Pharmaceutical Science: New Insights and Developments Vol. 12

Recent Advances in Tumour-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems

Venkatalakshmi Ranganathan — 2026-06-11

Tumour-targeted drug delivery is reshaping cancer therapy by improving treatment outcomes while reducing the systemic toxicity seen with conventional chemotherapy. Standard chemotherapy lacks specificity — the drug spreads throughout the body, causing severe side effects and harm to healthy tissues. To address this, researchers have developed advanced delivery strategies that actively guide drugs to tumour sites. These include passive targeting, active ligand-based targeting, and systems that respond to tumour-specific stimuli. Advances in nanotechnology have made it possible to engineer precise nanocarriers such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and biomimetic carriers. These systems enhance drug solubility, stability, and bioavailability, and enable controlled release directly at the tumour. Newer approaches are pushing targeting even further. Theranostic platforms combine therapy and diagnostics, while exosome-based carriers, gene and mRNA therapies, and CRISPR delivery systems are improving both precision and therapeutic impact. Still, major hurdles remain. Tumours are highly heterogeneous, the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect varies between patients, and biological barriers often block drug penetration. Immune clearance, potential toxicity, manufacturing scalability, and regulatory barriers also slow clinical progress. Current strategies to overcome these issues focus on remodelling the tumour microenvironment, designing multi-targeted carriers, engineering smarter surfaces, using biodegradable materials, and building stimuli-responsive systems. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are now speeding up nanocarrier design and helping bridge the gap to clinical use. Together, these developments are moving tumour-targeted delivery closer to true precision medicine — paving the way for cancer treatments that are safer, more effective, and tailored to individual patients.

Exploring the Role of Fenugreek in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Diabetes Care

Anjali Wanegaonkar — 2026-06-11

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Diabetes Mellitus are common endocrine and metabolic disorders that share key pathophysiological features, including insulin resistance, hormonal imbalance, and oxidative stress. These conditions not only disrupt metabolic homeostasis but also contribute to reproductive dysfunction and increased cardiovascular risk. The objective of this review is to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) in the management of PCOS and Diabetes Mellitus, with a focus on its bioactive constituents and underlying mechanisms of action.

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using major scientific databases, and relevant clinical and experimental studies were systematically analysed. Fenugreek contains bioactive compounds such as galactomannan, 4-hydroxyisoleucine, diosgenin, and trigonelline, which demonstrate significant antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and hormonal regulatory effects. Evidence from randomised controlled trials and observational studies indicates that fenugreek supplementation improves glycemic control, reduces insulin resistance, and alleviates clinical symptoms associated with PCOS, including menstrual irregularity and hyperandrogenism. These findings highlight fenugreek as a promising, cost-effective adjunctive therapy with potential applications in the integrative management of metabolic and endocrine disorders. However, variability in study design and lack of standardised dosing remain challenges. Further research focusing on molecular mechanisms, long-term safety, and clinical standardisation is essential to support its incorporation into evidence-based clinical practice.

Antioxidant Potential and Therapeutic Mechanisms of Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R.Br.: A Comprehensive Narrative Review

Madhuri Sathyanarayana — 2026-06-11

Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R.Br. (Indian sarsaparilla; Apocynaceae), widely recognised by its Sanskrit designation Anantamool, is a perennial climbing shrub indigenous to the Indian subcontinent that has occupied a central position in Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani medicine for millennia. Its aromatic root system harbours a rich phytochemical repertoire encompassing the principal volatile constituent 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde (HMBA), lupeol-based glycosidic derivatives (hemidesmin-1 and hemidesmin-2), β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, hyperoside, rutin, and a spectrum of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and terpenoids. These structurally diverse secondary metabolites underlie a broad array of biological activities that have attracted intensifying scientific scrutiny since the beginning of the twenty-first century. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the antioxidant potential and therapeutic mechanisms of Hemidesmus indicus. Literature searches were conducted in 2000 and 2026 with the selected keywords. Approximately 380 records were identified, of which 30 studies met the inclusion criteria after screening and full-text review. The present narrative review synthesises contemporary evidence regarding the antioxidant potential of H. indicus, elucidating operative mechanisms including free radical scavenging, metal ion chelation, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, and upregulation of endogenous antioxidant defence enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Beyond antioxidant activity, the review consolidates evidence pertaining to anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anticancer, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and immunomodulatory properties. Mechanistic insights into modulation of the NF-κB pathway, COX-2 inhibition, and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis are critically evaluated. The preponderance of evidence indicates that H. indicus possesses significant therapeutic promise; however, the field is constrained by a paucity of rigorously designed clinical trials, insufficient standardisation of extracts, and incomplete pharmacokinetic profiling. This review identifies these lacunae and proposes directions for future research, including phytochemical standardisation, mechanism-focused in vivo investigation, and evidence-based clinical enquiry to facilitate translation into validated therapeutic applications.

