Medicinal Preparations Research Articles

Ethno-Medicobotanical Survey in Dharwad-Plants Used for Jaundice

Dharwad district is situated at an elevation of 678 m. above MSL. This district is adjacent to Western Ghats. There are several herbal practitioners who depend mostly on the locally available plants. There is no published data on the ethno-medico botanical study of this district and hence an extensive survey was undertaken between 1999-2001. More than 200 traditional herbal practitioners were contacted, amongst whom 54 are effectively treating the jaundice. Twenty five species belonging to 18 families used for curing jaundice in Dharwad district of Karnataka have been recorded. Amongst these species, the most commonly used are Eclipta prostrata L., Plumbago zeylanica L., Ricinus communis L., Balanites aegyptlaca (L) Delile., Phyllanthus niruri L . and Tinospora cordifolia Miers. The method of preparation of medicines disclosed by few of the practitioners are discussed.

Exploring Folklore Ecuadorian Medicinal Plants and Their Bioactive Components Focusing on Antidiabetic Potential: An Overview.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health concern characterized by a deficiency in insulin production. Considering the systemic toxicity and limited efficacy associated with current antidiabetic medications, there is the utmost need for natural, plant-based alternatives. Herbal medicines have experienced exponential growth in popularity globally in recent years for their natural origins and minimal side effects. Ecuador has a rich cultural history in ethnobotany that plays a crucial role in its people's lives. This study identifies 27 Ecuadorian medicinal plants that are traditionally used for diabetes treatment and are prepared through infusion, decoction, or juice, or are ingested in their raw forms. Among them, 22 plants have demonstrated hypoglycemic or anti-hyperglycemic properties that are rich with bioactive phytochemicals, which was confirmed in several in vitro and in vivo studies. However, Bryophyllum gastonis-bonnieri, Costus villosissimus, Juglans neotropica, Pithecellobium excelsum, and Myroxylon peruiferum, which were extensively used in traditional medicine preparation in Ecuador for many decades to treat diabetes, are lacking in pharmacological elucidation. The Ecuadorian medicinal plants used to treat diabetes have been found to have several bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolics, fatty acids, aldehydes, and terpenoids that are mainly responsible for reducing blood sugar levels and oxidative stress, regulating intestinal function, improving insulin resistance, inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase, lowering gluconeogenic enzymes, stimulating glucose uptake mechanisms, and playing an important role in glucose and lipid metabolism. However, there is a substantial lack of integrated approaches between the existing ethnomedicinal practices and pharmacological research. Therefore, this review aims to discuss and explore the traditional medicinal plants used in Ecuador for treating DM and their bioactive phytochemicals, which are mainly responsible for their antidiabetic properties. We believe that the use of Ecuadorian herbal medicine in a scientifically sound way can substantially benefit the local economy and industries seeking natural products.

Development of standard operating procedure "Quality control of sodium chloride solution 0.9% (350 ml) for infusion (intra-pharmacy preparation) in pharmacy organizations manufacturing pharmaceuticals"

To develop a standard operating procedure (SOP) for quality control of 0.9% sodium chloride solution (350 ml) for infusion (intra-pharmacy preparation) in accordance with the requirements of the current regulatory documentation. Materials and Methods. Sodium chloride 0.9% sodium chloride solution (350 ml) for infusion (intra-pharmacy preparation) served as the object of the study. The SOP was developed taking into account the requirements of updated regulatory documents used in the field of quality control of medicines: Federal Law No. 61 dated 12.04.2010 "On Circulation of Medicines", Order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation dated 22.05.2023 No. 249n, Order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation dated 22.05.2023 No. 647n dated 31.08.2016, State Pharmacopoeia XV ed. and GOST R 52249-2009. Results. The main stages of the SOP in accordance with the current regulatory documentation are given, reagents, instruments and equipment required for testing are listed, mandatory and sample types of control are indicated. For this dosage form the mandatory controls will be organoleptic, written, control at release, physical and full chemical control. The methods of pH and authenticity tests are described, and the chemistry of qualitative reactions is given. For quantitative determination by the method of argentometry according to Mohr, the method of analysis is given, chemical reactions occurring during titration, the necessary calculations are made: the titer of silver nitrate solution of sodium chloride, the preliminary volume of titrant, the content of sodium chloride in the dosage form in grams. Permissible content limits are given in accordance with OFS.1.8.0001 "Medicinal preparations of pharmacy manufacture". Based on the results of the SOP development, a working instruction for quality control of sodium chloride solution 0.9% (350 ml) for infusion was drawn up. Conclusion. The presented SOP for quality control of sodium chloride solution 0.9% (350 ml) for infusion (intra-pharmacy preparation) describes the requirements for the organization and conditions of testing in assessing the quality of this dosage form and can be implemented in the work of manufacturing pharmacies as a detailed instruction for intra-pharmacy control.

