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Abstract Background As per World Health Organization (WHO) database, neurological and psychiatric disorders constitute a significant and escalating source of morbidity, impacting over one billion lives with a staggering 9 million fatalities. Unfortunately, the magnitude of these disorders remains largely untreated, primarily due to the formidable challenge of the cerebrospinal fluid–brain barrier (CBB), blood–brain barrier (BBB), as well as the blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) compromising the central nervous system (CNS) therapies. Thus, there is a need to explore innovative drug delivery platforms capable of overcoming these barriers in order to facilitate effective delivery of therapeutic drugs. Main body of abstract Intranasal drug delivery (INDD) of nanoformulations has emerged as a promising approach, leveraging advantages such as a high surface area, nanoscale particle size, mucoadhesion, noninvasive administration with rapid, and greater drug bioavailability. In this, cubosomal drug delivery (DD) has emerged as a pivotal targeted drug delivery strategy, particularly in the therapy of neurological ailments. Nowadays, researchers and academicians have focused their efforts to tailor cubosomes (CBS) specifically for improving efficacy of central nervous system (CNS) therapies. Conclusion This review gives an idea about current status of neurological disorders (ND), the barriers that restricts CNS drug delivery (BBB), and possible nasal pathways of CBS for effective drug transport. A central focus is placed on intranasal (IN) cubosomal formulations for several NDs, elucidating their potential benefits while addressing existing challenges. In essence, this comprehensive review provides valuable insights into innovative approaches that hold promise for addressing the use and need of IN-CBS in the treatment of NDs.

Microneedle technology involves skin puncturing and has emerged as an innovative approach for drug delivery and cosmetic applications. MNs offer advantages over traditional injections, such as reduced pain, infection risks, and improved control of drug delivery. Cosmetic products aim to alter or enhance the appearance of the human body, while transdermal drug delivery involves administering drugs via the skin for local or systemic treatment. The use of MNs in combination with cosmetics has shown promise in improving nutrient delivery, skin healing, and penetration of cosmeceuticals. The development of microfabrication technologies has allowed the production of MNs in various sizes, shapes, and materials mainly used for loading cosmetic compounds. Clinical trial studies have explored MNs' clinical potential in drug delivery, diagnosis and administration of cosmeceuticals. The review highlights the superior efficacy of dissolving MNs in enhancing transdermal drug delivery compared to traditional methods, which are currently used by several researchers and evidenced by multiple clinical studies. The current review article compilation encompasses the microneedle in cosmetic delivery and its applications in managing various skin diseases. It differs from earlier available reviews on MNs in several aspects, novelty lies as it describes microneedle applications in cosmetics. It also focuses on recent technologies for transdermal delivery like iontophoresis, sonophoresis, magnetophoresis, electroporation, laser ablation, and jet injectors. It mainly covers the role of MNs in managing various diseases by covering case studies. It also covers challenges, commercial successes, safety measures, regulatory facts, and future perspectives of microneedles in cosmetic delivery. This article highlights the potential of MNs to revolutionize transdermal drug delivery, which will benefit various industries and patients worldwide. Furthermore, this article emphasizes the potential impact of ongoing research and commercialization of MNs.

The drug discovery and development process is very lengthy, highly expensive, and extremely complex in nature. Considering the time and cost constraints associated with conventional drug discovery, new methods must be found to enhance the declining efficiency of traditional approaches. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool that harnesses anthropomorphic knowledge and provides expedited solutions to complex challenges. Advancements in AI and machine learning (ML) techniques have revolutionized their applications to drug discovery and development. This review illuminates the profound influence of AI on diverse aspects of drug discovery, encompassing drug-target identification, molecular properties, compound analysis, drug development, quality assurance, and drug toxicity assessment. ML algorithms play an important role in testing systems and can predict important aspects such as the pharmacokinetics and toxicity of drug candidates. This review not only strengthens the theoretical foundation and development of this technology, but also explores the myriad challenges and promising prospects of AI in drug discovery and development. The combination of AI and drug discovery offers a promising strategy to overcome the challenges and complexities of the pharmaceutical industry.

