International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

NOVEL HETEROCYCLIC HYBRIDS AS PROMISING SCAFFOLD FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

2024-09-06T13:19:17+0530

A large majority of instances of dementia, which is a chronic neurological disease, are directly associated with Alzheimer's Disease (AD). AD affects cognitive abilities over time and is caused by a variety of mechanisms, but still the cholinergic hypothesis is the most workable approach. This study aims to compile the most recent and interesting scaffolds/scaffold/pharmacophoric combinations to cure AD. In our search for new therapeutic leads for the treatment of AD, some nitrogen and oxygen-containing heterocyclic, including alkaloids, have been highlighted as interesting prospects. The Cholinergic Hypothesis is still the most effective and obvious treatment option for this debilitating and progressive condition and should be used for further study. The outcomes strongly suggest that the hybridization approach is also a successful strategy for identifying novel scaffolds with desirable bioactivities. This article evaluates promising therapeutic compounds and molecules that have recently been introduced as multi-target-directed agents, such as quinoline, quinoxalines, chalcones, coumarins, chromenes, piperazine, carbazoles, tacrine hybrids, donepezil hybrids, rivastigmine hybrids, galantamine hybrids etc. This includes study of workable scaffolds/scaffold/pharmacophoric combinations that may be used as future anti-Alzheimer drugs. We discuss future work that would improve our understanding of this escalating disease.

MEDICINAL PLANTS FROM THE HIMALAYAS: INSIGHTS INTO THEIR ANTICANCER EFFECTS

2024-09-30T00:31:03+0530

Management of cancer is a challenge to the modern system of medical practice despite of having an effective chemotherapy, radiotherapy, nuclear therapy and Surgery. While effective, these treatments have limited acceptance due to safety concerns. Herbal medicines, known for their minimal adverse effects, have shown promise in disease management and can provide high-quality nutritional and raw ingredients. Herbal therapies are also considered potential complementary treatments alongside conventional methods. The study was conducted by systematically reviewing the literature of various databases such as PubMed, Google scholar, Science direct and Wiley. In this study 4036 articles were reported from these tools and only 92 articles included after the exclusion due to duplication, irrelevant, non-full-text article, qualitative and quantitative analysis. Many herbal medicines described in this article contain numerous of these antioxidants. Recent researches showed the anti-oxidative and superoxide scavenging activities of individual active components of herbal medicine for their inhibitory activities on lipid peroxidation and anti-cancer properties. Individual herbal medicines show antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. Numerous in vitro studies of herbal medicine on different cell lines and in vivo study of herbal medicine have been reported. However, the mechanisms of actions remain unclear. This review aims to give an overview on the recent development of herbal medicine in the prevention and treatment of cancer. The report covers the possible mechanism of action of some of the herbal medicine. In addition, the common properties of herbal medicine are described. Finally, the study sheds lights on the pharmacological applications of herbal medicine in the treatment of cancer and its potential use as anti-cancer agents.

COMPREHENSIVE REGULATIONS FOR DRUG AND COSMETICS IN EUROPEAN UNION

2024-09-30T16:48:39+0530

Pharmaceuticals are regulated for quality, safety, and effectiveness by regulators for marketing approval with regard to good manufacturing practices, formulation, labelling, packaging, documentation and qualified individuals. Cosmetics for oneself or others are growing in popularity. The European Union (EU) Cosmetics Directive No. 1223/2009 enforces guidelines for cosmetic preparations. By considering the long-term risks of nanoparticles if misused by researchers and testers, the risk assessment outlined in Article 16 of the cosmetic code provides a framework for increasing the possibilities for innovation in nano-products. On March 14, 2024, the EU Commission published Regulation (EU) 2024/858, amending Cosmetics Regulation European Commission (EC) No. 1223/2009, which updated Annexes II and III regarding the use of certain nanomaterials in cosmetic products. Substances added in Annex II are prohibited from use, whereas those added in Annex III can be used when prescribed restrictions are met like essential conditions under European regulations for the import and sale of cosmetics. In the EU, the manufacturer is responsible for the safety of its products and must ensure that they undergo an expert scientific safety assessment before they are sold. The European Commission is also advised on issues related to the safety and allergenic properties of cosmetic products and ingredients by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), administered by the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE), informed by independent scientific expertise.

BACTERIAL PROFILE, ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERNS, AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA AMONG ADULT PATIENTS IN SOUTH INDIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

2024-10-07T21:43:38+0530

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the bacterial profile, antibiotic sensitivity patterns, and prevalence of multidrug resistance in community-acquired pneumonia patients at a tertiary care hospital in Bangalore, India.

