Component Of Medicine Research Articles

Selective Electrochemical Detection of Thymoquinone in Black Cumin Using Titanium Oxide-Modified Graphite Paste Electrode

Thymoquinone, a significant component in medicine and the spice industry due to its potent antioxidant properties, is the focus of this paper. The development of a titanium oxide-modified graphite paste electrode is presented for the detection of thymoquinone in black cumin. The electrochemical characteristics of the thymoquinone molecule were explored in a 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution of pH of 6. The modified graphite paste electrode exhibits excellent linearity across the concentration range of 0.1-200 [Formula: see text]M with limit of detection is 0.02 [Formula: see text]M. The developed electrode exhibits commendable repeatability, reproducibility and exceptional sensitivity towards thymoquinone. The separation of various concentrations of thymoquinone samples such as Mousumi, Priya Gold, Sunrise and DNV using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with the Separability Index (SI) of 67.89 utilized to differentiate between different thymoquinone concentrations.

A Naphthoquinoline-Dione-Based Cu2+ Sensing Probe with Visible Color Change and Fluorescence Quenching in an Aqueous Organic Solution.

Copper metal ions (Cu2+) are widely used in various industries, and their salts are used as supplementary components in agriculture and medicine. As this metal ion is associated with various health issues, it is necessary to detect and monitor it in environmental and biological samples. In the present report, we synthesized a naphthoquinoline-dione-based probe 1 containing three ester groups to investigate its ability to detect metal ions in an aqueous solution. Among various metal ions, probe 1 showed a vivid color change from yellow to colorless in the presence of Cu2+, as observed by the naked eye. The ratiometric method using the absorbance ratio (A413/A476) resulted in a limit of detection (LOD) of 1 µM for Cu2+. In addition, the intense yellow-green fluorescence was quenched upon the addition of Cu2+, resulting in a calculated LOD of 5 nM. Thus, probe 1 has the potential for dual response toward Cu2+ detection through color change and fluorescence quenching. 1H-NMR investigation and density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate 1:1 binding of the metal ion to the small cavity of the probe comprising four functional groups: the carbonyl group of the amide (O), the amino group (N), and two t-butyl ester groups (O). When adsorbed onto various solid surfaces, such as cotton, silica, and filter paper, the probe showed effective detection of Cu2+ via fluorescence quenching. Probe 1 was also useful for Cu2+ sensing in environmental samples (sea and drain water) and biological samples (live HeLa cells).

Personal journeys to and in human genetics and dysmorphology.

Genetics has become a critical component of medicine over the past five to six decades. Alongside genetics, a relatively new discipline, dysmorphology, has also begun to play an important role in providing critically important diagnoses to individuals and families. Both have become indispensable to unraveling rare diseases. Almost every medical specialty relies on individuals experienced in these specialties to provide diagnoses for patients who present themselves to other doctors. Additionally, both specialties have become reliant on molecular geneticists to identify genes associated with human disorders. Many of the medical geneticists, dysmorphologists, and molecular geneticists traveled a circuitous route before arriving at the position they occupied. The purpose of collecting the memoirs contained in this article was to convey to the reader that many of the individuals who contributed to the advancement of genetics and dysmorphology since the late 1960s/early 1970s traveled along a journey based on many chances taken, replying to the necessities they faced along the way before finding full enjoyment in the practice of medical and human genetics or dysmorphology. Additionally, and of equal importance, all exhibited an ability to evolve with their field of expertise as human genetics became human genomics with the development of novel technologies.

Calcium, Phosphorus, and Vitamin D Levels in a Series of Cystic Fibrosis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a monogenic disease with different types of mutations that mainly affect the respiratory-digestive system. Calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and vitamin D (Vit-D) are essential nutrients for maintaining adequate growth and development, as well as key components in crucial metabolic pathways. Proper diagnosis, treatment, and response are decisive components of precision medicine. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate Ca, P, and Vit-D levels along with health and nutritional indicators, regarding their non-skeletal functions, in a series of CF patients. Anthropometric and clinical evaluation, biochemical analysis, dietary survey, and respiratory and pancreatic status were performed. Even though the results showed that all patients had normal dietary and serum Ca levels, 47% of patients had deficient Vit-D intake, 53% of patients had hypovitaminosis D, 35% had insufficient Vit-D levels, 18% had hypophosphatemia, 76% had elevated alkaline phosphate levels, 29% had hypercalciuria, and 65% had hyperphosphaturia. There were no significant differences between homozygous and compound heterozygous patients. Ca, P, and Vit-D levels were associated with body mass index; body composition; physical activity; diet; growth hormones; and the immune, liver, and kidney systems. We suggest a periodically evaluation of Ca and P losses.