Formulation and Characterization of Dewandaru Fruit Extract in Nanocarrier System

Dewandaru (Eugenia uniflora L.) is a herbaceous plant that grows in tropical and subtropical regions. The fruit extract can prevent oxidative damage and cholinergic changes. It contributes to antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and neuroprotective due to its antioxidants and antidepressant effect. It also possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity and potentially prevents cardiovascular disease and cancer. In this study, dewandaru fruit extract was formulated in the nanocarrier system (nanoemulsion and nanoencapsulation) to preserve product stability and improve product dispersibility and bioavailability. The nanoemulsion optimum formulation condition was obtained on dewandaru fruit extract concentration 10 wt%, oil/surfactant ratio 0.25, and homogenization speed 20.000 rpm, resulting in particle size of 46.4 ± 0.4 nm and polydispersity index 0.480 ± 0.015. The optimum nanoemulsion formulation was further processed to nanoencapsulation along with milling to produce finer particles. The nanoencapsulation milled for 120 minutes produced encapsulation powder with a size of 5.8 ± 3.340 μm. Accordingly, the nanocarrier technology for dewandaru fruit extract promoted a versatile medicinal preparation both in liquid and solid form. However, the size reduction by milling might disrupt the efficiency of the encapsulation release system. Without the proper coating, as orally administrated, the compound rapidly dissolved before it reached the targeted site.

Bio-derived solvent based salt-responsive system for simultaneous extraction and in-situ enrichment of polysaccharides and phenolics from Carthamus tinctorius L. flower

The utilization of bio-derived solvents holds immense promise in the extraction of natural products. In the present study, a systematic evaluation was conducted to assess the performance of bio-derived solvents in simultaneously extracting polysaccharides and phenolic substances from Carthamus tinctorius L. flower. Among them, ethyl lactate (24.7%) exhibited superior efficacy. A comprehensive investigation was also conducted on the salt response behavior of ethyl lactate and its in-situ enrichment efficiency for polysaccharides and phenolics, demonstrating that the recovery yield, enrichment factor, and separation factor can be finely tuned by manipulating the system composition. Based on these findings, we have developed a highly efficient ultrasound-assisted method that is responsive to salt and enables simultaneous extraction and in situ enrichment of polysaccharides and phenolics. In comparison with the method in Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020), the extraction yield of Carthamus tinctorius L. flower quality markers is increased by more than 1.14 times, while the extraction time is shortened by over 4 times. Additionally, the amount of solvent used is reduced by a factor of 5.73, eliminating the need for methanol and corrosive HCl that are harmful to the environment. The findings of this study will provide crucial theoretical guidance for the application of bio-derived solvents, demonstrating significant potential in terms of quality control and large-scale preparation of natural medicines.

Long-term uroseptic and metabolic effects of a herbal medicinal preparation in women with type 2 diabetes taken gliflosins