Methods: Bacterial isolates were identified using standard microbiological techniques and their antibiotic sensitivity was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method.

Results: A total of 215 sputum samples were processed, of which 150 tested positive for bacteria. Klebsiella pneumoniae (32%) was the most common isolate, followed by Acinetobacter spp. (20.66%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16%). Notable antibiotic resistance, particularly against third-generation cephalosporins, was observed, with 17.2% of g-negative isolates exhibiting multidrug resistance, primarily due to Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) production.

Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for more effective empirical treatment strategies for CAP.

ONYCHOMYCOSIS: UNRAVELING THE ROLE OF DERMATOPHYTES IN NAIL INFECTIONS

2024-10-07T23:06:19+0530

Objective: This study aimed to identify pathogenic fungi that cause onychomycosis and evaluate their clinical presentations and risk factors to enhance management through precise diagnosis and targeted treatment.

Methods: The fungi were identified by macroscopic and microscopic morphological features using techniques such as slide cultures, Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) mounts, culture isolation, and Lacto Phenol Cotton Blue (LPCB) staining.

Results: 110 nail clippings from patients clinically suspected of onychomycosis were analyzed; 27 had dermatophytic infections. Toenails were involved in 33.8% of the cases, and Distal and Lateral Subungual Onychomycosis (DLSO) was the primary clinical presentation. Trauma was the most common predisposing factor (19%).

Conclusion: This study identified dermatophytes as the prime cause of onychomycosis, chiefly affecting toenails with DLSO as the predominant form, and recognized trauma as a key risk factor. Precise identification using traditional diagnostic methods is crucial for targeted treatment and better patient results.

PHARMACOVIGILANCE IN PRACTICE: ASSESSING ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL CENTRAL INDIA

2024-10-19T00:11:11+0530

Objective: Our study aimed to evaluate the frequency, severity, and causality of ADRs reported at the ADR Monitoring Centre, Department of Pharmacology, MGM Medical College, Indore, to improve drug safety practices.

Methods: A retrospective study at the ADR Monitoring Centre in Indore analyzed suspected ADR Reporting Forms from the past six months. The analysis focused on ADR frequency, severity, and causality, categorized using the World Health Organization (WHO) causality assessment scale.

Results: Over six months, 502 ADR forms were reported at Maharaja Yashwant Rao Hospital, Indore, with males (25-55 years) accounting for 50% of the cases. The psychiatry department reported the most ADRs (57.5%), followed by pediatrics (12.1%) and gynecology (9.7%). Commonly implicated drug classes were antipsychotics, antibiotics, and anticonvulsants. Valproate (14%), ceftriaxone (8%), and olanzapine (6%) were frequently involved drugs. About 52.6% of ADRs were certain, and 25% were probable in causality analysis.

Conclusion: Monitoring and reporting ADRs are crucial in healthcare. Raising awareness about ADR reporting among doctors and patients can promote safer drug use, reduce associated ADR-related morbidity, ease the treatment burden on patients, and enhance their quality of life.

A STUDY OF EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF DRUGS USED FOR INFERTILITY AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTER-A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

2024-11-02T23:49:29+0530

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of drugs used for infertility with respect to ovulation induction and conception.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in gynaecology Out Patient Department (OPD) of a tertiary care hospital from June 2019 to November 2019. 45 women who presented with history of infertility were included. Details of socio-demographic factors, treatment, investigations, efficacy and safety parameters were collected. Efficacy parameters considered were mature follicle ≥18 mm, endometrial thickness of ≥7 mm, occurrence of ovulation and pregnancy. Safety parameters included any adverse effects encountered during drug therapy.

Results: Out of 45 patients, 24 were treated with Clomiphene citrate and 21 with Letrozole. The two groups had similar baseline characteristics. Mature follicular size was attained in 83.3% of Clomiphene citrate group and 61.9% of letrozole group. Mean endometrial thickness was 7.6 mm in Clomiphene citrate while 8.3 mm in letrozole group. Ovulation occurred in 45.8% of patients in Clomiphene citrate group and 47.6% of letrozole group. 41.7% of patients in Clomiphene citrate group and 28.6% of letrozole group conceived. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the above parameters. No serious adverse effects were observed.

Conclusion: Both letrozole and clomiphene citrate were equally efficacious in ovulation induction and did not cause any serious adverse effects.