A Review and Technological Survey of Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Naringenin and β-Cyclodextrin Complexes in Inflammation and Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

Ana Victoria Alves Peres — 2026-06-11

Inflammation is a rapid and self-limiting biological response to tissue injury, infection, or chemical stimuli, mediated by signalling pathways such as toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Dysregulation of these pathways promotes excessive production of nitric oxide, cytokines, and reactive oxygen species, establishing a feedback loop that contributes to oxidative stress and is implicated in chronic conditions, including diabetes and hypertension. Given the limitations and adverse effects of conventional therapies, natural compounds have gained attention as alternative pharmacological agents. Among these, naringenin and its glycosylated form, naringenin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, exhibit notable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; however, their clinical application is limited by low bioavailability. Complexation with β-cyclodextrin has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance their physicochemical and pharmacokinetic profiles. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive review and technological survey of the therapeutic applications of naringenin and its β-cyclodextrin complexes in inflammation and diabetic cardiomyopathy. A systematic search was performed in the Virtual Health Library, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science, as well as patent databases including EPO, INPI, and WIPO, using predefined descriptors. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 31 articles and 12 patents were selected. The studies consistently demonstrated that naringenin modulates NF-κB, MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and oxidative stress pathways, reducing inflammatory cytokine production and improving cardiometabolic outcomes in preclinical models. β-cyclodextrin complexation significantly enhanced solubility, bioavailability, and anti-inflammatory efficacy. Patent analysis revealed limited technological innovation, particularly regarding glycosylated derivatives such as naringenin-7-O-glucoside. The findings indicate that naringenin demonstrates significant therapeutic potential; however, studies involving its glycosylated form complexed with β-cyclodextrin remain scarce. These results highlight a critical gap and reinforce the need for further investigation into advanced delivery systems to improve efficacy in cardiometabolic and inflammatory disorders.

Lipid Nanoparticles as a Promising Strategy for Acne Treatment: A Review

Gauri Rahate — 2026-06-11

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit that causes significant cosmetic morbidity and may contribute to psychological distress and social dysfunction. Clinically, acne-related conditions are broadly categorised into two distinct entities: acne vulgaris, which predominantly affects adolescents and young adults, and acne rosacea (rosacea), which mainly occurs in individuals aged 30–60 years. Despite similarities in nomenclature, these conditions differ considerably in their etiopathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and therapeutic approaches, and are therefore regarded as separate dermatological disorders. Conventional topical and systemic therapies—including retinoids, antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, and hormonal agents—remain the mainstay of acne management; however, their long-term use is frequently associated with limitations such as poor patient compliance, drug instability, skin irritation, systemic side effects, and development of antibiotic resistance. Recent advances in nanotechnology have introduced lipid-based nanocarriers as promising alternatives for improved topical drug delivery in dermatological therapy. Lipid nanoparticles, including solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), are composed of physiologically compatible lipids that enhance drug localisation within the skin while minimising systemic exposure. These carriers offer multiple advantages such as improved drug stability, controlled and sustained release, enhanced skin penetration, reduced toxicity, increased hydration through occlusive film formation, and protection of encapsulated drugs from chemical degradation. Furthermore, lipid nanoparticles can improve therapeutic efficacy and patient adherence by reducing dosing frequency and adverse effects.

The present review highlights recent advances in lipid nanoparticle–based drug delivery systems for acne management, discusses their formulation strategies, mechanisms of enhanced dermal targeting, therapeutic benefits over conventional delivery systems, and explores their future potential as effective and patient-friendly approaches for the treatment of acne and related inflammatory skin disorders.