Background. The problem of urinary tract infections, including recurrent cystitis, and the choice of effective and safe means of treatment and prevention, taking into account the increasing burden of antibiotic resistance, are extremely relevant. Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the herbal medicine Canephron® N for the prevention of exacerbations of recurrent cystitis and its effect on metabolic parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus taking sodium glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors. Material and methods. A prospective, randomized, open-label, parallel group study of 60 women without exacerbation of recurrent cystitis. The main group took the drug Canephron® N for 3 months, 2 tablets 3 times a day, and for the next 3 months they were monitored without taking the drug. The main evaluation parameters were: frequency of cystitis relapses, albumin/creatinine ratio in the morning urine, glomerular filtration rate, plasma lipid profile, glycemia and malondialdehyde in low-density lipoproteins. Results. 3 months after the end of taking the drug Canephron® N, patients in the main group maintained a positive effect in reducing exacerbations of cystitis – 3.3 times less relapses of the disease (3 and 10%, respectively; p=0.038). The urine albumin/creatinine ratio, lipid profile, glycemia and malondialdehyde in low-density lipoproteins after a 3-month treatment period had positive dynamics, but in the long-term period they corresponded to the values at the inclusion stage, both in the main and control groups. Conclusion. Prophylactic use of the herbal drug Canephron® N for 3 months is safe and reduces the frequency of relapses of cystitis in women with chronic cystitis against the background of diabetes mellitus taking sodium glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors, this effect persists for 3 months after discontinuation of the drug. Positive metabolic effects are associated with taking Canephron® N and are gradually leveled out when it is discontinued.

Pioneering contributions of Vaidyaraj Atmaram Waman Datar Shastri in Panchabhautik Chikitsa of Ayurveda

Abstract The resemblance between the universe and the human body is defined by five constituents, viz. earth, water, fire, air, and space are called Panchamahabhuta in Ayurveda. This fundamental concept of Panchamahabhuta is popularized by its application in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment by Vaidya Atmaram Waman Datar Shastri, known as a pacesetter for Panchabhautik Chikitsa across India. He wrote six books on this concept. For his significant contribution to the clinical examination of Agni Samstha (seat of Agni/digestive system) and preparation of medicines, he was felicitated with “Brihattrayeeratna” by Arya Vaidya Pharmacy, Coimbatore. He founded a charitable trust in Sangli, Maharashtra. After his demise on December 25, 1995, his legacy is being carried forward by students in various ways. This study aims to delve into the life and works of Vaidya Atmaram Waman Datar Shastri. It sheds light on his invaluable contributions to the field and the enduring relevance of Panchabhautik Chikitsa in Ayurvedic practice.

Medicinal Cannabis (MedCan 3): a randomised, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess THC/CBD (1:20) to relieve symptom burden in patients with cancer—a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundDistressing symptoms are common in advanced cancer. Medicinal cannabinoids are commonly prescribed for a variety of symptoms. There is little evidence to support their use for most indications in palliative care. This study aims to assess a 1:20 delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol/cannabidiol (THC/CBD) cannabinoid preparation in the management of symptom distress in patients with advanced cancer undergoing palliative care.Methods and designOne hundred and fifty participants will be recruited across multiple sites in Queensland, Australia. A teletrial model will facilitate the recruitment of patients outside of major metropolitan areas. The study is a pragmatic, multicenter, randomised, placebo-controlled, two-arm trial of escalating doses of an oral 1:20 THC/CBD medicinal cannabinoid preparation (10 mg THC:200 mg CBD/mL). It will compare the efficacy and safety outcomes of a titrated dose range of 2.5 mg THC/50mgCBD to 30 mg THC/600 mg CBD per day against a placebo. There is a 2-week patient-determined titration phase, to reach a dose that achieves symptom relief or intolerable side effects, with a further 2 weeks of assessment on the final dose.The primary objective is to assess the effect of escalating doses of a 1:20 THC/CBD medicinal cannabinoid preparation against placebo on change in total symptom distress score, with secondary objectives including establishing a patient-determined effective dose, the effect on sleep quality and overall quality of life. Some patients will be enrolled in a sub-study which will more rigorously evaluate the effect on sleep.DiscussionMedCan-3 is a high-quality, adequately powered, placebo-controlled trial which will help demonstrate the utility of a THC:CBD 1:20 oral medicinal cannabis product in reducing total symptom distress in this population. Secondary outcomes may lead to new hypotheses regarding medicinal cannabis’ role in particular symptoms or in particular cancers. The sleep sub-study will test the feasibility of using actigraphy and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) in this cohort. This will be the first large-scale palliative care randomised clinical trial to utilise the teletrial model in Australia. If successful, this will have significant implications for trial access for rural and remote patients in Australia and internationally.Trial registrationANZCTR ACTRN12622000083796. Protocol number 001/20. Registered on 21 January 2022. Recruitment started on 8 August 2022.