Abstract Background Neurodegenerative diseases are a major health concern which requires promising drugs with appropriate drug delivery systems. The aim of the present study was development and characterization of curcumin-loaded coconut oil microemulsion (Cur-ME) and to improve the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics performance. Initially, solubility study and emulsification study were performed for preliminary screening of the components. Pseudoternary phase diagram was constructed using selected components, and composition of Cur-ME was finalized. Furthermore, in vitro drug release in vivo pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic was performed. Results The final formulation exhibited globule size less than 20 nm with PDI and zeta potential as 0.24 and −17 mV, respectively. The formulation showed more than 90% drug content with no signs of precipitation upon dilution and centrifugation. In vitro drug release revealed 2.12-fold improvement in dissolution. In vivo plasma pharmacokinetics of Cur-ME revealed twofolds and 2.48-fold improvement in AUC and Cmax, respectively, than that of Cur-Sol. In vivo pharmacokinetics in adult zebrafish revealed significant enhancement (p

Abstract Background The three-dimensional (3D) printing is paradigm shift in the healthcare sector. 3D printing is platform technologies in which complex products are developed with less number of additives. The easy development process gives edge over the conventional methods. Every individual needs specific dose treatment. ‘One size fits all’ is the current traditional approach that can shift to more individual specific in 3D printing. The present review aims to cover different perspectives regarding selection of drug, polymer and technological aspects for 3D printing. With respect to clinical practice, regulatory issue and industrial potential are also discussed in this paper. Main body The individualization of medicines with patient centric dosage form will become reality in upcoming future. It provides individual’s need of dose by considering genetic profile, physiology and diseased condition. The tailormade dosages with unique drug loading and release profile of different geometrical shapes and sizes can easily deliver therapeutic dose. The technology can fulfill growing demand of efficiency in the dose accuracy for the patient oriented sectors like pediatric, geriatric and also easy to comply with cGMP requirements of regulated market. The clinical practice can focus on prescribing each individual’s necessity of dose. Conclusion In the year 2015, FDA approved first 3D printed drug product, which is initiator in the new phase of manufacturing of pharmaceuticals. The tailormade formulations can be made in future for personalized medications. Regulatory approval from agencies can bring the 3DP product into the market. In the future, formulators can bring different sector-specific products for personalized need through 3DP pharmaceutical product. Graphical Abstract

Saraca asoca or S. asoca, belonging to the family Caesalpinaceae, is popularly known as Ashoka and is a valuable indigenous plant of traditional and pharmacological significance. With a growing number of people seeking treatments and health practices devoid of synthetic medicines' adverse effects, medicinal herbs are becoming more mainstream. Ashoka has traditionally been employed to treat dysentery, colic, piles, biliousness, dyspepsia, and ulcers and is also known to display CNS depressant activity and regulate irregular menstrual cycles. The qualitative phytoconstituents of Ashoka's leaves, flowers, fruits, and bark, such as glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, carry vast potential in therapeutic and diagnostic techniques. Formulations containing these components can efficiently exert anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-menorrhagia, anti-diabetic, anthelmintic, and analgesic activity. This review focuses on research associated with the medicinal qualities, phytochemistry, and pharmacological profile of Saraca asoca (Roxb.), De. wild.

Background: Methotrexate (MTX) blocks Methylene Tetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) Enzyme thereby, interrupt folate metabolism, it is used in the treatment of cancer and autoimmune disorders. Aim and Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship of the MTHFR polymorphisms with serum MTX concentration and its toxicity in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) patients treated with high dose MTX infusion. Material and Methods: Level of Serum MTX was measured, along with the detection of MTHFR polymorphisms viz. C677T and A1298C by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) followed by DNA sequencing. The percentages of toxicity developed in patients were calculated among the wild type and carriers for both polymorphisms and were compared between the groups. Results: The majority of patients 36 (72 %) were wild type for the C677T polymorphism and 32 (64 %) of patients were carriers for the A1298C polymorphism [48% heterozygous (AC), and 16 % homozygous (CC)]. Among 50 ALL patients studied, significant difference was noted in the genotype and allele frequencies for C677T polymorphism, while only allele frequencies differed significantly for A1298C polymorphism. The serum MTX level at 48 hours after the start of High Dose MTX (HDMTX) infusion of the C677T variant (CT) was slightly high in all four cycles however, in the first cycle, there was a significant increase in the level of MTX. There was no significant difference in the serum MTX level found in all four cycles between patients wild type and carriers for A1298C polymorphism. For A1298C polymorphism, the mean SGPT level in carriers was significantly high as compared to wild type. Conclusion: The present study concludes that patients with C667T variant had elevated serum MTX concentration at 48 hours after the start of HDMTX infusion.

