Pharmaceutical Science: New Insights and Developments Vol. 11

Role of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for the Management of Pulmonary Tuberculosis

2026-04-14T07:34:21+00:00

Tuberculosis continues to be a major global health concern, particularly in developing and underdeveloped countries. Infected alveolar macrophages are known to overexpress specific receptors that can be selectively exploited for targeted drug delivery. The present study aimed to develop mannose-anchored rifampicin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) for active targeting of alveolar macrophages in tuberculosis therapy. The targeting ligand, N-octadecyl-mannopyranosylamine, was synthesised and characterised prior to formulation. Rifampicin-loaded NLCs were prepared using the melt homogenization–ultrasonication technique, employing stearic acid and oleic acid as lipid components. Particle size and zeta potential were determined by photon correlation spectroscopy (Zetasizer Nano ZS, Malvern Instruments, UK) at 25 °C, with appropriate dilution to avoid inter-particle scattering.

The mannose-decorated rifampicin NLCs were comprehensively characterised for their physicochemical properties, drug loading, physical state of components, in vitro drug release, and in vitro lung deposition. Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed against Bacillus subtilis. Furthermore, cytotoxicity and cellular internalisation studies were conducted on RAW 264.7 alveolar macrophage cell lines using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The developed NLCs demonstrated favourable aerodynamic properties, sustained drug release behaviour, and preserved antimicrobial activity. Cell viability studies confirmed the non-cytotoxic nature of the nanocarriers. Mannose-anchored NLCs exhibited significantly enhanced cellular internalisation compared to non-conjugated formulations, confirming effective macrophage targeting.

The spray-dried NLCs formed spherical, micron-sized particles suitable for pulmonary delivery via a dry powder inhaler. Upon dispersion in aqueous media, efficient reconstitution and release of nanoparticles were observed. Overall, the developed rifampicin-loaded, mannose-anchored NLC-based dry powder inhalation system shows strong potential as a targeted pulmonary therapy for tuberculosis.

Design and Evaluation of Solid Lipid Nanoparticle Loaded Transdermal Patch for Enhanced Bioavilability of Nisoldipine: In vitro, ex vivo and in vivo Evaluation

2026-04-14T07:38:10+00:00

Transdermal patches are user-friendly and widely accepted medicated adhesive systems that deliver drugs through the skin for controlled systemic effects. The widely used approach for improving transdermal drug delivery employs penetration enhancers, which can often cause skin irritation and toxicity. Solid lipid nanoparticles have emerged as promising carriers to improve skin delivery of active compounds. The objective of the research work is to develop and evaluate the Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) loaded matrix type transdermal patch of Nisoldipine (NSD). SLN formulations were developed and evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, polydispersibility index, drug content, and entrapment efficiency. N-D4 formulation with Dynasan 114 lipid and 1.5% of poloxamer was optimised as it was effective in producing physically stable SLNs with a zeta potential value of -23.1±7.01mv and small size SLNs of 202.4±4.26nm with entrapment efficiency of 98.2%. N-D4 formulation was freeze-dried and incorporated into a transdermal patch.SEM analysis showed non-aggregated spherical particles. The physicochemical interaction between Nisoldipine and polymer was examined by DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) and FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy). Prepared patches were measured for thickness, uniformity of weight, folding endurance, moisture content, and moisture absorption. The in-vitro and ex-vivo permeation of Nisoldipine from the patches was studied by Franz diffusion cells. An in vivo bioavailability study was performed using male Wistar rats for optimised formulation N6 and compared with the reference tablet (Sular). N6 formulation patch containing 600mg HPMC E15 and 8% citral as permeation enhancer showed 96.5% of drug release and higher flux (15.8 µg/cm²/h) when compared to theoretical flux (12.36 µg/cm²/h) with 2.17 enhancement ratio (ER). Citral increases the drug partition coefficient into tissue by modifying the solvent nature of the stratum corneum. Relative bioavailability of the test formulation with respect to the market formulation was considered to be 2.52, and an increase in half-life for the patch (34.65h) compared to the oral formulation (13.33h) indicates sustained drug release from patches compared to the oral formulation. The SLN-loaded transdermal patches of Nisoldipine were developed successfully with a considerable increase in bioavailability of the test formulation (N6) when compared to the marketed formulation. The increase may be attributed to the avoidance of first-pass metabolism of Nisoldipine, which occurs through oral administration.

Demographic correlates of Knowledge of Risk Factors and Prevalence of Illicit Drug Use among Students at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

2026-04-14T07:40:29+00:00

Background: Illicit drug use is a significant problem worldwide, with substances like cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine causing harm to individuals and communities. In Nigeria, recent studies highlight a growing concern regarding drug use and its impact on public health. Despite increasing reports of substance use among university students, there is limited empirical evidence on their demographic correlates of knowledge of risk factors and the prevalence of illicit drug use by students and actual drug use at the University of Port Harcourt.