On the issue of logistic support of export of medicinal preparations of national production

The current geopolitical situation raised pointed question of developing new supply chains and looking for rolling stock to develop newly formed cargo flows, including medicinal preparations transportation. Considering necessity in timely and safe supply of medicines, it is necessary to develop set of measures permitting to implement export of this production of national industry to ensure ultimate independence from unfriendly states. The article considers main indicators of import and export operations of medicinal preparations and measures taken by the state to support industry in current conditions, requirements for international transportation of this category of goods. The measures increasing exports within the framework of the Pharmaceutical Industry Development Strategy until 2030, such as expansion of fleet of autonomous refrigerated containers, use of consolidation warehouses in Turkey and Kazakhstan to ensure decreasing of cost of multi-modal transportation of medicinal preparations, as well as validation of rolling stock in accordance with GDP requirements.

Chuanzhitongluo capsule improves cognitive impairment in mice with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion via the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway

Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) has become a common disease-causing cognitive deficit in humans, second only to Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Chuanzhitongluo capsule (CZTL) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) preparation known for its effective protection against cerebral ischemia. However, its potential to ameliorate VCI remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the cognitive improvement effects of CZTL in a mouse model of VCI. Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) was induced in mice by bilateral common carotid artery stenosis (BCAS) to simulate the pathological changes associated with VCI. Spatial learning and memory abilities were assessed using the Morris Water Maze (MWM). RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was employed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the hippocampus. Levels of inflammatory factors were measured through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while immunofluorescence (IF) determined the expression intensity of target proteins. Western Blot (WB) confirmed the final action pathway. Results indicated that CZTL significantly improved the spatial learning and memory abilities of CCH mice, along with alterations in gene expression profiles in the hippocampus. It also reduced neuroinflammation in the hippocampus and upregulated the choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and α7 subunit-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), which are in synaptic plasticity and neuronal development. Moreover, CZTL inhibited the NF-κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, CZTL may alleviate neuroinflammation induced by CCH and improve cognitive impairment in CCH mice by regulating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAIP) involving ChAT/α7nAChR/NF-κB.

РАЗРАБОТКА МЕТОДА ИДЕНТИФИКАЦИИ И ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЕ ЭФИРНОГО МАСЛА В ПОБЕГАХ ТУИ ЗАПАДНОЙ (THUJA OCCIDENTALIS)

The purpose of the study is to develop methods for identifying terpenoids and assessing the quantitative content of essential oil in the shoots of western thuja (Thuja occidentalis). The object of the study was samples of thuja occidentalis shoots. The raw materials were used fresh. To carry out qualitative reactions, well-known methods were selected that are most often used in the analysis of essential oil raw materials. Identification of essential oil components was carried out by TLC on Silufol plates. A solution of α-pinene was used as a standard. The quantitative content of essential oil in the raw materials was determined by steam distillation in accordance with the GPM method 1.5.3.00010.15 Determination of the content of essential oil in medicinal plant raw materials and medicinal herbal preparations. The authors proposed qualitative reactions for identifying terpenoids in raw materials, which can be used to form the “Authenticity” section for a new type of raw material - thuja occidentalis shoots. α-pinene was identified by TLC. A quantitative assessment of the essential oil content in raw materials was carried out. Qualitative reactions were experimentally selected to confirm the presence of terpenoids in alcoholic extracts from thuja occidentalis shoots, as well as for unsaturated compounds in essential oil obtained by steam distillation. Using TLC, α-pinene was identified in the analyzed samples. The presence of additional 8 adsorption zones in the essential oil samples was also revealed. Assessment of the quantitative content of essential oil in raw materials, carried out according to method 2 OFS.1.5.3.00010.15 “Determination of the content of essential oil in medicinal plant raw materials and medicinal herbal preparations.” The data obtained during the experiment allows us to recommend the inclusion of an essential oil content of at least 2.84% in the quality indicators of western thuja shoots.

Antioxidant and Anti-Fatigue Effects of a Standardized Botanical Extract Fraction (HemoHIM) in Forced-Exercised Aged Mice.

