An Insight into Medicinal Chemistry and SAR Studies of Cholinesterase and BACE-1 Inhibitors for Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a serious neurodegenerative condition that predominantly impacts the cholinergic neurons of the entorhinal cortex and hippocampal regions, playing a critical role in learning, navigation, and brain processing. This paper aims to discuss the three main hypotheses of Alzheimer's disease, focusing on neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration caused by mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS production, particularly analyzing the susceptibility differences between genders. Our comprehensive review focuses on significant findings from the past five years, particularly on Cholinesterase (ChE) and BACE-1 inhibitors. Researchers have conducted a detailed analysis of in vitro, in silico, and in vivo data, incorporating extensive Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) studies. The reviewed papers have been sourced from platforms, such as Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov, and have been selected based on their AChE and BACE-1 inhibitory activity and structural motif similarity. The review identifies the most effective compounds targeting ChE and BACE-1, highlighting acridine, dihydropyridine, and thiazole-coumarin hybrids for ChE inhibition, and oxadiazole, benzofuran, and dihydropyrimidinone for BACE-1 inhibition. This demonstrates a diverse array of potent heterocyclic hybrids. The review presents a varied compilation of scaffolds showing promise in treating Alzheimer's disease, highlighting the potential of specific compounds against ChE and BACE-1. Given the critical insights derived from our analysis, we posit that this compilation will substantially contribute to the ongoing efforts to combat neurodegeneration and prolong dementia, underscoring the importance of continuous research in this domain.

Resilience Against Resistance: Exploring Cutting-edge Therapies for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] stands as an enduring threat within healthcare landscapes, characterized by its ability to rapidly evolve and develop resistance to conventional antibiotics. This comprehensive review embarks on a journey through the historical landscape of MRSA, elucidating its initial emergence and subsequent evolution of resistance mechanisms over time. The narrative unfolds to underscore the profound impact of MRSA on patient outcomes and healthcare systems globally. Current trends in MRSA therapies come under meticulous scrutiny, spotlighting the limitations and challenges associated with existing treatment modalities. This analysis underscores the critical need for transformative and innovative therapeutic strategies to effectively combat the ever-growing spectre of drug resistance in MRSA from the exploration of novel antibiotics designed to overcome resistance mechanisms to the promising potential of phage therapy and immunotherapies. Amidst the exploration of innovative therapies, the review identifies and discusses emerging issues and challenges in MRSA management. Insights are provided into the intricate web of obstacles hindering the adoption and implementation of new therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, the socio-economic implications of MRSA and drug resistance are brought to the forefront, emphasizing the broader impact on public health and healthcare systems. In parallel, historical perspectives on MRSA research illuminate key milestones in scientific understanding and technological advancements. The evolution of research strategies and their impact on our ability to comprehend and combat MRSA is examined, providing context for the current state of the field. In conclusion, this review summarizes major findings and drawing implications for the future of MRSA treatment. Recommendations for further research and clinical practice are outlined, encapsulating a holistic overview of the resilient efforts against resistance in the ongoing battle against MRSA.

Exploring the Potential of Terpenoids as a Possible Treatment for Cancer: Structure-Activity Relationship and Mechanistic Studies.

Cancer stands as a significant global health challenge due to its mortality rates and the complexities involved in its treatment. Addressing issues, such as metastasis, recurrence, chemoresistance, and treatment-related toxicity, remains pivotal in cancer therapy advancement. Therefore, exploration of novel therapeutic agents has emerged as a priority. As the risk of cancer continues to rise, effective measures must be taken to combat it. One promising approach is to explore natural remedies, such as terpenoids, which have demonstrated anticancer activity. Utilizing terpenoids could aid in the development of potent compounds to fight cancer. By studying the structural makeup of various terpenoid derivatives from previous research, we can identify which structural groups are essential for their anticancer activity. This understanding of the structure-activity relationship is crucial for developing new, effective anticancer agents based on terpenoids. Terpenoids, a diverse class of plant-derived secondary metabolites composed of multiple isoprene units, have garnered attention for their potential anticancer and pharmacological qualities. Some terpenoids exhibit notable anticancer effects by concentrating on several stages of cancer development. They show promise in blocking the initiation of early carcinogenesis by the induction of cell cycle arrest, the inhibition of cancer cell differentiation, and the induction of apoptosis. This study delves into the investigation of specific terpenoids showcasing promising anticancer activity against prevalent malignancies, including breast, colon, ovarian, and lung cancers. The study also explores the relationship between the structure and activity of these compounds, which sheds light on how effective they are against a variety of cancer cell types. The comprehensive discussion centres on elucidating terpenoids with substantial potential for combating diverse cancer types, offering insights into their structural features and promising anticancer mechanisms.