Aim: The study examined the knowledge of risk factors of illicit drug use and its prevalence among students as well as their demographic correlates in the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, involving a sample of 360 respondents selected from nine departments using stratified and simple random sampling techniques, from the faculty of education. Data were collected using a validated self-structured instrument titled Knowledge of Risk Factors and Prevalence of Illicit Drug Use Questionnaire (KRFIDUPQ) with a reliability index of 0.79. The instrument contained 24 items, including demographic variables and 21 knowledge-related items measured on a yes/no scale. Descriptive statistics (percentages) summarised demographic characteristics and research questions, while inferential statistics (chi-square tests) evaluated the association between knowledge of risk factors and the prevalence of illicit drug use. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27 employing percentages as statistical tools.

Findings: Demographic data revealed that the respondents were predominantly young adults: 50.3% were 18–22years. Gender distribution showed a slight male predominance, with males at 55.3% and females at 44.7%. Academic levels were well spread but tilted toward earlier stages: 24.7% at the 200 level. The majority were single, 47.2%. The results on the students’ level of knowledge of risk factors of illicit drug use were an average 58.3% (Fair). The 12-month prevalence was 33.4% (120/360). Among users (n=120), cannabis (64.2%), codeine syrup (50.0%), and tramadol (44.2%) were the most common. There was a significant association between knowledge of risk factors and the prevalence of illicit drug use (χ² test, p<0.001), indicating a moderate inverse relationship between knowledge and use. Students exhibited moderate, uneven knowledge; one in three reported recent use, dominated by cannabis and non-medical pharmaceuticals.

Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, including policy measures and awareness programs, to reduce substance use among university students. Understanding risk factors such as peer pressure and stress can guide counselling and preventive services. Health educators, in collaboration with university administration, should implement curriculum-integrated drug-risk literacy education, particularly during the orientation of newly admitted students, to enhance knowledge and reduce illicit drug use.

Drug and Medication Safety: A Review

2026-04-21T11:52:16+00:00

The importance of medication safety in healthcare cannot be overstated, as it aims to minimise harm and optimise therapeutic outcomes for patients. This study entails a comprehensive approach across various stages of the medication use process, ranging from prescribing to administration and reconciliation during care transitions. Strategies such as medication review, patient involvement, standardised prescription practices, and the utilisation of advanced technologies like electronic prescribing systems are deployed to enhance safety.

Despite these efforts, medication errors remain a significant concern, leading to patient harm and imposing economic burdens. Such errors can stem from a variety of factors, including human error, system deficiencies, and confusion between look-alike or sound-alike drugs. Preventing medication errors necessitates a systematic approach involving healthcare professionals at all levels, from prescribers to pharmacists and management. Key strategies include improving prescription legibility, implementing standardised procedures, and fostering a blame-free reporting culture.

Electronic prescribing systems offer potential benefits in reducing medication errors by providing accurate, standardised prescriptions and decision-support tools. Additionally, standardised protocols for medication reconciliation during care transitions are crucial to ensure accurate medication lists and prevent discrepancies.

In conclusion, medication safety plays a critical role in enhancing patient outcomes and curbing healthcare costs. A systematic approach involving standardised practices, advanced technologies, and collaboration among healthcare professionals is indispensable for mitigating medication errors and promoting patient safety throughout the healthcare system.

Flaxseed In Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy: Nutraceuticals Insights and Mechanistic Evidence

2026-05-19T07:35:07+00:00

Breast cancer, the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths among women, continues to be a major global public health issue. Curative success is constrained by the variability of the disease, resistance to drugs, and recurrence after treatment, despite significant progress in early detection and combined therapies. In the realm of integrative oncology, there has been a growing global interest in nutraceuticals, which are bioactive dietary elements that provide health advantages beyond standard nutrition. This review aims to evaluate the potential role of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) as a nutraceutical in the prevention and adjunct treatment of breast cancer. Flaxseed is an ancient crop backed by modern research. Flaxseed is rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), soluble dietary fibres, and lignans. These elements collaborate to manage apoptotic and inflammatory pathways, reduce oxidative stress, influence estrogen signalling, and regulate epigenetic genes. Collectively, these mechanisms could obstruct the progression of mammary carcinogenesis and diminish pharmacological evidence related to the treatment and prevention of breast cancer. This review aims to evaluate the potential role of flaxseed as a nutraceutical in both the prevention and adjunct therapy of breast cancer. It also highlights safety issues, nutraceutical development methods, and practical applications, presenting flaxseed as a scientifically backed functional food for sustainable health that is also readily available. Future research should focus on well-designed clinical trials to confirm the nutraceutical efficacy of flaxseed in improving quality of life and its potential in cancer prevention and management.

