Recent Trends in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

Formulation and Evaluation of Topical Poly Herbal Gel Consisting of Natural Antimicrobials for the Activity against Acne Vulgaris

Nabamita Sen — 2023-11-16

The purpose of this research paper is to find out which effective antibacterial substances are in different herbs and their use in acne vulgaris and hyperpigmentation. Herbal gel with four herbs mainly including Azadiracta indica, Hibiscus rosa sinesis, Piper Betle and Aloe barbadensis was formulated with a base gel. Two formulations were prepared and evaluated for pH, dispersibility, detergency, and zone of inhibition. Preliminary phytochemical evaluations of the extracts were performed according to the standard procedures. Later antimicrobial activity of the individual extracts and polyherbal gel was determined by the cup plate method. Phytochemical tests showed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, etc. A strong antibacterial effect was found for a polyherbal gel compared with individual extracts against acne vulgaris. Synergistic interaction between secondary plant metabolites present in each extract might be responsible for the better antimicrobial activity of the polyherbal gel.

A Review of Hair Anatomy and Animal Models for Alopecia

Sree Lakshmi N. — 2023-10-12

Hair is part of the integumentary system and it sits in the hair follicle, which extends into the skin. Hair serves several functions, including protecting the skin and regulating body temperature. Understanding the hair growth cycle is crucial as it is a complex process that involves four distinct phases: Anagen, Catagen, Telogen, and Exogen. These phases are regulated by various factors, such as hormones and genetics. An imbalance in the hair growth cycle can lead to hair loss or Alopecia, Various etiological factors cause hair loss; these include genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, medication, poor diet intake, smoking and environmental factors. In general, alopecia classified into Alopecia areata, Androgenic alopecia, Alopecia universalis, Involutional alopecia, Telogen effluvium, Trichotillomania, and Scarring alopecia. Several animal models have been utilized to study the pathophysiology of Alopecia. These models include mice, and rats similar to human hair and physiology used to study the pathway of Alopecia. Based on the type of Alopecia, animal models differ as androgenic Alopecia occurs due to testosterone sensitivity or due to the Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) hormone, chemotherapy-induced alopecia and alopecia areata by using transgenic animals and C3H/HeJ mice models. The present review provides insight into the anatomy and physiology of the hair and utilizes animal models which can aid in developing new treatment approaches for Alopecia.

Pharmacist Involvement in Mental Health Treatment

S. Prathamesh Ithape — 2023-10-18

Mental health disorders constitute a significant public health concern, with a growing recognition of the need for integrated, comprehensive approaches to their management and treatment. Pharmacists, as essential members of the healthcare team, have a unique opportunity to contribute to the care of patients with mental health conditions. This review critically examines the multifaceted role of pharmacists in mental health treatment, encompassing their involvement in medication management, patient education, and collaborative care models. Pharmacists play a pivotal role in ensuring the safe and effective use of psychotropic medications, offering expertise in drug selection, dosing, monitoring, and assessing medication adherence. Their involvement in medication reconciliation and management of drug interactions can significantly enhance patient safety and optimize treatment outcomes. Moreover, pharmacists can provide valuable education to patients and caregivers regarding medication adherence, potential side effects, and strategies for managing adverse reactions, thereby promoting medication compliance and improving overall treatment efficacy. Furthermore, the integration of pharmacists within collaborative care teams has demonstrated promising outcomes in the delivery of holistic mental health services. Through their interdisciplinary collaboration, pharmacists facilitate effective communication among healthcare providers, enabling comprehensive treatment planning and the identification of potential pharmacotherapeutic interventions. This collaborative approach fosters a patient- centered care model, emphasizing the importance of individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs and preferences. Additionally, the expanding role of pharmacists in mental health screenings, early intervention initiatives, and community-based support programs serves to promote mental health awareness and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. By actively engaging with patients and communities, pharmacists contribute to the development of accessible mental health services and resources, thereby fostering a more inclusive and supportive healthcare environment.

History, Challenges, Pharmacology and Safety Perspectives of Anti-Obesity Medications

Leena Yadav — 2023-07-10

Obesity is a complex, chronic condition that has grown pandemic in most developed nations and poses a threat to spread globally. Body weight over a body mass index (BMI) of 27 and an increase in waist circumference both increase the risk of illness and death (as an index of visceral localization of fat). Patients who are obese are more likely to develop coronary artery disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, certain malignancies, cerebrovascular accidents, osteoarthritis, restrictive pulmonary disease, and sleep apnea. Improvements have been made in the last half-century in the treatment of diseases including high blood pressure, diabetes in adults, and high cholesterol that are associated to obesity. The realization that obesity is a chronic, complex condition that responds poorly to existing therapy modalities (diet, exercise, and behavior) has sparked resurgence in interest in medication usage. Obesity treatment, however, has proven challenging, with anti-obesity medications (AOMs) often falling short of their promises and creating safety concerns. In this post, we provide a high-level overview of AOM's development, outlining significant steps along the way and describing some of the obstacles that still need to be solved. Recent advances, such a better understanding of the molecular gut-brain interface, have fueled the quest for next-generation AOMs that show promise in generating significant and long-lasting weight loss without sacrificing patient safety.

A Review on Correlation of Obesity and Alzheimer- Perspective Study

Vivek Kumar Tiwari — 2023-08-08

Due to excessive consumption of saturated fats, inactivity, or a sedentary lifestyle, obesity is a widespread health issue that is getting worse around the world. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is caused due to breakdown of amyloid precursor protein to secretase; aggregation and hyperphosphorylation of tau are additional causes that result in NTFs. Over the past couple of decades, cases of dementia, or in more advanced terms, Alzheimer's, have elevated in middle-aged individuals and primarily in the elderly population. We go through the relationship between obesity as well as the pathology of AD in this review. Key elements that are thought to contribute to the development of obesity-induced AD are extensively examined. The impact of a high-calorie food on the brain, the function of insulin, processes through which insulin resistance develops are all examined. Leptin's function in the brain and its resistance, as well as molecular factors including mitochondrial dysfunction, the production of inflammasomes, and the roles of peripheral and central tenderness in the development of obesity-induced AD, are all examined. However, some believe that to be a contentious issue and to determine the specific situation, more investigation is required.