Heterocyclic compounds as xanthine oxidase inhibitors for the management of hyperuricemia: synthetic strategies, structure-activity relationship and molecular docking studies (2018-2024).

Hyperuricemia is characterized by higher-than-normal levels of uric acid in the bloodstream. This condition can increase the likelihood of developing gout, a form of arthritis triggered by the deposition of urate crystals in the joints, leading to inflammation and pain. An essential part of purine metabolism is played by the enzyme xanthine oxidase (XO), which transforms xanthine and hypoxanthine into uric acid. Despite its vital role, diseases such as gout have been associated with elevated uric acid levels, which are linked to increased XO activity. To manage hyperuricemia, this study focuses on potential nitrogen based heterocyclic compounds that may serve as XO inhibitors which may lower uric acid levels and prevent hyperuricemia. Xanthine oxidase inhibitors are a class of medications used to treat conditions like gout by reducing the production of uric acid. The present study demonstrates numerous compounds, particularly nitrogen containing heterocyclic compounds including their synthesis, structure-activity relationship, and molecular docking studies. This paper also contains drugs undergoing clinical studies and the xanthine oxidase inhibitors that have been approved by the FDA.

Recent Developments in the Antimicrobial Potential of Some Nitrogenous Heterocycles and their SAR Studies: A Review.

BACKGROUND: Infection remains a significant global health concern, with millions of new cases and deaths occurring due to infectious diseases. Currently, chemoprophylaxis and chemotherapy are the primary treatments, but side effects and toxicities pose challenges. Pathogenic microorganisms have developed resistance to antimicrobial medications. Nitrogen containing heterocyclic scaffolds possess the potential in drug discovery and are explored in various fields like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agrochemicals. To minimize antimicrobial drug resistance, there is a need to design potent, safer antimicrobial lead compounds with higher selectivity and minimal cytotoxicity. OBJECTIVES: The present review aims to outline several recent developments in medicinal chemistry aspect of nitrogenous heterocyclic derivatives with the following purposes: (1) To cast light on the recent literature reports of the last eight years ranging from 2015 to 2023 describing anti-microbial potential of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic derivatives which includes pyrazole, pyrazoline, imidazole, tetrazole and quinoline; (2) To brief the recent developments in the medicinal chemistry of nitrogenous heterocyclic derivatives that is directed towards their anti-microbial profile; (3) To summarize the complete correlation of structural features of nitrogenous heterocyclic molecules with the pharmacological action including in silico as well as mechanistic studies to provide thoughts accompanying the generation of lead molecules. METHODS: Antimicrobial potential of nitrogenous heterocyclic molecules has been displayed by relating the structural features of various lead candidates with their in vitro as well as in vivo antimicrobial outcomes. In contrast, in silico computational analysis from different articles also helped to predict the SAR of potent molecules. RESULTS: Nitrogen containing heterocycles are involved in a range of natural to synthetic analogues with keen antimicrobial potency. It is an emerging need to generate new nitrogenous heterocyclic molecules in order to tackle the drug resistance in micro-organisms with more targeted selectivity as well as specificity. CONCLUSION: To limit the side effects associated with them and to combat the microbes acquired resistance towards the current drug regimen, novel nitrogenous heterocycle based antimicrobial agents are essential to be developed. This review connects the structural units present in lead compounds with their promising antimicrobial action.

Nano-nutraceuticals to Combat Oxidative Stress: Unlocking Newer Paradigms in Adjuvant Therapy.

Nutraceuticals are products that provide both nutritional and therapeutic benefits. These compounds can slow the aging process and provide physiological effects shielding individuals from acute and chronic diseases. People's interests have shifted from allopathic to Ayurvedic to nutraceuticals in recent years. These are often common dietary supplements that have drawn customers worldwide because of their high nutritional safety and lack of adverse effects when used for a long time. Although conventional dosage forms, including pills, tablets, and semi-solids, are still available, they nevertheless have poorer bioavailability, less stability, and less effectiveness for targeted delivery of bioactives. The use of effective nanocomplex systems as nano-antioxidants using nanotechnology has become a promising field. Among its many uses, nanotechnology is mostly used to create foods and nutraceuticals that are more bioavailable, less toxic, and more sustainable. Additionally, it has been emphasized how precisely nano-pharmaceuticals for oxidative stress produce the desired effects. These improvements show improved antioxidant delivery to the target region, reduced leakage, and increased targeting precision. The outcomes demonstrated that oxidative stress-related illnesses can be effectively treated by lowering ROS levels with the use of nanonutraceuticals. The major ideas and uses of nano-nutraceuticals for health are outlined in this review, with an emphasis on reducing oxidative stress.

