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Quercetin is the major polyphenolic flavonoid that belongs to the class called flavanols. It is found in many foods, such as green tea, cranberry, apple, onions, asparagus, radish leaves, buckwheat, blueberry, broccoli, and coriander. It occurs in many different forms, but the most abundant quercetin derivatives are glycosides and ethers, namely, Quercetin 3-O-glycoside, Quercetin 3-sulfate, Quercetin 3-glucuronide, and Quercetin 3′-metylether. Quercetin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, antiviral, and antibacterial effects. It is found to be beneficial against cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, neuro-degenerative diseases, allergy asthma, peptic ulcers, osteoporosis, arthritis, and eye disorders. In pre-clinical and clinical investigations, its impacts on various signaling pathways and molecular targets have demonstrated favorable benefits for the activities mentioned above, and some global clinical trials have been conducted to validate its therapeutic profile. It is also utilized as a nutraceutical due to its pharmacological properties. Although quercetin has several pharmacological benefits, its clinical use is restricted due to its poor water solubility, substantial first-pass metabolism, and consequent low bioavailability. To circumvent this limited bioavailability, a quercetin-based nanoformulation has been considered in recent times as it manifests increased quercetin uptake by the epithelial system and enhances the delivery of quercetin to the target site. This review mainly focuses on pharmacological action, clinical trials, patents, marketed products, and approaches to improving the bioavailability of quercetin with the use of a nanoformulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis, due to its unique pathological manifestations and the limited success of existing therapeutic modalities, demands dedicated domain research. Our group has developed nanotherapeutics consisting of bioactives such as Thymoquinone (TQ) and Fulvic acid (FA), which have been successfully incorporated into a Nanoemulsion gel (NEG), taking kalonji oil as oil phase. The composition is aimed at ameliorating psoriasis with better therapeutic outcomes. TQ is a natural bio-active that has been linked to anti-psoriatic actions. FA has anti-inflammatory actions due to its free radical and oxidant-scavenging activity. Our previous publication reports the formulation development of the NEG, where we overcame the pharmaco-technical limitations of combining the above two natural bioactives. In vitro evaluation of the optimized NEG was carried out, which showed an enhanced dissolution rate and skin permeation of TQ. This work furthers the pharmaceutical progression of dual-targeted synergistic NEG to treat psoriasis. A suitable animal model, BALB/c mice, has been used to conduct the in vivo studies, which revealed the effective anti-psoriatic action of TQ. Molecular docking studies corroborated the results and revealed a good binding affinity for both the targets of TNF-α (Tumor necrosis factor) and IL-6 (Interlukin-6). Tissue uptake by Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), a skin interaction study of the gel formulation, and an antioxidant free radical scavenging assay (1-1 Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl DPPH) were also carried out. It was concluded that the NEG may be effective in treating psoriasis with minimal side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on biofilm-related infections are gaining prominence owing to their involvement in most clinical infections and seriously threatening global public health. A biofilm is a natural form of bacterial growth ubiquitous in ecological niches, considered to be a generic survival mechanism adopted by both pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms and entailing heterogeneous cell development within the matrix. In the ecological niche, quorum sensing is a communication channel that is crucial to developing biofilms. Biofilm formation leads to increased resistance to unfavourable ecological effects, comprising resistance to antibiotics and antimicrobial agents. Biofilms are frequently combated with modern conventional medicines such as antibiotics, but at present, they are considered inadequate for the treatment of multi-drug resistance; therefore, it is vital to discover some new antimicrobial agents that can prevent the production and growth of biofilm, in addition to minimizing the side effects of such therapies. In the search for some alternative and safe therapies, natural plant-derived phytomedicines are gaining popularity among the research community. Phytomedicines are natural agents derived from natural plants. These plant-derived agents may include flavonoids, terpenoids, lectins, alkaloids, polypeptides, polyacetylenes, phenolics, and essential oils. Since they are natural agents, they cause minimal side effects, so could be administered with dose flexibility. It is vital to discover some new antimicrobial agents that can control the production and growth of biofilms. This review summarizes and analyzes the efficacy characteristics and corresponding mechanisms of natural-product-based antibiofilm agents, i.e., phytochemicals, biosurfactants, antimicrobial peptides, and their sources, along with their mechanism, quorum sensing signalling pathways, disrupting extracellular matrix adhesion. The review also provides some other strategies to inhibit biofilm-related illness. The prepared list of newly discovered natural antibiofilm agents could help in devising novel strategies for biofilm-associated infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) (CR) is a popular herb and is medically lauded for ameliorating myriad symptoms associated with menopause. However, its pharmaceutical limitations and non-availability of a patient-compliant drug delivery approach have precluded its prevalent use. Henceforth, the current research premise is aimed at developing an ethosomal gel incorporating triterpene enriched fraction (TEF) obtained from CR and evaluating its effectiveness through the transdermal application. TEF-loaded ethosomes were formulated using solvent injection, optimized and characterised. The optimized ethosomes were then dispersed into a polymeric gel base to form ethosomal gel which was further compared with the conventional gel by in-vitro and ex-vivo experiments. Here, the quality by design (QbD) approach was exploited for the optimization and development of ethosomal gel. The elements of QbD comprising initial risk