Assessing the Efficacy of Berberine Hydrochloride-loaded Transethosomal Gel System in Treating Dermatophytosis Caused by Trichophyton Rubrum in ex-vivo, in-vitro, and in-vivo models

BACKGROUND

Dermatophytosis is the most common dermatological disorder worldwide. Many drugs are available in the market for the treatment of dermatophytosis, but they have had limited success due to the stratum corneum barrier, antifungal resistance, drug permeation, drug retention in skin layers, etc. Thus, there is a constant need for new topical compounds that are effective against dermatophytosis. Berberine-hydrochloride is an attractive candidate to become an antifungal drug, and by using nanotechnology, it achieves deeper penetration in skin layers with enhanced permeability through the stratum corneum.

METHODS

In this study, we developed an oleic acid-containing berberine-hydrochloride-loaded transethosomal gel for effective treatment of dermatophytosis by Trichophyton rubrum. Berberine-hydrochloride-loaded transethosomal gels were fabricated using the hot homogenization method, followed by the incorporation of transethosomes into the gel-based system using carbopol 934. Transethosomal gel was characterized by physicochemical properties, in vitro drug release, ex-vivo permeation studies, CLSM visualization, antifungal activity, histopathological evaluation, and dermatokinetic study.

RESULTS

Berberine-hydrochloride-loaded transethosomes seemed to be spherical and found in a range between 200-300 nm. Berberine-hydrochloride-loaded transethosomal gel formulation also exhibited controlled ex-vivo permeation of berberine-hydrochloride over 24 hr through excised rat skin, and CLSM confirmed deeper penetration into skin layers. The in vivo study revealed that transethosomal gel had a healing effect on the skin of Wistar rats infected with Trichophyton rubrum and was better than luliconazole cream. The histopathological evaluation confirmed its safety, and the dermatokinetic study showed transethosomal gel superiority over marketed cream.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, the incorporation of berberine hydrochloride-loaded transethosomal nanosystems into the gel has the potential to enhance antifungal activity and permeation through transdermal drug delivery.

Glibenclamide - Malonic Acid Cocrystal with an Enhanced Solubility and Bioavailability

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the work is to enhance the solubility, dissolution and pharmacokinetic properties of Glibenclamide (GLB) via cocrystallization technique. Significance: Glibenclamide (GLB) is an oral hypoglycemic agent used for treating non-insulin-dependent (type II) diabetes mellitus. It exhibits poor aqueous solubility and oral bioavailability, thereby compromising its therapeutic effect. Therefore, utilizing cocrystal approach for enhancing the solubility will modulate the physicochemical properties of GLB without altering its molecular structure.

METHODS

Cocrystal was prepared by solution crystallization method using coformer malonic acid. The cocrystal was characterized by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) studies. The prepared cocrystal was subjected to solubility, in vitro dissolution, and pharmacokinetic studies.

RESULTS

The DSC endotherms, PXRD patterns and the FT-IR spectra of the cocrystal established the formation of a cocrystal. The formation of eutectic mixture was refuted upon comparing the DSC endotherm and PXRD pattern of the cocrystal with that of the physical mixture. GLB showed a two-fold enhancement in solubility and a significant improvement in the rate of dissolution (p < 0.05, Independent t-test) after cocrystallization. The pharmacokinetic parameters on male Sprague Drawly rats showed 1.45 enhancement in AUC _0-24 and 1.36 -fold enhancement in the C_max of GLB as compared to the pure drug.

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrate that cocrystallization technique was able to tailor the solubility and dissolution profile of GLB leading to an enhanced pharmacokinetic property.

Development of ionic liquid microemulsion for transdermal delivery of a chemotherapeutic agent

Nowadays skin cancers have become a major area of concern because of the continuous exposure to sun rays (UV rays). Hence, the present work focused on the synthesis of an innovative 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) microemulsion as a topical delivery system mainly used to treat various forms of skin cancer. The topical administration of most of the active compounds is impaired by limited skin permeability due to the presence of skin barriers. In this sequence, the microemulsion represents a cost-effective and convenient drug carrier system that successfully delivers the drug to and across the skin. Unfortunately, 5-FU reveals high toxicity and low tumor affinity became inefficient for patients with the risk of serious side effects. For decreasing of eluding some of its disadvantages we made it more effective by preparing its microemulsion with tween 80 (surfactant), isopropyl alcohol (co-surfactant), oleic acid (oil) in a four-component system. This study emphasized increasing the drug release by multiple times and a topical gel has been formulated and designs to elongate the drug release. All preparation of 5-FU microemulsion was characterized by physicochemical and drug release studies. The size of the 5-FU microemulsion was 550–600 nm confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Zetasizer. The clear microemulsion was prepared at pH 5–6. It shows viscosity in the limit of 13.52–18.23 Pa s. The outcome of the present work is satisfactory for skin cancer treatment.