Unlocking InhA: Novel approaches to inhibit Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis continues to pose a health security risk and remains a public health emergency. Antimicrobial resistance result from treatment regimens that are both insufficient and incomplete leading to the emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis and totally drug-resistant tuberculosis. The impact of tuberculosis on the people suffering from HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus infection) have resulted in the increased research efforts in designing and discovery of novel antitubercular drugs that may result in decreasing treatment duration, minimising the need for multiple drug intake, minimising cytotoxicity and enhancing the mechanism of action of drug. While many drugs are available to treat tuberculosis, a precise and timely cure is still absent. Consequently, further investigation is needed to identify more recent molecular equivalents that have the potential to swiftly remove this disease. Isoniazid (INH), a treatment for tuberculosis (TB), targets the enzyme InhA (mycobacterium enoyl acyl carrier protein reductase), the Mycobacterium tuberculosis enoyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) reductase, most common INH resistance is circumvented by InhA inhibitors that do not require KatG (catalase-peroxidase) activation, as a result, researchers are trying to work in the area of development of InhA inhibitors which could help in eradicating the era of tuberculosis from the world.

An insight into recent updates on analytical techniques for bioactive alkaloids.

INTRODUCTION: Alkaloids represent a wide class of naturally existing nitrogen-containing organic compounds having diverse biological activities. They are primary bioactive substances extracted from diverse plant parts. Due to their diverse biological activities, they are frequently used as medicines. The alkaloids have diverse pharmacological impacts on the human body; alkaloids are used for prevention, treatment, and reduction of discomfort associated with chronic illnesses. As most alkaloids exist in plants in complex form, combined with numerous other natural plant components, it is essential to recognize and characterize these molecules using different analytical techniques. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to review the literature on the methods and protocols for the analysis of naturally occurring alkaloids. METHODS: We carried out a literature survey using the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases and other relevant published materials. The keywords used in the searches were "alkaloids," "analytical methods," "HPLC method," "GC method," "electrochemical methods," and "bioanalytical methods," in various combinations. RESULTS: In this article, several classes of alkaloids are presented, along with their biological activities. Moreover, it includes a thorough explanation of chromatographic techniques, hyphenated techniques, electrochemical techniques, and current trending analytical methods utilized for the isolation, identification, and comprehensive characterization of alkaloids. CONCLUSIONS: The various analytical techniques play an important role in the identification as well as the characterization of various alkaloids from plants, plasma samples, and urine samples. The hyphenation of various chromatographic techniques with mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy plays a crucial role in the characterization of unknown compounds.

Neuroprotective Effect of Natural Indole and ß-carboline Alkaloids against Parkinson's Disease: An Overview.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a devastating neurodegenerative condition that mostly damages dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and impairs human motor function. Males are more likely than females to have PD. There are two main pathways associated with PD: one involves the misfolding of α-synuclein, which causes neurodegeneration, and the other is the catalytic oxidation of dopamine via MAO-B, which produces hydrogen peroxide that can cause mitochondrial damage. Parkin (PRKN), α-synuclein (SNCA), heat shock protein (HSP), and leucine-rich repeat kinase-2 (LRRK2) are some of the target areas for genetic alterations that cause neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD). Under the impact of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), which is also important in Parkinson's disease (PD), inhibition of mitochondrial complex 1 results in enhanced ROS generation in neuronal cells. Natural products are still a superior option in the age of synthetic pharmaceuticals because of their lower toxicity and moderate side effects. A promising treatment for PD has been discovered using beta-carboline (also known as " ß-carboline") and indole alkaloids. However, there are not many studies done on this particular topic. In the herbs containing ß-carbolines and indoles, the secondary metabolites and alkaloids, ß-carbolines and indoles, have shown neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing properties. In this review, we have presented results from 18 years of research on the effects of indole and ß-carboline alkaloids against oxidative stress and MAO inhibition, two key targets in PD. In the SAR analysis, the activity has been correlated with their unique structural characteristics. This study will undoubtedly aid researchers in looking for new PD treatment options.

