F8 showed the highest entrapment efficiency (87.35%) and drug release was 90.18% over seven hours. The selected F8 dispersion was mixed with Carbopol gel and tested for viscosity, spreadability, pH and drug content. Drug content was found to be 98.46%, while cumulative release reached 87.35% at seven hours. Of the kinetic models assessed, the Higuchi model had the highest coefficient of determination (R² = 0.9997). No visible irritation was recorded during the 14-day observation period. Stability study was carried out for four-weeks under specific storage conditions. Overall, the experimental findings identify F8 as the strongest candidate among the batches tested, based on entrapment, release and measured gel properties. These in-vitro findings justify further investigation but do not establish clinical effectiveness or confirm transdermal delivery in humans. Further studies, including appropriate skin-permeation testing and well-documented stability assessment, are needed.
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Open AccessComparative Pharmacology of Cephalosporins and Sulfonylureas: Mechanisms, Clinical Applications, and Safety
Background: Cephalosporins and sulfonylureas represent clinically important drug classes used in the management of bacterial infections and type 2 diabetes mellitus, respectively. Their distinct molecular targets, pharmacokinetic properties, therapeutic benefits, and adverse-effect profiles illustrate fundamental principles of pharmacological selectivity and rational drug utilisation. Objective: This review examines the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, classification, therapeutic applications, mechanisms of resistance or treatment failure, safety considerations, and contemporary clinical relevance of cephalosporins and sulfonylureas. Methods: A narrative literature review was undertaken using established pharmacology literature, biomedical review articles, and accessible clinical reference sources. Relevant evidence was synthesised to explain the mechanisms of action, therapeutic positioning, drug interactions, and limitations of both classes. Results: Cephalosporins inhibit bacterial cell-wall synthesis through interactions with penicillin-binding proteins. Their antibacterial spectrum varies with molecular structure, generation, susceptibility patterns, and resistance mechanisms, including β-lactamase production and altered target proteins. Sulfonylureas stimulate pancreatic β-cell insulin secretion by binding sulfonylurea receptors associated with ATP-sensitive potassium channels. Although effective glucose-lowering agents, they can cause hypoglycaemia and weight gain, with risks influenced by renal function, nutrition, age, and concomitant medicines. Both classes require individualised selection, appropriate dosing, monitoring, and consideration of patient-specific factors. Conclusion: Rational use of these pharmacologically distinct agents depends on understanding their molecular mechanisms, therapeutic indications, limitations, and safety profiles. Antimicrobial stewardship and individualised diabetes management are essential to optimise clinical outcomes and minimise preventable harm. Keywords Antimicrobial stewardship; β-lactam resistance; insulin secretion; hypoglycaemia; rational pharmacotherapy.