Identification and Characterization of the Chemical Constituents of Qianlie Shule Capsules by UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS.

The Qianlie Shule capsule is a classical Chinese medicine compound preparation frequently used in therapeutic settings to alleviate astringent pain in the urethra, prostatic hypertrophy, and chronic prostatitis or urinary frequency. However, a comprehensive analysis of the chemical composition of Qianlie Shule capsules has not been reported. To establish a quick and effective analytical method based on hybrid quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS) for the identification and characterization of chemical components in Qianlie Shule capsules. Using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with hybrid quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry and data post-processing, the samples of Qianlie Shule capsules were examined. First, the whole extract of the Qianlie Shule capsules was separated using a UPLC machine, and the fragmentation data were collected in both positive and negative ion mode. The target molecule is then quickly identified by comparing the fragmentation information of the neutral loss (NLs) and characteristic fragments (CFs) reported in the literature. A total of 145 chemical components were identified. It includes flavonoids, triterpenoids, phenylpropanoids, organic acids, alkaloids, phenylethanoids, iridoids, and anthraquinones. This study is a method for the rapid qualitative analysis of the chemical composition of Qianlie Shule capsules, which provides a method for the rapid, sensitive, and high-throughput identification of the prescription components of Chinese medicine. Systematic identification of the chemical composition of QLSL capsules provides a theoretical basis for studying the substance basis of QLSL capsules and the improvement of the quality control level.

Preparation process selection of presonalized traditional Chinese medicine concentrated watered pills containing heat-unstable components

In the process of preparing presonalized concentrated watered pills, the decoction needs to be concentrated by heat and mixed with medicinal slices or powder to prepare a wet mass. However, some of the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) components are easily decomposed or transformed by heat. In order to optimize the preparation process of presonalized TCM concentrated watered pills and reduce the loss of heat-unstable components in prescriptions, this study uses five compound TCM prescriptions containing heat-unstable components as model prescriptions, namely the Linggui Zhugan Formula, Xiaochengqi Formula, Sanpian Formula, Xiaoer Qixing Formula, and Xiaoyao Formula. Based on the two kinds of preparation process of presonalized concentrated watered pills previously established by our research group, whole extract concentrated watered pills and concentrated watered pills without excipients are prepared, respectively. Characteristic maps are measured and compared with those of the corresponding decoction. The results show that the characteristic maps of the concentrated watered pills without excipients of the five model prescriptions are very close to those of the decoction, and the number of characteristic peaks and peak areas are higher than those of whole extract concentrated watered pills. In addition, the peak area of some peaks is higher than that of the corresponding decoction. Thus, it is recommended to select the preparation process of prescription-based concentrated watered pills without excipients based on the "unification of medicines and excipients" to preserve those heat-unstable components more effectively when the prescription contains a heat-unstable component of TCM. This study provides a basis for the subsequent reasonable development and application of presonalized TCM pills.

Role of NLRP3 inflammasome in heart failure and traditional Chinese medicine intervention: a review

Heart failure is characterized by high incidence and mortality rates, and the search for effective treatment strategies for heart failure and the improvement of clinical outcomes have always been important research directions. Imbalanced inflammation has been proven to be one of the critical pathological factors in heart failure, positively correlated with adverse events such as impaired cardiac function and myocardial fibrosis. In recent years, studies have confirmed that the activation of the NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain-associated protein 3(NLRP3) inflammasome plays a common regulatory role in the inflammation imbalance induced by various factors in heart failure. Moreover, certain traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and active components can significantly inhibit the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, thereby improving heart failure. This article first overviewed the basic information about the NLRP3 inflammasome, summarized the regulatory mechanisms of the NLRP3 inflammasome in heart failure induced by various factors, introduced recent research progress on TCM and active components that inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome to improve heart failure, aiming to provide references for innovative drug research in the field of integrated Chinese and western medicine for the prevention and treatment of heart failure.