Current Trends of Analytical Techniques for Bioactive Terpenoids: A Review.

Terpenes and terpenoids are the primary bioactive substances present in essential volatile oils, condensed liquids extracted from diverse plant parts. These substances demonstrate remarkable biological activity and are frequently used as medicines, food additives, and scent molecules. Terpenoids have a wide range of pharmacological effects on the human body, including the treatment, prevent, and reduce the discomfort associated with a number of chronic illnesses. Therefore, these bioactive substances are crucial to our everyday existence. As most terpenoids are present in complex form, coupled with many other raw plant elements, it is important to identify and characterize these molecules. This article addresses various classes of terpenoids, their biochemical processes, and their biological functions. Additionally, it includes a comprehensive description of several hyphenated procedures and recently popular analytical approaches used for isolation, identification, and absolute characterization. It also includes a discussion of the various advantages, drawbacks, and challenges encountered during the collection of the sample and throughout the entire research process.

Bioinformatics Paradigms in Drug Discovery and Drug Development.

Despite breakthroughs in medical sciences, drug development remains a timeconsuming, expensive, challenging, and inefficient process with a high failure rate for novel therapeutic discoveries. Bioinformatics analysis can speed up drug target identification, drug candidate screening, and refining, but it can also help characterise adverse effects and anticipate drug resistance. Integrated genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics have resulted in potent new tactics for resolving numerous biochemical problems and establishing new methodologies that result in new biomedical products. As a result, a new research trend emerged to demonstrate the mechanism of therapeutic action, forecast drug resistance, and uncover biomarkers for various disorders. The development of new medications is a complicated procedure. There are two basic approaches to drug design: ligand-based drug design and structure-based drug design. The study of protein structure and function was essential for drug development. Current techniques based on combinatorial approaches such as proteomics, genomics, bioinformatics, molecular docking, and mass spectrometry were applied. This article provides an overview of the combinatorial techniques of proteomics, genomics, and bioinformatics that aid in understanding the drug-creation process.

Exploring the Multitarget Potential of Iridoids: Advances and Applications.

Iridoids are secondary plant metabolites that are multitarget compounds active against various diseases. Iridoids are structurally classified into iridoid glycosides and non-glycosidic iridoids according to the presence or absence of intramolecular glycosidic bonds; additionally, iridoid glycosides can be further subdivided into carbocyclic iridoids and secoiridoids. These monoterpenoids belong to the cyclopentan[c]-pyran system, which has a wide range of biological activities, including antiviral, anticancer, antiplasmodial, neuroprotective, anti-thrombolytic, antitrypanosomal, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-oxidant, antihyperlipidemic and anti-inflammatory properties. The basic chemical structure of iridoids in plants (the iridoid ring scaffold) is biosynthesized in plants by the enzyme iridoid synthase using 8-oxogeranial as a substrate. With advances in phytochemical research, many iridoid compounds with novel structure and outstanding activity have been identified in recent years. Biologically active iridoid derivatives have been found in a variety of plant families, including Plantaginaceae, Rubiaceae, Verbenaceae, and Scrophulariaceae. Iridoids have the potential of modulating many biological events in various diseases. This review highlights the multitarget potential of iridoids and includes a compilation of recent publications on the pharmacology of iridoids. Several in vitro and in vivo models used, along with the results, are also included in the paper. This paper's systematic summary was created by searching for relevant iridoid material on websites such as Google Scholar, PubMed, SciFinder Scholar, Science Direct, and others. The compilation will provide the researchers with a thorough understanding of iridoid and its congeners, which will further help in designing a large number of potential compounds with a strong impact on curing various diseases.

Spray Drying as an Effective Method in the Development of Solid Self- Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems.

Most of the new drug candidates and present ones are lipophilic, which leads to low bioavailability. Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) have emerged as promising formulation system for poorly water-soluble drug candidates. Over the last two decades, various such drug compounds were used by researchers for the development of SEDDS. At present, many SEDDS formulations are also available in the market. Though SEDDS offer many advantages but drawbacks like low drug loading, few dosage form choices, difficulty in handling and storage led to the solidification of this system by various methods. Solidification by spray drying technique offers a lot of advantages like scalability and stability. This particular method is the focus of this review. Adsorbent carriers have the most significant role in the fate of this formulation and its compatibility with the drug candidate. This review addresses the advantages, method of development, spray drying specifications, and characterization of S-SEDDS in detail. Furthermore, the prospect of turning spray-dried SEDDS into tablets by punching which offers potential advantages of increased bioavailability and stability has also been discussed.