The Epitome of Novel Techniques and Targeting Approaches in Drug Delivery for Treating Lymphatic Filariasis

BACKGROUND

Lymphatic filariasis is a pervasive and life-threatening disease for human beings. Currently, 893 million people in 49 countries worldwide affected by lymphatic filariasis as per WHO statistics. The concealed aspects of lymphatic diseases such as delayed disease detection, inappropriate disease imaging, the geographical outbreak of infection, and lack of preventive chemotherapy have brought this epidemic to the edge of Neglected Tropical Diseases. Many medications and natural bioactive substances have seen to promote filaricidal activity against the target parasitic species. However, the majority of failures have occurred in pharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic issues.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study is to focus on the challenges and therapeutic issues in the treatment of filariasis. The review brings novel techniques and therapeutic approaches for combating lymphatic filariasis. It also offers significant developments and opportunities for such therapeutic interventions.

CONCLUSION

Through this review, an attempt has made to critically evaluate the avenues of innovative pharmaceuticals and molecular targeting approaches to bring an integrated solution to combat lymphatic filariasis.

Investigation of inclusion behaviour of gefitinib with epichlorohydrin-β-cyclodextrin polymer: preparation of binary complex, stoichiometric determination and characterization

Gefitinib is anticancer drug which is sparingly soluble in water. This limits its dissolution and bioavailability. Binary inclusion complex of gefitinib with Epi-β-CD was prepared by freeze-drying method. Stoichiometric ratio of 1:1 M was established by continuous variation (Job's) plot. The stability constant of complex as determined by phase solubility study was found to be 15,871.3 M^-1. Complex was characterized by FTIR, DSC, DTA and dissolution study. Results revealed that in complex the drug no longer exist in crystalline state and is converted into amorphous form; which shows higher dissolution efficiency as compared to crystalline drug. The solubilizing efficiency for freeze dried complex was found to be 175.57 and the relative drug crystallinity degree was 87.91% as estimated by thermal analysis. Complexation led to decrease in surface tension; from 54.8 dynes/cm (pure gefitinib) to 40.3 dynes/cm (FD complex) due to adsorption phenomenon. The results obtained in this study confirmed that complexation of gefitinib with Epi-β-CD is a prominent approach and suitable tool for tailoring the issue related to its delivery and can be explored for development of an effective delivery system.

Multicomponent Pharmaceutical Cocrystals: A Novel Approach for Combination Therapy

Cocrystallization is a technique for modifying the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) embodying the concept of supramolecular synthon. Most of the examples cited in the literature are of cocrystals formed between an API and a coformer chosen from the generally recognized as safe (GRAS) substance list; however few examples exist where a cocrystal consists of two or more APIs. These cocrystals are commonly known as multi API, multi-drug or drug- drug cocrystals. The formation of such cocrystals is feasible by virtue of non covalent interactions between the APIs, which help them in retaining their activity. In addition, drugdrug cocrystals also offer potential solution to the limitations such as solubility, stability differences and chemical interaction between the APIs which is often faced during the traditional combination therapy. Cocrystallization of two or more APIs can be employed for delivery of combination drugs for the better and efficacious management of many complex disorders where existing monotherapies do not furnish the desired therapeutic effect. This review on the existing drug-drug cocrystals is to gain an insight for better designing of multi API cocrystals with improved physicochemical and pharmacokinetic profile and its application in multiple target therapy.

Antipsoriatic and Anti-inflammatory Studies of Berberis aristata Extract Loaded Nanovesicular Gels

Objective

Novel nanovesicular gel of Berberis aristata extract was developed and evaluated for its anti-inflammatory and antipsoriatic activity.

Materials and Methods

Transferosomes were prepared using soya phosphatidylcholine and edge activators (Tween 80, Span 80, and sodium deoxycholate) by a modified lipid film hydration technique using rotary evaporator and evaluated for various parameters. The quantification and standardization of extract have been carried out using its alkaloid content as berberine as biomarker. Topical application of imiquimod (IMQ) (immune modifier) on the shaved back of mice developed psoriasis-like inflammation followed by histopathological study of inflamed skin.