Mechanism and application prospects of microbial fertilizers in regulating quality formation of medicinal plants

With the promotion of chemical fertilizer and pesticide reduction and green production of traditional Chinese medicines, microbial fertilizers have become a hot way to achieve the zero-growth of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, improve the yield and qua-lity of medicinal plants, maintain soil health, and promote the sustainable development of the planting industry of Chinese herbal medicines. Soil conditions and microenvironments are crucial to the growth, development, and quality formation of medicinal plants. Microbial fertilizers, as environmentally friendly fertilizers acting on the soil, can improve soil quality by replenishing organic matter and promoting the metabolism of beneficial microorganisms to improve the yield and quality of medicinal plants. In this regard, understanding the mechanism of microbial fertilizer in regulating the quality formation of medicinal plants is crucial for the development of herbal eco-agriculture. This study introduces the processes of microbial fertilizers in improving soil properties, participating in soil nutrient cycling, enhancing the resistance of medicinal plants, and promoting the accumulation of medicinal components to summarize the mechanisms and roles of bacterial fertilizers in regulating the quality formation of medicinal plants. Furthermore, this paper introduces the application of bacterial fertilizers in medicinal plants and makes an outlook on their development, with a view to providing a scientific basis for using microbial fertilizers to improve the quality of Chinese herbal medicines, improve the soil environment, promote the sustainable development of eco-agriculture of traditional Chinese medicine, and popularize the application of microbial fertilizers.

Poly-Glutamic Acid Promotes the Growth and the Accumulation of Main Medicinal Components in Salvia miltiorrhiza

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge is a traditional medicinal plant in China and poly-glutamic acid (PGA) is a valuable biopolymer. However, it is unclear whether PGA promotes growth and the accumulation of main medicinal components in S. miltiorrhiza. To elucidate this scientific question, the influences of PGA on the growth, physiological characteristics, and accumulation of main medicinal components in S. miltiorrhiza were explored through a pot experiment. The results revealed that PGA significantly promoted basal diameter, plant height, shoot and root biomass, as well as root volume, compared with control. PGA also increased SPAD value, net photosynthetic rate, actual and maximum photochemical efficiency of photosynthetic system II, photochemical quenching, and electronic transfer rate. Meanwhile, PGA increased transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency, leaf relative water content, and the contents of soluble protein, soluble sugar, and proline. Furthermore, PGA increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes and the contents of antioxidants. The above findings imply that PGA facilitated S. miltiorrhiza growth by enhancing photosynthetic performance, water metabolism, and antioxidant capacity. Additionally, PGA significantly improved the yield of rosmarinic acid, salvianolic acid B, dihydrotanshinone, cryptotanshinone, tanshinone I, and tanshinone ⅡA in roots by up-regulating the transcript levels of genes responsible for their biosynthesis. Our findings indicated that PGA promoted S. miltiorrhiza growth and the accumulation of main medicinal components in roots.

Acupuncture in circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders and its potential neurochemical mechanisms.

Circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders (CRSWDs) are becoming increasingly common in modern societies due to lifestyle changes. The detrimental effects of CRSWDs on sleep and psychological health have attracted considerable attention recently. Alternative remedies for the treatment of CRSWDs have also gained attention in recent years owing to the limitations of medications. Several in vivo and clinical investigations have shown that acupuncture, one of the most important components of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been shown to modulate sleep-related circadian rhythms. Owing to the lack of research on the mechanism and effectiveness of acupuncture in treating CRSWDs, clinical applications of acupuncture have not gained popularity. This paper reviews the acupuncture methods, acupoint selection, and biochemical indicators supplied by in vivo and clinical studies to explore the effectiveness of acupuncture, and summarizes the circadian rhythm mechanisms and the acupuncture characteristics on circadian rhythm. The neurochemical mechanisms linked to acupuncture in treating CRSWDs are also outlined from the perspective of the central and peripheral biological clocks. Lastly, the inadequacy of previous studies on CRSWDs and conflicting results regarding acupuncture are explored and future research directions are envisioned.

Human mesenchymal stem cell secretomes: Factors affecting profiling and challenges in clinical application.