Computational Design of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers in Drug Delivery Systems: A Comprehensive Review.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, biomedical research has been focusing on the design and development of new drug delivery systems that provide efficient drug targeting. The molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have attracted wide interest and play an indispensable role as a drug carrier. Drug delivery systems based on MIPs have been frequently cited in the literature. They are cross-linked polymers that contain binding sites according to the complementary structure of the template molecules. They possess distinctive features of structure predictability and site recognition specificity. Versatile applications of MIPs include purification, biosensing, bioseparation, artificial antibodies, and drug delivery. An ideal MIPs should include features such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and stability. OBJECTIVE: In this article, we elaborate on the historic growth, synthesis, and preparation of different MIPs and present an updated summary of recent advances in the development of new drug delivery systems which are based on this technique. Their potential to deliver drugs in a controlled and targeted manner will also be discussed. CONCLUSION: MIPs possess unique advantages, such as lower toxicity, fewer side effects, and good therapeutic potential. They offer administration of drugs by different routes, i.e., oral, ocular or transdermal. Despite several advantages, biomedical companies are hesitant to invest in MIPs based drug delivery systems due to the limited availability of chemical compounds.

The Role of 4-Thiazolidinone Scaffold in Targeting Variable Biomarkers and Pathways Involving Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cancer can be considered as a genetic as well as a metabolic disorder. The current cancer treatment scenario looks like aggravating tumor cell metabolism, causing the disease to progress even with greater intensity. The cancer therapy is restricted to the limitations of poor patient compliance due to toxicities to normal tissues and multi-drug resistance development. There is an emerging need for cancer therapy to be more focused towards better understanding of genetic, epigenetic and transcriptional changes resulting in cancer progression and their relationship with treatment sensitivity. OBJECTIVE: The 4-thiazolidinone nucleus possesses marked anticancer potential towards different biotargets, thus targeting different cancer types like breast, prostate, lung, colorectal and colon cancers, renal cell adenocarcinomas and gliomas. Therefore, conjugating the 4-thiazolidinone scaffold with other promising moieties or directing the therapy towards targeted drug delivery systems like the use of nanocarrier systems, can provide the gateway for optimizing the anticancer efficiency and minimizing the adverse effects and drug resistance development, thus providing stimulus for personalized pharmacotherapy. METHODS: An exhaustive literature survey has been done to give an insight into the anticancer potential of the 4- thiazolidinone nucleus either alone or in conjugation with other active moieties, with the mechanisms involved in preventing proliferation and metastasis of cancer covering a vast range of publications of repute. CONCLUSION: This review aims to summarise the work reported on anticancer activity of 4-thiazolidinone derivatives covering various cancer biomarkers and pathways involved, citing the data from the year 2005 till now, which may be beneficial to the researchers for future development of more efficient 4-thiazolidinone derivatives.

Pharmacodynamic Stance of Phytoconstituents as a Gastric Ulcer Protective Mechanism: An Overview.

Various traditional herbal plants have been associated with unique pharmacological actions. Natural parts as well as processed plant parts are known to possess gastro-protective and gastro- mucosal healing property. Motive of this review analysis is to explain the gastro-protective and gastro-mucosal healing property of different herbal plants and their constituents indigenous to various regions of the globe and elucidate mechanisms of the healing by their metabolic extracts. Moreover, an attempt shall be made to explicate the possible molecular pharmacological targets responsible for healing gastric ulcer activity. A thorough survey of literature has been carried out from various scientific resources and using keywords like peptic ulcer mechanism, gastro-protective agents, gastro-mucosal healing property, natural and processed herbal drugs preventing peptic ulcers. This article will present a running commentary on the prospects and potential of herbal plants exhibiting gastroprotective activity and gastro-mucosal healing property.

Neuroprotective Role of Nutritional Supplementation in Athletes.