assessment, design of experimentation (DoE), and model validation for the development of formulation have all been described in detail. The optimized ethosomes (F03) showed a nanometric size range, negative zeta potential and good entrapment. The in vitro release profile of gel revealed a burst release pattern following the Korsmeyer Peppas model having Fickian diffusion. The transdermal flux of ethosomal gel was observed to be more than that of conventional gel. Texture analysis and rheological characterization of the gel, revealed good strength showing shear thinning and pseudoplastic behaviour. The confocal microscope investigation revealed the deeper skin permeation of ethosomal gel than conventional gel. This result was further strengthened by DSC, IR and histological assessment of the animal skin (Wistar rat), treated with the optimized formulation. Conclusively, the implementation of QbD in the formulation resulted in a better understanding of the process and the product. It aids in the reduction of product variability and defects, hence improving product development efficiencies. Additionally, the ethosomal gel was found to be a more effective and successful carrier for TEF than the conventional gel through the transdermal route. Moreover, this demands an appropriate animal study, which is underway, for a stronger outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the successful commercial exploitation of 3D printing technology, the advanced version of additive manufacturing, i.e., 4D printing, has been a new buzz in the technology-driven industries since 2013. It is a judicious combination of 3D printing technologies and smart materials (stimuli responsive), where time is the fourth dimension. Materials such as liquid crystal elastomer (LCE), shape memory polymers, alloys and composites exhibiting properties such as self–assembling and self-healing are used in the development/manufacturing of these products, which respond to external stimuli such as solvent, temperature, light, etc. The technologies being used are direct ink writing (DIW), fused filament fabrication (FFF), etc. It offers several advantages over 3D printing and has been exploited in different sectors such as healthcare, textiles, etc. Some remarkable applications of 4D printing technology in healthcare are self-adjusting stents, artificial muscle and drug delivery applications. Potential of applications call for further research into more responsive materials and technologies in this field. The given review is an attempt to collate all the information pertaining to techniques employed, raw materials, applications, clinical trials, recent patents and publications specific to healthcare products. The technology has also been evaluated in terms of regulatory perspectives. The data garnered is expected to make a strong contribution to the field of technology for human welfare and healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present investigation, a nanoemulgel of minocycline was formulated and optimized for an improved drug delivery and longer retention time in the targeted area. Combining eucalyptus oil, Tween 20, and Transcutol HP, different o/w nanoemulsions were formulated by the oil phase titration method and optimized by pseudo-ternary phase diagrams. The morphology, droplet size, viscosity, and refractive index of the thermodynamically stable nanoemulsion were determined. Furthermore, optimized nanoemulsion was suspended in 1.0% w/v of Carbopol 940 gel to formulate the nanoemulgel, and for this, pH, viscosity, and spreadability were determined and texture analysis was performed. To compare the extent of drug penetration between nanoemulsion and nanoemulgel, ex vivo skin permeation studies were conducted with Franz diffusion cell using rat skin as the permeation membrane, and the nanoemulgel exhibited sustained-release behavior. It can be concluded that the suggested minocycline-containing naoemulgel is expected to treat acne rosacea more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resveratrol (RVT) is a well known phyto-chemical and is widely used in dietary supplements and botanical products. It shows a wide range of pharmacological/beneficial effects. Therefore, it can be a potential candidate to be developed as phyto-pharmaceutical. Multiple diseases are reported to be treated by the therapeutic effect of RVT since it has antioxidant, anti-cancer activity and anti-inflammatory activities. It also has a major role in diabetes, arthritis, cardiac disorder and platelet aggregation etc. The major requirements are establishments regarding safety, efficacy profile and physicochemical characterization. As it is already being consumed in variable maximum daily dose, there should not be a major safety concern but the dose needs to be established for different indications. Clinical trials are also being reported in different parts of the world. Physicochemical properties of the moiety are also well reported. Moreover, due to its beneficial effect on health it leads to the development of some intellectual property in the form of patents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women's health is an imminent concern worldwide, but it remains an ignored segment of research in most developing countries, and is yet to take the center stage in even developed nations. Some exclusive female health concerns revolve around both pathological and physiological aspects. These gender-specific maladies include breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers, and physiological concerns such as menopause and osteoporosis, which are often coexistent. Recently, women's health issues, including postmenopausal syndrome, have attracted the attention of researchers and practitioners alike, opening newer pharmaceutical research and clinical avenues. Although not counted as a disease, postmenopausal syndrome (PMS) is a female health phenomenon underpinned by hormonal depletion. Enhanced life expectancy in women has added to their suffering, and pharmacological interventions are needed. Amongst the available treatment modalities, the use of numerous botanicals has emerged as an efficient health management tool for women. Cimicifuga racemosa (CR or Black Cohosh) is a plant/herb which has been traditionally exploited and extensively used by women. This review is an attempt to compile and provide a summary of the importance of CR in complementary and alternative therapies for the improvement of various disorders related to women, such as menopausal syndrome, mammary cancer, and osteoporosis. It aims to systematically highlight the bioactive