The promising field of regenerative medicine is thrilling as it can repair and restore organs for various debilitating diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells are one of the main components in regenerative medicine that work through the release of secretomes. By adopting the use of the secretome in cell-free-based therapy, we may be able to address the challenges faced in cell-based therapy. As one of the components of cell-free-based therapy, secretome has the advantage of a better safety and efficacy profile than mesenchymal stem cells. However, secretome has its challenges that need to be addressed, such as its bioprocessing methods that may impact the secretome content and its mechanisms of action in clinical settings. Effective and standardization of bioprocessing protocols are important to ensure the supply and sustainability of secretomes for clinical applications. This may eventually impact its commercialization and marketability. In this review, the bioprocessing methods and their impacts on the secretome profile and treatment are discussed. This improves understanding of its fundamental aspects leading to potential clinical applications.

Therapeutic potential of Lonicerae japonicae flos against emerging respiratory viral infections

BackgroundRespiratory infections continue to rank among the leading global causes of death, and the emergence of new infectious respiratory diseases remains a persistent concern. Throughout Chinese history, particularly in the context of combating the plague, Lonicerae japonicae flos (LJF), a vital component of traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has been extensively utilized for its therapeutic potential due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. This review concentrated on summarizing the roles and mechanism of LJF on the treatment of respiratory infections, and analyzing the potential therapeutic values of emerging respiratory infectious disease. MethodsThe literature with desired information about LJF was gained from electronic databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Embase, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. The literature search was conducted using the keywords “Lonicerae japonicae flos”, “Honeysuckle”, “Jin Yin Hua” and “LJF”, from 1985 to 2023. ResultsThrough summarizing and analyzing extensive fundamental and clinical studies on LJF, we have discovered that the bioactive molecules derived from LJF and prescriptions containing LJF could play a crucial role in combating viral infections. The antiviral mechanism involves interacting with viral genes and proteins, enhancing innate and acquired immune responses, influencing the processes of apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, and etc. ConclusionIn light of preparing for future outbreaks of emerging respiratory infectious disease, pharmacological research and drug development based on LJF hold great significance and offer a promising trajectory.

Transcriptional analysis reveals new insights into the different light intensities of red and blue light on the growth and synthesis of medicinal ingredients in Dendrobium denneanum

The intensity of red-blue light has important impacts on plant growth and medicinal ingredients. To identify the key genes of Dendrobium denneanum responsive to red-blue light intensity, and to reveal the regulatory mechanism of red-blue light intensity on the growth, development and medicinal quality in D. denneanum. In this experiment, D. denneanum was treated with red-blue light (2R/3B) under various light intensity (50, 100, 200, 400, 800 μmol•m−2•s−1), while the control group was white light, the photoperiod was 8/16 h (day/night). And the changes of plant growth, development, and medicinal components were studied by physiological, biochemical and transcriptome analysis. The results demonstrated that the light intensity of 400 μmol•m−2•s−1 was most conducive to the growth, development, and accumulation of the medicinal ingredients in D. denneanum. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the difference genes between the 400 μmol•m−2•s−1 treatment and CK (white light) were mostly enriched in the metabolic pathways of MAPK signaling, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and flavonoid biosynthesis. Among them, CAM, PP2C, PYR1 may be the critical genes regulating the growth and development of D. denneanum. The combination of CAM and Ca2+ activates MPKs to maintain ROS homeostasis in D. denneanum. PP2C and PYR1 induced ABA synthesis to control the growth, development, and resistance of D. denneanum. Moreover, 4CL, CAD, BGLU, CCoAOMT and CHI may be the hub genes involved in regulating the synthesis of its key medicinal ingredients. This experiment provides scientific evidence for the application of red-blue light in the artificial cultivation in D. denneanum, and offers the mechanism of in-depth research foundation.

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and epigenetic potential of curcumin in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) constitutes a multifactorial neurodegenerative pathology characterized by cognitive deterioration, personality alterations, and behavioral shifts. The ongoing brain impairment process poses significant challenges for therapeutic interventions due to activating multiple neurotoxic pathways. Current pharmacological interventions have shown limited efficacy and are associated with significant side effects. Approaches focusing on the early interference with disease pathways, before activation of broad neurotoxic processes, could be promising to slow down symptomatic progression of the disease. Curcumin-an integral component of traditional medicine in numerous cultures worldwide-has garnered interest as a promising AD treatment. Current research indicates that curcumin may exhibit therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative pathologies, attributed to its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Additionally, curcumin and its derivatives have demonstrated an ability to modulate cellular pathways via epigenetic mechanisms. This article aims to raise awareness of the neuroprotective properties of curcuminoids that could provide therapeutic benefits in AD. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the neuroprotective efficacy of curcumin against signaling pathways that could be involved in AD and summarizes recent evidence of the biological efficiency of curcumins in vivo.

