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Physalis minima (Fam. Solanaceae) is well known (local name: Pokmou) ethno-medicinal plant in north-east part of India. Traditional knowledge claimed that aerial parts of this plant has medicinal values like antiulcer, anti inflammatory, antimalarial, antidiabetic, antimicrobial etc but there are lack of scientific evidence to support these properties. The aim of study is to established standard monograph of the root of Physalis minima and also evaluate antibacterial property from root extracts against selected Gram (+ve) (S. aureus) and Gram (–ve) (E. coli) bacteria strains by agar disc diffusion method. Morphological study revealed that root is tap root, greyish white in colour, slightly sweet taste. Microscopic evaluation showed the presence of phelloderm, cambium, medullary rays across the xylem and phloem, starch grains. Physicochemical parameters were found to be within limit. Different extracts have shown the existence of metabolites viz. Alkaloids, steroids, tannin, flavonoids. Phytoconstituents like flavonoid, phenolic and tannin were quantified. Pet ether and ethanol extracts at 5mg/ml concentration showed remarkable zone of inhibition against Gram (+ve) and Gram (–ve) microorganism. Recent study suggests standardized Physalis minima root contains bioactive compounds mainly flavonoids, tannins possess significant antibacterial potential against both Gram (+ve) and Gram (–ve) microorganism.

Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) is an inflammation of the conjunctiva due to allergens that come in contact with the eye. Seasonal AC and perennial AC are the most commonly encountered subtypes. Each can be identified by itching, tearing, and swelling or inflammation of the eye, and these symptoms can contribute to decreased quality of life for patients. Many patients will seek symptomatic relief with topical ophthalmic formulations. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians should be familiar with the clinical presentation of AC to best recommend appropriate treatments for AC. This review illustrates counseling interactions between a patient and a pharmacist to provide a clear understanding about recommending over-the-counter treatment options for patients. Effective communication is a cornerstone for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to optimize patient management and relay vital information for the management of AC, such as assisting patients with therapies that can help provide relief of symptoms.

In the Hubei region of China, a pneumonia outbreak occurred in December 2019, which was confirmed to be caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). It quickly became known as Coronavirus Disease 2019 or simply COVID-19, a pandemic that continues to devastate countries across the world. Through this COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacists across the globe have continued to offer direct patient care and provided frontline service to society. However, while the frontline staff is heralded, they are relegated to the background and overlooked most of the time. The most reachable healthcare providers are pharmacists because they can provide direct medical services despite tight regulations and restrictions related to the pandemic. During this pandemic, the involvement of pharmacists to handle COVID-19 and its complications proved to be crucial in alleviating the burden on the already strained healthcare system. They have provided very important services such as distributing medications to patients, encouraging adherence to medications for better control of chronic diseases, consulting on minor illnesses, clarifying myths regarding COVID-19, and contributing to COVID-19 screening. The treatment or management of COVID-19 was based on initial findings but is now being updated several times based on viral mutation, different studies across the globe, etc. This review focuses on recent clinical updates and tools that would help pharmacists with a more systematic approach to properly handling COVID-19 and its complications.