Results

The size of transferosomes was in the range of 265-345 nm whereas polydispersity index ranges from 0.10 to 0.63, and for zeta potential, it was from -19.3 to -43.3 mV. Transferosomes were further added to Carbopol 934P for gel formation and subsequently evaluated for their physicochemical properties. Their efficacy against inflammation, IMQ-induced psoriasis, and skin sensitivity was compared with conventional formulation (commercial formulation-Angle Gloss, Phytolab Pvt. Ltd.). Percent inhibition of edema by transferosomal gel (55.76%) was more as compared to conventional gel of extract (33.5%) found out by Carrageenan-induced paw edema method. Primary irritation index was found to be <0.4 inferring its safe use for topical formulation.

Conclusion

Histopathological report showed that, in psoriasis-induced animal treated with topical application of extract loaded transferosomal gel showed a marked reduction in thickness of epidermis, length of rete ridges as compared to conventional gel formulation. It can be inferred that B. aristata extract loaded transferosomal gel can function as potential anti-inflammatory and antipsoriatic formulation.

SUMMARY

The objective of the present research work was to prepare Berberis aristata extracts (roots, ethanolic 70%v/v) loaded transferosomal gel, to perform in vitro characterization and in vivo evaluation of their efficacy against inflammation as well as imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis in animalsThe remarkable enhancement in the in vitro release efficiency of B. aristata extract loaded transferosomal gel resulted in improved anti-inflammatory activity. The prepared novel formulation of B. aristata has also shown its efficacy against IMQ-induced psoriasis. Abbreviations used: SPC: Soyaphosphatidylcholine, PDI: Polydispersity index, IMQ: Imiquimod, EA: Edge activator, BE: Berberine, TEM: Transmission electron microscopy, PBS: Phosphate buffered saline, H and E: Hematoxylin and eosin, ZP: Zeta potential, EE: Entrapment efficiency.

Targeting of herbal bioactives through folate receptors: a novel concept to enhance intracellular drug delivery in cancer therapy

Targeted drug delivery through folate receptor (FR) has emerged as a most biocompatible, target oriented, and non-immunogenic cargoes for the delivery of anticancer drugs. FRs are highly overexpressed in many tumor cells (like ovarian, lung, breast, kidney, brain, endometrial, and colon cancer), and targeting them through conjugates bearing specific ligand with encapsulated nanodrug moiety is undoubtedly, a promising approach toward tumor targeting. Folate, being an endogenous ligand, can be exploited well to affect various cellular events occurring during the progress of tumor, in a more natural and definite way. Thus, the aim of the review lies in summarizing the advancements taken place in the drug delivery system of different therapeutics through FRs and to refine its role as an endogenous ligand, in targeting of synthetic as well as natural bioactives. The review also provides an update on the patents received on the folate-based drug delivery system.

Antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of Barleria prionitis and Barleria grandiflora: A comparative study

<p class="Abstract">Leaf juices as well as leaves of <em>Barleria prionitis</em> and <em>Barleria grandiflora</em> are being used by rural people across various regions of India in the treatment of oral ailments such as dental troubles, gum ailments, pyorrhoea, dental carries and mouth ulcers. Zone of inhibition and MIC values obtained for all the extracts suggest ethanolic extract of the herbs were more antimicrobial when compared to the aqueous extract. Results of biofilm suppression were found statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) when compared to control. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay on human gingival fibroblast and human dermal fibroblast cell lines for ethanolic extract of the herbs. CTC₅₀ value was found to be more than 1,000 µg/mL for ethanolic extracts of both herbs. Chlorhexidine was found to be more cytotoxic with CTC₅₀value of 12.5–25 µg/mL. Ethanolic extract of <em>B. prionitis</em> and <em>B. grandiflora</em> found significantly cytotoxic (p&lt;0.05) in comparison with control.</p><p class="Abstract"><strong>Video Clip:</strong></p><p class="Abstract"><a href="https://youtube.com/v/DNByJJQT3RY">Cytotoxicity assay:</a> 18 min 45 sec</p><p> </p>

Formulation, characterization, and evaluation of ligand-conjugated biodegradable quercetin nanoparticles for active targeting

The aim of this study was to design a targeted drug delivery system carrying a natural anticancer drug Quercetin (Qu), specifically for skin cancer. A central composite design was applied separately for each ligand, and the quadratic model was used for the process. The surface morphology was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and in vitro release studies were also performed. The MTT assay was performed against two different cell lines, to measure their anticancer potentials and their targeting ability. The study thus reveals that MA-Qu-PLGA and FA-Qu-PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) can be used as effective drug delivery systems for skin cancer treatment encompassing natural drugs.