The future of cell-instructive biomaterials for tissue regeneration–a perspective from early career clinician-scientists

Cell-instructive biomaterials are an essential component in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In the past three decades since the term “Tissue Engineering” was coined, researchers have made significant progress towards regenerating disease or damage tissues and organs by combining innovations in biomaterials, signaling molecules and cell therapies. However, challenges persist including limitations in properties of cell-instructive biomaterials, lack of advanced manufacturing technologies for precise spatiotemporal control of key players in tissue engineering, and hurdles in clinical translation and regulatory process. In this perspective article, we briefly review the current state of the field including the evolution in our understanding of the role biomaterial mechanics and scaffolding architecture, development of self-healing and modular biomaterials, and progress in advanced manufacturing technologies such as 3D bioprinting. In addition, we discuss about how innovation in research technologies including multi-omics and spatial biology, and advanced imaging modalities may pave the way for enhancing our understanding about cell-biomaterial interactions. Finally, we present our perspective as early career clinicians and researchers on the key role and potential impact that clinician-scientists can generate in the development, validation, clinical translation and adoption of the next-generation of cell-instructive biomaterials for application in engineering tissues and organs to impact human health.

The advancement of echocardiography through evolutionary development

Echocardiography, a non-invasive diagnostic method that offers insights into cardiac structure, function, and hemodynamics, has emerged as a key component of cardiovascular medicine. In a span of less than five decades, this technique has undergone significant evolution, becoming one of the most commonly utilized cardiovascular diagnostic tests after electrocardiography. This article provides a concise overview of the evolutionary development of different forms of echocardiography.

DETERMINATION OF TOTAL PHENOLIC AND FLAVONOID CONTENT AND EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF CUSCUTA REFLEXA

Background: The aim of the study was to identify functional groups and antioxidant activity of the Cuscuta reflexa (C. reflexa) stems extract. Due to the reach of medicinal components, it has been using among Indian subcontinent people to treat various chronic diseases for ancient era. However, there are lacks of study on antioxidant activities of C. reflexa with its potential therapeutic compounds, therefore this study motivated to investigate more on its stems extract for further explore. Methods: Soxhlet extraction method was employed to extract phenolic compounds from C. reflexa stems. The effect of extraction time (1-4 h) and concentration of ethanol (45%, 60%, 75% and 90%) on the percentage of yield, total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC) was investigated. The functional groups of phenolic compounds were characterized by using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR). DPPH and ABTS•+ radical scavengers were used to evaluate antioxidant activity. Results: Data showed the highest percentage of yield (10.22±0.14% w/w), TPC (64.11±0.17%, mg GAE/g d.w.) and TFC (41.08±0.34%, mg QE/g d.w.) at 3 h with 75% ethanol. FTIR results revealed the presence of functional groups associated phenolic compounds which are the band at 1260 cm−1 illustrations the C–O groups of polyols existence and C – O –C of ester for presence of quercetin which represent the hydroxy flavonoids in the extract. DPPH and ABTS•+ radical scavengers were showed very potent antioxidant activity with IC50 295.12±1.33 and 245.43±0.78 μg/mL. Conclusion: Phenolic and flavonoids enriched C. reflexa extract may play a potential role as a natural nutritional and therapeutic source in Bangladesh. Peer Review History: Received: 27 October 2023; Revised: 19 November; Accepted: 28 December, Available online: 15 January 2024 Academic Editor: Dr. Ali Abdullah Al-yahawi, Al-Razi university, Department of Pharmacy, Yemen, alyahawipharm@yahoo.com Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Dr. Sangeetha Arullappan, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia, sangeetha@utar.edu.my Prof. Ali Gamal Ahmed Al-kaf, Sana'a university, Yemen, alialkaf21@gmail.com

Exogenous glycine betaine alleviates water-deficit stress in Indian pennywort (Centella asiatica) under greenhouse conditions.