Development and Validation of a Stability-Indicating Liquid Chromatography Method for Simultaneous Determination of Bilastine and Montelukast in Pharmaceutical Formulations

2026-05-19T07:38:26+00:00

Background: Bilastine (BLS) and montelukast (MTL) are commonly co-administered in the management of allergic conditions such as allergic rhinitis and asthma. However, there is limited availability of validated stability-indicating liquid chromatography methods for their simultaneous estimation in combined pharmaceutical formulations.

Objective: A stability-indicating reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method was developed for the simultaneous estimation of bilastine (BLS) and montelukast (MTL) in tablet dosage forms.

Methods: The RP-HPLC analysis was performed using a Waters 2965 HPLC system equipped with a PDA 2998 detector. The quantification of BLS and MTL combination was implemented utilising a Waters column (C18, 5 μm, 250 mm and 4.6 mm). Isocratic mobile phase had 60% volume KH2PO4 of 0.1M strength with pH 4.2 units and 40% volume methanol at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. UV detection at 232 nm was done to examine BLS and MTL. The method was validated as per ICH guidelines for parameters including selectivity, linearity, precision, accuracy, robustness, and specificity. Stability experiments of BLS and MTL under distinctive environments of stress were also performed.

Results: The BLS and MTL were eluted at 1.810 min and 2.551 min, respectively. The responses were found to be linear for the concentration ranges of 10-30 µg/ml (BLS) and 5-15 µg/ml (MTL). Per cent comparative standard deviance for precision was 0.331% (BLS) and 0.486% (MTL). Per cent assay for accuracy was 98.96% (BLS) and 99.00% (MTL). The detection limit and quantitation limit measures for BLS were 0.018 µg/ml and 0.059 µg/ml, respectively, while for MTL, it was 0.024 µg/ml and 0.081 µg/ml, respectively. Robustness studies confirmed that the method is robust with percent comparative standard deviance of a highest 1.950%.

Conclusion: The proposed stability-indicating RP-HPLC method is simple, sensitive, precise, accurate, specific, and robust. It is suitable for routine analysis of bilastine and montelukast in combined tablet formulations.

Promoting Mental Health and Raising Awareness of Substance Abuse among Secondary School Students in Jalingo, Nigeria

2026-05-21T07:22:05+00:00

Background: Substance abuse among adolescents is increasingly recognised as a significant public health concern due to its association with various mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, psychological distress, and behavioural problems. Mental health disorders constitute a significant proportion of the burden of disease among adolescents and young people. Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation, faces substantial mental health and substance use challenges among its youth population. Schools provide an important platform for promoting mental health awareness and preventing substance use among students. However, limited empirical evidence exists regarding students’ awareness of substance abuse and its mental health implications in secondary schools in Taraba State, Nigeria.

Aim: This study assessed mental health promotion and awareness regarding substance abuse among students of Salihu Dogo Secondary School, Jalingo, Taraba State.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and a sample of 320 valid responses was analysed. A multistage sampling technique was used to select participants across different class levels. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire titled Mental Health Promotion and Substance Abuse Awareness Questionnaire (MHPSAAQ). Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28, employing descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and chi-square tests of association.

Results: The majority of respondents were aged 15–18 years (59.7%), with males constituting 78.1% of the sample. Findings revealed mixed levels of awareness among students. While 95.0% acknowledged that substance abuse poses mental health risks, only 34.4% recognized that substance abuse can directly affect mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Furthermore, 61.9% believed substance abuse does not affect academic performance. A majority of respondents (70.3%) perceived adolescents as more vulnerable to substance abuse, and 89.1% identified peer influence as a key contributing factor. Although 98.4% of students reported awareness of school resources and 96.6% had received classroom education on substance abuse and mental health, 91.2% felt that the available information was insufficient. Notably, 97.2% expressed willingness to participate in school-based substance abuse prevention programs, and 69.1% acknowledged the role of teachers and school counsellors in promoting mental health. Chi-square analysis revealed significant associations between gender and awareness (χ² = 22.650, p = 0.001) and between age and awareness (χ² = 36.518, p < 0.001), indicating that awareness varies across demographic groups.

Conclusion: Despite high exposure to substance abuse education, important knowledge gaps remain among students regarding the mental health consequences of substance use. The presence of significant demographic differences further underscores the need for targeted and age-appropriate interventions. Strengthening comprehensive school-based mental health promotion programs and improving the quality and depth of substance abuse education are essential to enhance awareness and reduce risk behaviours among adolescents.