Kishori

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.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by sustained hyperglycemia due to impaired insulin secretion, insulin resistance, or both. Enzyme inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase is a proven therapeutic strategy to attenuate postprandial glucose surges. Although synthetic inhibitors such as acarbose are widely used, their gastrointestinal side effects have stimulated interest in natural dietary alternatives. The present study investigates the phytochemical composition and in vitro antidiabetic activity of ethanolic extracts from five rice varieties: Mapillai Samba, Red Rice, Karuppu Kavuni, Karudan Samba, and Ponni Rice. Extracts were prepared using Soxhlet extraction and evaluated for α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition across concentrations ranging from 10 to 500 µg/mL, with acarbose serving as the reference inhibitor. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed that all varieties contained alkaloids and flavonoids, while pigmented rice types exhibited higher diversity of secondary metabolites. In enzyme assays, Karuppu Kavuni showed the strongest inhibitory activity (91.40% for α-amylase and 91.10% for α-glucosidase at 500 µg/mL), closely comparable to acarbose (93.25% and 95.16%, respectively). Red Rice and Mapillai Samba demonstrated moderate activity, whereas Ponni Rice showed the least inhibition. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences between rice varieties (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that pigmented rice varieties, particularly Karuppu Kavuni, may serve as functional foods or nutraceutical sources for managing postprandial hyperglycemia. Future in vivo validation and phytochemical characterization are warranted.