Aim: To study prescribing pattern, comorbidities, and cost analysis in elderly hospitalized patients. Materials and Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted to assess the prescribing pattern, drug utilization, and cost analysis in elderly patients at a tertiary care hospital in Pune. Data of 120 patients were used to carry out the analysis. Result: A total of 120 elderly inpatients were included in the study. Of these 120 patients, 62 were male and 58 were female; among them, maximum number of patients belong to 60-74 years age group. Common comorbidities found were anemia, lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), urinary tract infection, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, etc. Mostly hospitalized patients were hypertensive (27.5%), diabetic (18.33%), and anemic (15.83%) followed by respiratory tract infections such as pulmonary Koch′s, pneumonia, and LRTI. Two comorbid conditions were found in 33.33% of patients followed by 25% with one comorbid condition and 24.16% had three comorbid conditions; on an average, three comorbidities were found in a total number of patients. Major classes of drugs prescribed for treatment were cardiovascular drugs (22.60%), antibiotic (20.13%), antiplatelet (7.26%), and antidiabetic drugs (6.43%). The average cost per patient was calculated 5016.48 international normalized ratio, which includes physician, nursing, bed charges, and therapy cost. Conclusion: This study concludes that the prescribing pattern of elderly patients with age group 60-74 years were commonly prescribed for cardiovascular drugs and antibiotic, whereas this proportion was low compared to patients with age >74 years and prescribing pattern also resulted in financial burden on patients healthcare cost.

Background: Poisoning is a significant global public health problem which leads to nearly a million deaths each year. Incidence of poisoning in India is among the highest in the world. Despite the vast number, evidence on prevalence pattern in India is yet limited. Objective: The present study aimed to characterise acute poisoning cases with respect to the demographics, effect due to time lag and treatment outcomes. Methods: The cross sectional retrospective study was conducted from January 2013 to December 2015 in government and private teaching hospitals. Results: Of all reviewed cases male over female predominance was observed. Maximum poisoning was observed in the age group 20-35 years with an increased incidence of female cases in age category 13-19 years. Household and agricultural agents (56.4%) were associated with most poisoning. Intentional poisoning was more common (53.3%) and predominant in age category 20-35 years. Maximal exposure was observed between 6 pm - 12 am. Maximum patients (77.6%) responded to the therapy given while 12.6% absconded, took discharge against medical advice or were referred to another hospital. The mortality rate was 9.6% with male predominance. Conclusion: The study concludes that the burden of poisoning demands strategies for prevention, identification and rational management providing optimal treatment outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Ciclopirox olamine (CPO) is indicated in the treatment of vaginal fungal infections. The frequent and large dosing of available vaginal CPO creams gives rise to poor compliance amongst females. In such a situation a delivery system capable of providing sustained release of CPO is warranted and can be realized through incorporation of its liposomal formulation into a mucoadhesive gel base. The liposomal formulation would offer sustained release whereas mucoadhesive gel would prolong the contact with vaginal wall; thus avoiding frequent and large dosing. Objective: The present study aimed at investigating mucoadhesive liposomal CPO gel for vaginal use. Method: The study embarked on evaluating liposomal CPO and its Carbopol 974®P gel for stability at vaginal pH, release profile, rheological characteristics, mucoadhesive behavior and finally antifungal activity. Results: The results revealed that CPO liposomes were stable at vaginal pH; its Carbopol gel released 58.75 ± 6.4% of CPO at the end of 24 h which suggested sustained release. Rheology via viscometric, oscillatory stress sweep and oscillatory frequency sweep testing of the gel, studied at different temperatures and under different dilutions with vaginal fluid simulant testified pseudoplastic behavior of the gel. It also pointed towards the predominance of elastic behavior of the gel at all the dilutions. The gel exhibited good mucoadhesivity to sheep vaginal tissue. Furthermore, CPO entrapped in liposome too displayed antifungal activity. Conclusion: The study undertaken recommended Carbopol 974®P gel loaded with CPO liposomes as a potential delivery system for treatment of fungal vaginal infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]