BACKGROUND: Neurodegenerative disorders belong to different classes of progressive/ chronic conditions that affect the peripheral/central nervous system. It has been shown through studies that athletes who play sports involving repeated head trauma and sub-concussive impacts are more likely to experience neurological impairments and neurodegenerative disorders in the long run Aims: The aim of the current narrative review article is to provide a summary of various nutraceuticals that offer promise in the prevention or management of sports-related injuries, especially concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries. METHODS: This article reviews the various potential nutraceutical agents and their possible mechanisms in providing a beneficial effect in the injury recovery process. A thorough survey of the literature was carried out in the relevant databases to identify studies published in recent years. In the present article, we have also highlighted the major neurological disorders along with the associated nutraceutical(s) therapy in the management of disorders. RESULTS: The exact pathological mechanism behind neurodegenerative conditions is complex as well as idiopathic. However, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress as well as intracellular calcium overload are some common reasons responsible for the progression of these neurodegenerative disorders. Owing to the multifaceted effects of nutraceuticals (complementary medicine), these supplements have gained importance as neuroprotective. These diet-based approaches inhibit different pathways in a physiological manner without eliciting adverse effects. Food habits and lifestyle of an individual also affect neurodegeneration. CONCLUSION: Studies have shown nutraceuticals (such as resveratrol, omega-3-fatty acids) to be efficacious in terms of their neuroprotection against several neurodegenerative disorders and to be used as supplements in the management of traumatic brain injuries. Protection prior to injuries is needed since concussions or sub-concussive impacts may trigger several pathophysiological responses or cascades that can lead to long-term complications associated with CNS. Thus, the use of nutraceuticals as prophylactic treatment for neurological interventions has been proposed.

Targeted Drug Delivery: Trends and Perspectives.

BACKGROUND: Having various limitations in conventional drug delivery system, it is important to focus on the target-specific drug delivery system where we can deliver the drug without any degradation. Among various challenges that are thrown to a formulation scientist, delivering the drug to its right site, in its right dose, is also an important aim. A focused drug transport aims to extend, localize, target and have a safe drug interaction with the diseased tissue. OBJECTIVE: The aim of targeted drug delivery is to make the required amount of the drug available at its desired site of action. Drug targeting can be accomplished in a number of ways that include enzyme mediation, pH-dependent release, use of special vehicles, receptor targeting, among other mechanisms. Intelligently designed targeted drug delivery systems also offer the advantages of a low dose of the drug along with reduced side effects which ultimately improves patient compliance. Incidences of dose dumping and dosage form failure are negligible. A focused drug transport aims to have a safe drug interaction with the diseased tissue. CONCLUSION: This review focuses on the available targeting techniques from experiment to perfection for delivery to the colon, brain, and other sites of interest. Overall, the article should make an excellent read for the researchers in this area. Newer drug targets may be identified and exploited for successful drug targeting.

Formulation, validation and evaluation studies on metaxalone and diclofenac potassium topical gel.

Twenty different batches of gels containing metaxalone and diclofenac potassium were prepared for topical application. These drugs act synergistically in the management of pain and inflammation. Gels were prepared by varying the type of gelling agent (ten batches each of hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose and carbopol 934). The prepared gels were characterized and evaluated. Batch F7 emerged as the best batch on the basis of favourable pH, high drug content, homogeneity and drug release. HPLC (High-performance liquid chromatography) method validation of gel formulation was also carried out and the developed and validated method was found to be robust and accurate.

Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Intranasal Administration of Olanzapine in the Management of Schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: Olanzapine belongs to a new class of dual spectrum antipsychotic agents. It is known to show promise in managing both the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Drug delivery systems based on nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) are expected to provide rapid nose-to-brain transport of this drug and improved distribution into and within the brain. OBJECTIVE: The present study deals with the preparation and evaluation of olanzapine loaded NLC via the intranasal route for schizophrenia. METHODS: Olanzapine-NLC were formulated through the solvent injection method using isopropyl alcohol as the solvent, stearic acid as solid lipid, and oleic acid as liquid lipid, chitosan as a coating agent, and Poloxamer 407 as a surfactant. NLC were characterized for particle size, polydispersity index, entrapment efficiency, pH, viscosity, X-ray diffraction studies, in-vitro mucoadhesion study, in- vitro release and ex-vivo permeation studies. The shape and surface morphology of the prepared NLC was determined through transmission electron microscopy. To detect the interaction of the drug with carriers, compatibility studies were also carried out. RESULTS: Average size and polydispersity index of developed formulation S6 was 227.0±6.3 nm and 0.460, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency of formulation S6 was found to be 87.25%. The pH, viscosity, in-vitro mucoadhesion study, and in- vitro release of optimized olanzapine loaded NLC were recorded as 5.7 ± 0.05, 78 centipoise, 15±2 min, and 91.96%, respectively. In ex-vivo permeation studies, the percent drug permeated after 210 min was found to be 84.03%. CONCLUSION: These results reveal the potential application of novel olanzapine-NLC in intranasal drug delivery system for the treatment of Schizophrenia.