constituents, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic potentials, quality control processes, chromatographic techniques, and possible mechanisms of action of clinically effective phytomedicine for women's health. Various clinical trials and patents relating to CR and women's health have been collated. Furthermore, the plant and its related products have been considered from a regulatory perspective to reveal its commercial feasibility. The present review summarizes the existing data on CR focusing on women's health, which can help to introduce this traditional phytomedicine to the world and provide some reference for future drug development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontitis, a major oral disease, affects a vast majority of the population but has been often ignored without realizing its long-fetched effects on overall human health. A realization in recent years of its association with severe diseases such as carditis, low birth weight babies, and preeclampsia has instigated dedicated research in this area. In the arena of periodontal medicines, the studies of past decades suggest a link between human periodontal afflictions and certain systemic disorders such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, respiratory disorders, preterm birth, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. Although, the disease appears as a locoregional infection, the periodontal pathogens, in addition their metabolic products and systemic mediators, receive access to the bloodstream, thereby contributing to the development of systemic disorders. Mechanism-based insights into the disease pathogenesis and association are highly relevant and shall be useful in avoiding any systemic complications. This review presents an update of the mechanisms and relationships between chronic periodontal infection and systemic disorders. Attention is also given to highlighting the incidence in support of this relationship. In addition, an attempt is made to propose the various periodonto-therapeutic tools to apprise the readers about the availability of appropriate treatment for the disease at the earliest stage without allowing it to progress and cause systemic adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While melanoma remains a challenge for oncologists, possibilities are being continuously explored to fight resistant metastatic melanoma more effectively. Eugenol is reported to inhibit survivin protein in breast cancer cells. Survivin is also overexpressed by melanoma cells, and is known to impart resistance to them against chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. To be able to fight resistant melanoma, we formulated hyaluronic acid (HA)-coated liposomes loaded with an effective combination of anti-melanoma agents (Dacarbazine and Eugenol), using a solvent injection method. Quality-by-Design (QbD) was applied to optimize and obtain a final formulation with the desired quality attributes, and within an acceptable size range. The optimized formulation was then subjected to performance analysis in cell lines. Coated-Dacarbazine Eugenol Liposomes were found to possess 95.08% cytotoxicity at a dacarbazine concentration of 0.5 µg/mL, while Dacarbazine Solution showed only 10.20% cytotoxicity at the same concentration. The number of late apoptotic cells was also found to be much higher (45.16% vs. 8.43%). Furthermore, migration assay and proliferation study also revealed significantly higher inhibition of cell migration and proliferation by Coated-Dacarbazine Eugenol Liposomes, signifying its potential against metastasis. Thus, surface-functionalized dacarbazine- and eugenol-loaded liposomes hold great promise against resistant and aggressive metastatic melanoma, with much less unwanted cytotoxicity and reduced doses of the chemotherapeutic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work aimed to re-assess the bioavailability enhancement potential of fulvic acid (FA). Carbamazepine (CBZ) and peat were used as a model drug and FA source, respectively. Our group has already evaluated the bioavailability enhancement potential of a less commercially viable source of FA, i.e., shilajit. In the present work, the phase solubility of CBZ was analyzed with varying concentrations of peat-sourced FA (2–12% w/v). The prepared complex (CBZ-FA) was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Dissolution, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic studies were also carried out. The results showed the presence of an interaction between the drug and FA within the complex, which led to 98.99 ± 2.0% enhancement in drug solubility. The results also showed 79.23 ± 2.1% dissolution of the complexed drug over 60 min and 69.32 ± 2.2% permeation from the intestinal gut sac over 90 min, which led to a significant enhancement of bioavailability and a reduction in the duration of epileptic seizures. Thus, this study re-authenticates our earlier results and suggests switching the FA source (shilajit to peat) for commercial product development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the successful commercial exploitation of 3D printing technology, the advanced version of additive manufacturing, i.e., 4D printing, has been a new buzz in the technology-driven industries since 2013. It is a judicious combination of 3D printing technologies and smart materials (stimuli responsive), where time is the fourth dimension. Materials such as liquid crystal elastomer (LCE), shape memory polymers, alloys and composites exhibiting properties such as self-assembling and self-healing are used in the development/manufacturing of these products, which respond to external stimuli such as solvent, temperature, light, etc. The technologies being used are direct ink writing (DIW), fused filament fabrication (FFF), etc. It offers several advantages over 3D printing and has been exploited in different sectors such as healthcare, textiles, etc. Some remarkable applications of 4D printing technology in healthcare are self-adjusting stents, artificial muscle and drug delivery applications. Potential of applications call for further research into more responsive materials and technologies in this field. The given review is an attempt to collate all the information pertaining to techniques employed, raw materials, applications, clinical trials, recent patents and publications specific to healthcare products. The technology has also been evaluated in terms of regulatory perspectives. The data garnered is expected to make a strong contribution to the field of technology for human welfare and healthcare.