Thiophene Analogues against GABAa Receptor Used to Design New Antiepileptic Agents: Molecular-Docking Study Approach

Surajmal G. Malpani — 2026-06-11

Epilepsy is a chronic non-communicable brain disorder that affects about 50 million people worldwide and is characterised by recurrent seizures. Heterocyclic compounds are widely distributed in nature and have diverse applications in the design of new drug molecules, including potential antiepileptic agents. Based on previous findings, selective activation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated pathways is an important target for antiepileptic molecule design because GABA helps regulate central nervous system activity. In this study, thiophene derivatives were used to design new antiepileptic agents through selective GABA activation. The probable activity of thiophene derivatives may be improved by substitution at all positions of thiophene except the first position. Molecular docking was performed to predict the antiepileptic activity of the designed analogues. The molecular docking of thiophene analogues was carried out using AutoDock Vina version 1.1.2. Twenty thiophene analogues were docked into GABAa with Protein Data Bank (PDB) code 4COF, and the interaction was assessed based on the docking score. Diazepam was used as the standard compound. The twenty analogues showed docking scores ranging from -6.3 to -9.6 kcal/mol, and thirteen analogues showed more favourable docking scores than diazepam. Compound T-15 showed the lowest docking score and, therefore, higher binding interaction than the other thiophene analogues. All thiophene derivatives showed hydrogen-bond interactions with protein residues. Further synthesis and in vitro evaluation are required to confirm antiepileptic activity.

The Content Continuum: A Strategic Framework for the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Content Lifecycle from Ideation to Impact

Mitesh Mohan Hood — 2026-06-11

Background: The creation and dissemination of digital content in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors are often fragmented, leading to operational inefficiencies, inconsistent messaging, and suboptimal engagement with healthcare professionals and patients. A unified, strategic framework that governs the entire content lifecycle is critically needed to navigate the complexities of the modern information ecosystem.

Objective: To introduce and define "The Content Continuum," a holistic, six-phase framework designed to guide the strategic planning, creation, optimization, distribution, measurement, and maintenance of digital content in the life sciences, healthcare and pharmaceutical industry.

Methods: This article presents a conceptual framework developed through a synthesis of industry best practices and strategic analysis. The Content Continuum is decoded into six distinct, interconnected phases: (1) Ideation & Strategic Planning, (2) Creation & Sourcing, (3) Optimization & Compliance, (4) Distribution & Dissemination, (5) Measurement & Impact Analysis, and (6) Maintenance & Archival.

Findings: Application of the Continuum framework necessitates a fundamental shift from reactive and compartmentalized content production to a proactive, integrated, and data-driven content ecosystem. Key operational evolution includes leveraging data for strategic planning, adopting modular content approaches, embedding compliance throughout the workflow, personalizing distribution at scale, defining meaningful impact metrics beyond simple engagement, and implementing active content governance.

Conclusion: The Content Continuum provides a much-needed strategic architecture for managing digital information. Its adoption can enable pharmaceutical and healthcare organizations to enhance the quality, compliance, and impact of their content, ultimately fostering more meaningful connections with their audiences and improving health outcomes.

Antihyperglycemic and Antioxidative Properties of Chromolaena odorata Leaf-Extract against Deleterious Effects of Diabetes and Mercuric Chloride-Induced Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats

Ifeanyichukwu Maxwell Ama — 2026-06-11

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycaemia resulting from impaired insulin secretion, insulin resistance or both. Exposure to mercury, a highly toxic heavy metal, exacerbates diabetic complications through oxidative stress, inflammation and tissue damage. Medicinal plants rich in bioactive phytochemicals have gained attention as potential therapeutic agents against diabetes and heavy-metal toxicity. Chromolaena odorata is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antidiabetic properties.

Objective: This study investigated the antihyperglycaemic and antioxidative properties of Chromolaena odorata leaf extract against deleterious effects of diabetes and mercuric chloride-induced oxidative stress in Wistar rats and also evaluated its phytochemical composition through qualitative and quantitative analyses.

Methods: Fresh leaves of Chromolaena odorata were collected, authenticated, dried, pulverised and extracted using graded concentrations of ethanol. Phytochemical screening was conducted using standard qualitative methods, while the major phytoconstituents and oxidative stress markers were quantified spectrophotometrically. Experimental diabetes was induced with a single dose of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg body weight), and mercury toxicity was induced with HgCl₂ (3 mg/kg body weight daily for 14 days). A total of 36 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to six groups (A-F), comprising six rats each. Fasting blood glucose levels were monitored weekly, and the study lasted for 31 days.

Results: Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, phenols, terpenoids and glycosides. Quantitative analysis showed high concentrations of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Administration of Chromolaena odorata leaf extract significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic and mercury-exposed rats (Groups D-F) compared with the untreated group (Group B); the extract also reduced the expression of oxidative biomarkers (P <.05).

Conclusion: Chromolaena odorata leaf extract exhibited significant antihyperglycaemic activity and restorative effects against mercury-aggravated diabetic complications. These effects may be attributed to its rich phytochemical constituents, particularly flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which possess antioxidant and free-radical-scavenging properties.