Journal of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance and Quality Control

Herbal Alternatives for Managing Depression: Mechanisms and Efficacy

Abdesh Arvind — 2023-12-07

Depressive disorder, commonly known as depression, is a prevalent and often debilitating mental health condition. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities. Depression is a leading cause of disability in adults, with treatment options primarily consisting of psychotherapy and pharmaceutical interventions. However, the adverse effects associated with conventional antidepressants can lead to treatment non-adherence in a significant proportion of patients. This paper reviews the symptoms, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and standard treatments for depression, including various classes of antidepressant medications and their associated adverse events. It highlights the urgent need for alternative therapies, particularly in cases where conventional treatment proves ineffective. In recent years, herbal medicines have gained attention as potential options for managing depression. This review explores the therapeutic agents used in the treatment of depression, such as curcumin, carvacrol, resveratrol, ferulic acid, and proanthocyanins. These natural compounds have demonstrated promising antidepressant effects in preclinical studies, with mechanisms of action involving the regulation of the HPA axis, modulation of monoamine neurotransmitters, and promotion of neurogenesis and neurotropic factors. The paper discusses the bioavailability and absorption challenges of these herbal compounds and proposes innovative delivery methods to enhance their effectiveness. For instance, buccal delivery has shown promise in increasing the absorption of resveratrol, improving its bioavailability. In conclusion, this review emphasizes the growing body of scientific evidence supporting the use of herbal alternatives in managing depression. These phytochemicals offer potential benefits in addressing depressive symptoms through multiple mechanisms, including neuroprotection and neurogenesis. As research in this field continues to evolve, herbal treatments may provide a valuable adjunct or alternative to traditional therapies for individuals struggling with depression, particularly in cases of treatment resistance or intolerance to standard medications.

Royal Jelly: From Queen Bee’s Armamentarium to Applications for Mankind

Nidhi Pandey — 2023-07-10

It is the yellowish-white, acidic fluid known as royal jelly (RJ) that is secreted by the hypopharyngeal and mandibular glands of nursing bees and supplied to growing worker larvae during the first three days and for the length of the queen bee's life. RJ is a prized and revered natural material that has been utilized for centuries in alternative medicine, nutritional supplements, and beauty products all around the globe. As the most studied bee product, researchers have been able to learn more about its bioactivities such as antibacterial, antioxidant, antiaging, immunomodulatory, and general tonic action in clinical trials, microbiological organisms, farm animals, and laboratory animals. It is often used in the treatment of many different diseases and conditions, including diabetes mellitus, CVD, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, etc. The recent advances focus on research on the primary bioactive constituents of RJ, including peptides, fatty acids, phenolics, proteins, etc. to gain a thorough knowledge of biology, biochemistry, and therapeutics to the benefit of life and promote people's health.

Advanced Molecular Mechanisms of Epilepsy

Bandaru Chandana — 2023-12-07

The Central Nervous System (CNS) is a complex network composed of the cerebral cortex and the vertebral column, orchestrating intricate processes through neural networks and chemical regulation. Neurotransmission in the CNS involves neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, neuromediators, and neurotropic factors, playing distinct roles in cellular activity and synaptic plasticity. Various neurotransmitters such as dopamine, glutamate, GABA, glycine, serotonin, and others exert diverse effects on the CNS through specific receptors, influencing synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability. GABA, the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, acts via GABA-A and GABA-B receptors, modulating Cl-ion channels and second messenger systems, impacting seizure activity and CNS function. Epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by abnormal brain activity leading to recurrent seizures, results from an imbalance between excitatory (glutamate) and inhibitory (GABA) systems. The pathophysiology involves neuronal hyperexcitability, disrupted ion channels, and neurotransmitter imbalances, leading to seizures with varying symptoms and severity. The etiology of epilepsy encompasses genetic predisposition, head injuries, brain disorders, infections, prenatal injuries, and developmental disorders. Treatment options include medications, surgery, brain stimulation therapies, and dietary interventions like the ketogenic diet Understanding the mechanisms underlying epilepsy involves exploring neurotransmitter interactions, ion channel dynamics, and neuroendocrine modulation. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and steroid hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen, play roles in seizure susceptibility, offering potential avenues for therapeutic intervention. In conclusion, unravelling the complexities of the CNS and epilepsy involves deciphering intricate neural pathways, neurotransmitter functions, and hormonal influences. Developing targeted therapies that modulate these intricate systems may offer promising approaches for managing epilepsy and related neurological conditions.

Quality Control and Standardization of Herbal Products

S. Prathamesh Ithape — 2023-11-23

Quality control and standardization play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, efficacy, and consistency of herbal products. The increasing global demand for herbal medicines necessitates the establishment of stringent regulatory measures and standardized protocols to address concerns about variable composition and quality. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the significance of implementing robust quality control measures and standardized procedures in the production, processing, and distribution of herbal products. Various analytical techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy are discussed in terms of their roles in assessing the chemical composition and identifying bioactive compounds within herbal formulations. Additionally, the paper emphasizes the importance of adhering to good agricultural and collection practices (GACP) to ensure the quality and sustainability of raw materials. Furthermore, it underscores the necessity of complying with current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) to ensure the consistency and safety of herbal products throughout their lifecycle. The review highlights the significance of regulatory frameworks and quality assurance certifications in promoting consumer confidence and enhancing the global marketability of herbal products. The role of international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in setting global standards and guidelines for the quality control and standardization of herbal products is also discussed. In conclusion, the integration of stringent quality control measures, standardized protocols, and regulatory frameworks is imperative to ensure the safety, efficacy, and reliability of herbal products. By fostering transparency and accountability within the herbal industry, consumers can make informed decisions, and healthcare practitioners can confidently incorporate herbal medicines into mainstream healthcare systems, thereby contributing to the promotion of public health and the advancement of evidence-based herbal medicine.

Carotenoids: Sources, Chemistry, Health Benefits and Role in Drug Discovery

Vani Mamillapalli — 2023-12-11

Carotenoids are thought to offer advantages in age-related illnesses, including protection against some types of cancer (especially lung cancer), strokes, macular degeneration, and cataracts. There are 600 identified carotenoids as of now, and 50 of them are consumed in humans to produce the vital nutrient vitamin A. They are obtained from various sources like plants, animals, and microbes such as algae, fungi, and bacteria. They constitute various colored pigments especially in plants and offer different roles in plant body as well as health benefits in humans. Plasma lipoproteins transport carotenoids, which are metabolised by an oxidative rupture to retinal, retinoic acid, and trace amounts of breakdown metabolites. While xanthophyll’s have an unchanging distribution between low-density lipoproteins and high-density lipoproteins, carotenes have a strong association with low-density lipoproteins. The current review offers insight into the occurrence, chemistry, biosynthesis, metabolism, and role of different carotenoids in human health in combating various disease conditions.