HemoHIM is a standardized medicinal herbal preparation consisting of extracts of Angelica gigas Nakai, Cnidium officinale Makino, and Paeonia lactiflora Pallas that possesses immune regulatory activities. This study aimed to research the potential antioxidant effects of HemoHIM and its capacity for reducing fatigue in aged mice subjected to forced exercise. After administering HemoHIM 125 (500 mg/kg orally) for 4 weeks in 8-month-old female C57BL/6 mice (4 groups of 10 mice), various parameters were evaluated. The analyses revealed that HemoHIM enhanced swimming time and grip strength. In addition, it significantly reduced serum lactate levels and increased liver glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels after exercise challenge. The expression levels of antioxidant enzymes and factors, including nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf-2), heme oxygenase 1, superoxide dismutase, GPx, and glutathione reductase, were significantly higher in liver and muscle tissues of mice treated with HemoHIM. These results indicate that HemoHIM might function as an anti-fatigue and antioxidant agent by modulating the Nrf-2 signaling pathway.

Conformation Analysis and Stereodynamics of Symmetrically ortho-Disubstituted Carvacrol Derivatives.

The design and synthesis of analogs of natural products can be a valuable source of medicinal preparations for the pharmaceutical industry. In the present study, the structural elucidation of eleven derivatives of 2,4-dihalogeno substituted synthetic analogues of the natural compound carvacrol was carried out by means of NMR experiments, and of another thirteen by DFT calculations. By selective NOE experiments and the irradiation of CH signals of the isopropyl group, individual conformers were assigned as syn and anti. By comparing GIAO/B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p)-calculated and experimentally measured vicinal 3JCH spin-spin constants, this assignment was confirmed. An unusual relationship is reported for proton-carbon vicinal couplings: 3JCH (180°) < 3JCH (0°). The conformational mobility of carvacrols was studied by 2D EXSY spectra. The application of homonuclear decoupling technique (HOBS) to these spectra simplifies the spectra, improves resolution without reducing the sensitivity, and allows a systematic examination of the rotational barrier of all compounds via their CH signals of the isopropyl group in a wider temperature interval. The rate constants of the isopropyl rotation between syn and anti conformers were determined and the corresponding energy barriers (14-17 kcal/mol) were calculated. DFT calculations of the energy barriers in carvacrol derivatives allowed the determination of the steric origin of the restricted isopropyl rotation. The barrier height depends on the size of the 2- and 4-position substituents, and is independent of the derivatization of the OH group.

SIOPE and ESOP recommendations for extemporaneous compounding of oral liquid medicine formulations in paediatric oncology

IntroductionScarcity of age appropriate formulations for orally administered medicines for paediatric malignancies is a critical and ongoing issue which necessitates urgent solutions. According to JARC Survey 27 % of oral medicines were never available in child-friendly formulations (Vassal et al., 2021 [2]). Pharmacists from the European Society of Oncology Pharmacy Global (ESOP) and the European Society for Pediatric Oncology (SIOPE) have collaborated to provide a document summarising literature data on this topic and a set of practical instructions on the preparation of extemporaneous oral liquid medicines. Material and methodsLiterature review was conducted for the preparation of oral medicines for paediatric cancer, through Pubmed 2.0. A table was drawn up with necessary information for medicine preparation. We adapted the classification model of the molecule stability ranking of the International database of stability for injectable drugs, Stabilis® (Class A–C). ResultsA total of 126 articles were selected and analysed. All commercially available marketed liquid oral medications used in paediatric cancer were overviewed using globally accessible drug databases and compiled in a table with appropriate indications. Based on the literature review, 28 formulations for 13 different active ingredients for chemotherapy and 35 formulations for 16 different active ingredients for supportive therapy were compiled. ConclusionsDevelopment of child-appropriate formulations of anticancer medicines by the pharmaceutical industry should be incentivised towards marketing authorisation to enhance accessibility. The results of this study could help facilitate creation of European standards for extemporaneous preparation and persuade researchers in the field of paediatric oncology on the way forward.