Centella asiatica (Indian pennywort) is a green leafy vegetable containing centelloside' (triterpenoid), a key phytochemical component in traditional medicine. Being a glycophytic species, they exhibit decline in growth performance and yield traits when subjected to water-deficit (WD) conditions. Glycine betaine (GB) is a low molecular-weight organic metabolite that plays a crucial role in abiotic stress conditions in higher plants. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential of GB in alleviating water-deficit stress (in terms of morphological and physiological responses) in two different genotypes of Indian pennywort, "Nakhon Pathom" (NP; high centelloside-yielding genotype) and "Pathum Thani" (PT; low centelloside-yielding genotype). The genotypes of Indian pennywort were propagated by stolon cutting and transplanted into plastic bags containing 2kg of garden soil. At the flower-initiation stage (30days after transplantation), uniform plant material was treated exogenously with 0 (control), 25, and 50mMGB at 100mL per plant (one-time foliar spray) and then divided into two groups, 1) well watered (WW; irrigated daily with 400mL fresh water; 98% field capacity) and 2) water deficit (WD; withheld water for 14days; 72% field capacity). Foliar application of GB (25mM) significantly improved leaf osmotic potential in NP under WD conditions via osmotic adjustment by free proline and fructose. Differences in leaf temperature (Tleaf) between WD and WW in NP were maximized (+ 1.93°C) and the gap of Tleaf was reduced in the case of 25-50mMGB application. Similarly, crop water stress index (CWSI) in NP and PT plants under WD condition was significantly increased by 1.95- and 1.86-fold over the control, respectively; however, it was significantly decreased by exogenous GB application. Increasing Tleaf and CWSI in drought-stressed plants was closely related to stomatal closure, leading to reduced gas exchange parameters, i.e., stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (E), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), and consequently decreased plant biomass and total centelloside yield. Overall physiological, morphological, and secondary metabolite traits were enhanced in NP under WD conditions using 25mMGB exogenous application compared with the control. The study highlights the significance of GB in Indian pennywort production under limited water irrigation (water deficit) with higher vegetable yield and phytochemical stabilization.

3D Printing in Pharmaceutical Technology as a Promising Tool for the Design and Manufacture of Pharmaceutical Oral Formulation - A Review

By applying material to a substrate, three-dimensional printing is a cutting-edge process that creates three-dimensional things using computer-aided design software and programming. A three-dimensional structure is created by depositing or solidifying successive layers of material in a process known as additive layer manufacturing, or 3D printing. Using a computer-aided design module, medicinal chemicals are designed in three dimensions and converted into a machine-readable form that indicates the outer emergence of the three-dimensional dosage form. This surface is then divided into several printable coats, which are subsequently sent to the machine. Various 3D printing methods have been developed over time to create innovative solid dosage forms, which are some of the most well-known and distinct items available today. The pharmaceutical industry wants to support 3D printing technology and explore the amazing things that can be accomplished with it. Using 3D printing opens up a world of new possibilities for improved medical care. Now that the FDA has approved Spritam, the first 3D-printed tablet, there is precedent for using 3D printing to prepare medication delivery systems. The ability to precisely manage the spatial distribution, precisely dispense small quantities, and assemble layers upon layers facilitates the creation of intricate compositions and geometries. The creation of dosage forms including several active medicinal components with complex and customized release profiles is made possible by the high degree of flexibility and control that comes with 3D printing. A special chance for this technology to prepare customized doses to meet the demands of each particular patient.

Exploration of the profiles of steroidal saponins from Rhizoma Paridis and their metabolites in rats by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS.

Steroidal saponins characterised by intricate chemical structures are the main active components of a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Rhizoma Paridis. The metabolic profiles of steroidal saponins in vivo remain largely unexplored, despite their renowned antitumor, immunostimulating, and haemostatic activity. To perform a comprehensive analysis of the chemical constituents of Rhizoma Paridis total saponins (RPTS) and their metabolites in rats after oral administration. The chemical constituents of RPTS and their metabolites were analysed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). A reliable UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS method was established, and a total of 142 compounds were identified in RPTS. Specifically, diosgenin-type saponins showed the diagnostic ions at m/z 415.32, 397.31, 283.25, 271.21, and 253.20, whereas pennogenin-type saponins exhibited the diagnostic ions at m/z 413.31, 395.30, and 251.20. Based on the characteristic fragments and standard substances, 15 specific metabolites were further identified in the faeces, urine, plasma, and bile of rats. The metabolic pathways of RPTS, including phase I reactions (de-glycosylation and oxidation) and phase II reactions (glucuronidation), were explored and summarised, and the enrichment of metabolites was characterised by multivariate statistical analysis. The intricate RPTS could be transformed into relatively simple metabolites in rats through de-glycosylation, which provides a reference for further metabolic studies and screening of active ingredients for TCM.