Biocompatible nanoparticles for sustained topical delivery of anticancer phytoconstituent quercetin

This study describes the release and retention of a herbal lipophilic drug in sustained and controlled manner in skin layers, given topically, intended for skin cancer. Quercetin -loaded nanoparticles were prepared by nanoprecipitation technique using ethylcellulose as polymer. Ethylcellulose was selected as it is biocompatible, but non-biodegradable and hence can act as a reservoir in skin furrows and ducts. It was observed that the Quercetin: Ethylcellulose: Tween 80 at different ratios affects particle sizes along with yield and entrapment efficiency. It was found that the size of nanoparticles could be varied by changing the speed of agitation and sonication. The nanoparticles were prepared in particle size range 228.77 +/- 2.0 nm and the zeta potential of the selected formulation were found to be -16.7 mV, which shows the stability of the preparation. The percent entrapment efficiency was found to be in the range from 51.96 to 53.93% and percent loading capacity in the range 34.19 to 5.12%. The amount of drug release from nanoparticles and of drug retained in skin was compared using ex vivo study which shows that the drug being lipophilic could be retained in the skin for longer duration thus reducing the dose and frequency of drug administration. Further the amount of drug reaching to other organs is also reduced since the systemic absorption of drug was low. Thus, Quercetin loaded nanoparticles were prepared for topical use.

Dermatological consequences of photosensitization with an approach to treat them naturally

Photosensitization is a process in which the skin reacts to exposure to ultraviolet radiations. There are various associated dermatological consequences like photoxicity and photoallergic reactions which make the disease more complicated. There are various drugs which together with solar radiations worsen the situation of photosensitivity and hence termed as photosensitizers. The developments on the use of phytoconstituents from the herbal extract is the ardent need for fighting against the deleterious photosensitization reactions. This review attempts to highlight the problems of photosensitivity its pathological manifestation with the approach to treat them naturally with the help of skin rejuvenating herbs.

Matrix metalloproteinase enzymes and their naturally derived inhibitors: novel targets in photocarcinoma therapy

The continuous exposure of skin to ultraviolet radiations generates reactive oxygen species leading to photoaging in which degradation of dermal collagen and degeneration of elastic fibers occurs. Matrix metalloproteinase [MMP] enzymes are the proteolytic enzymes which have significant potentiality of cleaving extracellular matrix [ECM] against Ultraviolet [UV] radiation. The important MMPs are MMP1, MMP2 and MMP7 which promote skin cancer when irradiated by UV rays. In lieu of this, the investigation of MMPs and their inhibitors are constantly being studied for successive results. Recent researches have focused on some traditionally used bioactive moieties as natural matrix metalloproteinases inhibitors (MMPIs) and emphasized on the need of more extensive and specific studies on MMPIs, so that a good combination of natural or synthetic MMPIs with the conventional drugs can be evolved for cancer chemotherapy. In this review, we discuss the current view on the feasibility of MMPs as targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer. This review also summarizes the role of small molecular weight natural MMPIs and a clinical update of those natural MMPIs that are under clinical trial stage.

Development of photochemoprotective herbs containing cosmetic formulations for improving skin properties

Botanical photochemoprotectives are used because they act on various stages to prevent skin cancer and photoaging. The aim of this study was to prepare herbal creams from various photochemoprotective herbs and to perform efficacy studies on them by using physicochemical, microbiological, safety, psychometric, biophysical, and sun protection factor measurements. Herbal creams were prepared by incorporating hydroalcoholic extracts of Curcuma caesia (rhizome), Areca catechu (seeds), Centella asiatica (leaves) Cinnamon zeylanicum (dried bark), and Tamarindus indica (fruit pulp) in varied concentrations (1-5% w/w) in a base cream. The efficacy of all formulations was checked out for four weeks on 60 normal subjects on the volar forearm for evaluation of biophysical properties, and for psychometric evaluations (fragrance, lathery feel, softness, irritation, stickiness, smoothness, and aftereffect on the skin) and safety measurements. In the biophysical characterization, a cutometer for viscoelasticity, a mexameter for melanin content, a corneometer for hydration, and a sebumeter for sebum determination were used. All the cream formulations with 1% and 3% w/w extracts showed positive results and passed physicochemical, microbiological, and safety tests. The SPF values increased as the concentration of extract was increased up to a limit in the formulations. The SPF values were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in formulations with 3% herbal extract than with 1% herbal extract. Increased skin hydration, sebum levels, viscoelasticity, and decreased melanin values were obtained. The Cinnamon, Centella, and Tamarindus formulations were found more effective as photoprotectives than the Areca and Curcuma formulations.