Therapeutic Values of Pyridine Molecules from Natural Sources: A Comprehensive Review

Reason for the Study: Many commercial pharmacologically interesting medicinal plant species and their formulations are used in more communities and often in more countries around the world, for their multiple uses of Active compounds from the natural sources. It should be need to extensively explored to get their properties and their benefits. The costs of drugs for resistance of common infective diseases are increased especially bacterial infections and sexually transmitted diseases. The therapeutic approach of herbal medicines is an option for concerted search for new chemical entities for new drugs development. So searching of valuable medicinal plants with their longest track record for their use and their location and distribution is must and essential.&#x0D; Aim: This study aims to provide an overview and documentation about pyridine alkaloids and their phytopharmacological activity related some medicinal plants.&#x0D; Methodology: By using the key words, the literatures were collected from Science Direct, PubMed and Google Scholar search engines. This review will create a platform to harmonizing the traditional medicine practice in the country, create a synergy between herbal medicines and modern medicine and more harmonized integrated traditional medicine practices in future. It gives an insight into the strategic plan and route map for the development of new formulations and research platform for the practice and development of herbal medicines. The pharmaceutical industry has come to consider traditional medicine as a source for identification of bio-active agents that can be used in the preparation of semi synthetic medicine in different novel formulations.&#x0D; Conclusion: This article focused some medicinal plants which contain different types and derivatives of pyridine alkaloids with their therapeutic applications. Further research needs to be done to make Novel pharmaceutical preparations with patent drugs and appropriate therapeutic documentation.

Verified localization and pharmacognosy of herbal medicinal plants in a combined network framework

Pharmacognosy from medicinal plants involves the scientific domain of medicinal compounding based on their medicinal properties. Accurate identification of medicinal plants is crucial, especially by examining their leaves. Choosing the wrong plant species for medicinal preparations can have adverse side effects. This study presents a Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence approach for medicinal plant identification, combining a YOLOv7-based Leaf Localizer with a leaf Class Verifier based on DenseNet through a Confidence Score Analyser algorithm. The Confidence Score Analyser ensures reliability by evaluating predicted categories against predefined thresholds, and the ensemble technique through majority voting enhances robustness. An average performance gain of 25.66% sensitivity is observed when comparing the YOLO object detection model with 77.45% precision to the YOLO integrated with the class verifier model with 97.33% precision. Consistent sensitivities are achieved through the ensemble technique, showcasing robustness across diverse scenarios. The final step incorporates automated textual and audio pharmacognosy information about the identified medicinal plant properties and their utility. Real-time applicability as a smart phone application makes this approach invaluable for medicinal plant collectors and experts.

Realistic simulation in the preparation and administration of medications: a systematic review

Adverse drug events are multi-causal and interrelated, and it is important to know the causes and create prevention strategies. Realistic simulation is one of the methods widely used to discover the cause of these iatrogenies and as an effective method in the training of nursing professionals and students. The aim of this study is to identify and map how realistic simulations in the preparation and administration of medicines are being used in teaching and in the scientific community. This work is a bibliographical survey through a systematic review of online publications between 2012 and 2022. After selecting the articles, they were read and critically analysed. Of the 75 articles found, 52% were carried out in high-fidelity laboratories. As for the professional category, 29% had a multidisciplinary approach; as for the profile of the scenario used in the simulations, 43% involved scenarios for preventing iatrogenic events in adults. As for the aim of each study, 37% centred on simulation as a teaching resource. It was concluded that realistic simulation is an effective pedagogical tool for developing skills in students and professionals, it is a tool widely used to investigate the cause of adverse drug events and also to train professionals and students in the preparation and administration of medicines; it was shown that the lack of material resources is among the main causes for the occurrence of adverse drug events.

Possible interactions between selected food processing and medications.

The impact of food processing on drug absorption, metabolism, and subsequent pharmacological activity is a pressing yet insufficiently explored area of research. Overlooking food-processing-drug interactions can significantly disrupt optimal clinical patient management. The challenges extend beyond merely considering the type and timing of food ingestion as to drug uptake; the specific food processing methods applied play a pivotal role. This study delves into both selected thermal and non-thermal food processing techniques, investigating their potential interference with the established pharmacokinetics of medications. Within the realm of thermal processing, conventional methods like deep fat frying, grilling, or barbecuing not only reduce the enteric absorption of drugs but also may give rise to side-products such as acrylamide, aldehydes, oxysterols, and oxyphytosterols. When produced in elevated quantities, these compounds exhibit enterotoxic and pro-inflammatory effects, potentially impacting the metabolism of various medications. Of note, a variety of thermal processing is frequently adopted during the preparation of diverse traditional herbal medicines. Conversely, circumventing high heat through innovative approaches (e.g., high-pressure processing, pulsed electric fields, plasma technology), opens new avenues to improve food quality, efficiency, bioavailability, and sustainability. However, it is crucial to exercise caution to prevent the excessive uptake of active compounds in specific patient categories. The potential interactions between food processing methods and their consequences, whether beneficial or adverse, on drug interactions can pose health hazards in certain cases. Recognizing this knowledge gap underscores the urgency for intensified and targeted scientific inquiry into the multitude of conceivable interactions among food composition, processing methods, and pharmaceutical agents. A thorough investigation into the underlying mechanisms is imperative. The complexity of this field requires substantial scrutiny and collaborative efforts across diverse domains, including medicine, pharmacology, nutrition, food science, food technology, and food engineering.