In vitro sun protection factor determination of herbal oils used in cosmetics

The aim of this study was to evaluate ultraviolet (UV) absorption ability of volatile and nonvolatile herbal oils used in sunscreens or cosmetics and express the same in terms of sun protection factor (SPF) values. Sun protection factor is a laboratory measure of the effectiveness of sunscreen; the higher the SPF, the more protection a sunscreen offers against the ultraviolet radiations causing sunburn. The in vitro SPF is determined according to the spectrophotometric method of Mansur et al. Hydroalcoholic dilutions of oils were prepared, and in vitro photoprotective activity was studied by UV spectrophotometric method in the range of 290-320 nm. It can be observed that the SPF values found for nonvolatile oils were in between 2 and 8; and for volatile oils, in between 1 and 7. Among the fixed oils taken, SPF value of olive oil was found to be the highest. Similarly among essential oils, SPF value of peppermint oil was found to be the highest. The study will be helpful in the selection of oils and fragrances to develop sunscreens with better safety and high SPF. Oily vehicles are more effective for producing a uniform and long-lasting film of sunscreen on the skin, and their emollient properties protect the skin against the drying effects of exposure to wind and sun. Volatile oils are used as perfumes in cosmetics.

Comparative measurement of hydration effects of herbal moisturizers

Improvements of skin hydration properties by the use of polyherbal moisturizers are the recent advances in cosmetic preparations to avoid the harmful effects of chemical moisturizers. The main aim of the study was to establish selection preference of different available marketed herbal moisturizers on the basis of the efficiency of constituents for their hydration effects. The criteria for the selection of formulations were presence of herbal constituents, wheat germ oil and Aloe vera extract. Initially, physiochemical and psychometric studies were performed to visualize the compliance of moisturizers with the skin. The clinical study was carried out in six groups of six healthy human volunteers (aged 20–25 years) each applying moisturizers twice daily over a period of 3 weeks in their forearm. The skin properties measured were conductance, glow and appearance. The results indicated that all the moisturizers show moisturizing effect in a time-dependent pattern and the maximum increase in skin conductance was 168.125 and 165.24% for A2 and A1, respectively. Ranking of moisturizers based on conductance as well as physicochemical analysis is A2 > A1 > A4 > A3 > A5 > A6. It was found that the formulation A2 having wheat germ oil, Aloe vera extract and turmeric extract in combination showed best results due to their synergistic effect and wheat germ oil or Aloe extract, when present separately produced skin hydration to lesser extent.

Lymphatic targeting of zidovudine using surface-engineered liposomes

The present investigation was aimed at lymphatic targeting of zidovudine (ZDV)-loaded surface-engineered liposomes (SE liposomes). Surface of liposomes was engineered by incorporation of charges (positive or negative) and site-specific ligand (mannose) in order to enhance localization to lymphatics, specifically to lymph node and spleen. Positively and negatively charged nanosized SE liposomes (120 +/- 10 nm) were prepared using stearylamine (SA) and dicetyl phosphate (DCP), respectively, while ligand-coated SE liposomes were prepared using mannose-terminated SA (mannose conjugate). The SE liposomes were characterized for shape and surface morphology, size, entrapment efficiency, and in vitro drug release. All the SE liposomes formulations showed biphasic ZDV release, whereas mannose-coated liposomes (MAN-Lip) significantly reduced (p < 0.05) drug release compared with conventional liposome (Lip). The organ distribution pattern of the SE liposomes exhibited significant reduction in free ZDV concentration in serum, whereas significantly increased quantity was detected in the spleen and lymph nodes (p < 0.05). Fluorescent microscopy suggested enhanced uptake and localization of the SE liposomes in the lymph nodes and spleen, which were in the order: mannose coated > negatively charged > positively charged > Lip. Thus, the SE liposomes appeared to be promising novel vesicular system for enhanced targeting of ZDV to lymphatics, in AIDS chemotherapy.