Integrated skin metabolomics and network pharmacology to explore the mechanisms of Goupi Plaster for treating knee osteoarthritis

Background and aimGoupi Plaster (GP) is topical traditional Chinese medicine preparation. It has been used to treat Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) in clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the mechanisms of GP relieve KOA are poorly understood. Experimental procedureRabbit models of KOA were established and treated with GP. Knee cartilage pathology was analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin staining, while plasma levels of inflammatory factors (interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, and IL-17) and skin neurotransmitters (calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP), and5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Metabolomics based on GC-TOF-MS analysis screened for skin biomarkers as well as relevant pathways. Network pharmacology screened for relevant skin targets as well as relevant pathways, and finally, MetScape software was utilized to integrate the results of metabolomics and network pharmacology to screen for key skin targets, key metabolites, and key pathways for GP treatment of KOA. Results and conclusionGP administration substantially repaired cartilage surface breaks in KOA and led to relatively intact cartilage structure and normal cell morphology. GP decreased plasma levels of IL-6 and IL-17 and skin levels of CGRP, SP and 5-HT while increased plasma IL-4. GP administration normalized the levels of 15 metabolites which were changed in KOA. Network pharmacology analysis identified 181 targets. Finally, 3 key targets, 5 key metabolites and 3 related pathways were identified, which suggested that GP improved skin barrier function and skin permeability by regulating skin lipid metabolism. GP treatment also regulated skin amino acid levels and subsequently affected neurotransmitters and signaling molecules. In addition, the purinergic signaling pathway was also involved in the treatment of GP against KOA.In conclusion, GP treatment is associated with changes in skin lipid metabolism, neurotransmitters, and the purinergic signaling pathway.

Medicinal plants for allergic rhinitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Herbal medicine is popularly used among patients who suffer from allergic rhinitis. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of single medicinal plants in the management of allergic rhinitis. We searched MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and Web of Science for randomised controlled trials which evaluated the use of single medicinal plant for allergic rhinitis among adults and children. Twenty-nine randomised controlled trials (n = 1879) were eligible while 27 (n = 1769) contributed data for meta-analyses. Most studies (studies = 20) compared medicinal plants against placebo and Petasites hybridus was most frequently investigated (studies = 5). Very-low-to-low-certainty evidence suggests that compared to placebo, single medicinal plants may improve overall total nasal symptoms (SMD -0.31, 95% CI -0.59 to -0.02; participants = 249; studies = 5; I2 = 21%) especially nasal congestion and sneezing; and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life (RQLQ) scores (MD -0.46, 95% CI -0.84 to -0.07; participants = 148; studies = 3; I2 = 0%). Moderate-certainty evidence show no clear differences between single medicinal plants and antihistamine in overall symptoms (Total nasal symptoms: SMD -0.14, 95% CI -0.46 to 0.18; participants = 149; studies = 2; I2 = 0%). As adjunctive therapy, moderate-certainty evidence shows that medicinal plants improved SNOT-22 scores when given as intranasal treatment (MD -7.47, 95% CI -10.75 to -4.18; participants = 124; studies = 2; I2 = 21%). Risk of bias domains were low or not clearly reported in most studies while heterogeneity was substantial in most pooled outcomes. Route of administration and age were identified to be plausible source of heterogeneity for certain outcomes. Medicinal plants appear to be well tolerated up to 8 weeks of use. Clear beneficial evidence of medicinal plants for allergic rhinitis is still lacking. There is a need for improved reporting of herbal trials to allow for critical assessment of the effects of each individual medicinal plant preparation in well-designed future clinical studies.