Search Results (20,003)

Lonicera japonica Flos (LJF) is widely used in pharmaceuticals and functional foods, with its bioactive constituents significantly influenced by processing methods. This study characterized the dynamic changes in chemical components in LJF under different maceration and decoction durations. Using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and molecular networking, a total of 260 metabolites were unambiguously identified or tentatively characterized, including 66 iridoids, 42 flavonoids and 49 phenolic acids. Among these, 11 phenolic acids and 3 flavonoids were absent in the macerated samples. Twenty-two representative compounds were quantified using calibration curves. Most secondary metabolites, particularly phenolic acids, exhibited lower levels in the macerated samples than the decocted samples (e.g., 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid: 65.67–106.41 μg/g during maceration vs. 32,783.05–55,754.68 μg/g during decoction). The decoction process significantly enhances the extraction of active constituents. Notably, certain iridoids (e.g., 7-O-methyl morroniside: 92.91–354.59 μg/g during maceration vs. 50.43–171.40 μg/g during decoction) were better preserved under maceration, highlighting its advantage for retaining heat-sensitive bioactive components. During the decoction process, 5-hydroxycinnamoylquinic acids tended to transform into 3- and 4-hydroxycinnamoylquinic acid isomers. Most di-hydroxycinnamoylquinic acids and flavonoids significantly decreased after 30 min. Nitrogen-containing seco-iridoids declined rapidly after 15 min. To balance extraction efficiency with the preservation of heat-sensitive bioactive components, a decoction time of 15–30 min is recommended. The study systematically elucidates the dynamic changes in bioactive components under two preparation methods, offering critical insights and a scientific foundation for the precision utilization of LJF in pharmaceutical and functional food industries. Full article

The increasing consumption of pharmaceuticals associated with global population growth has intensified concerns regarding their release into aquatic environments and potential ecotoxicological effects. In this context, this study evaluated the ecotoxicity and biodegradation of the widely used corticosteroid prednisone. Ecotoxicity assays were performed using aquatic organisms representing different trophic levels: Artemia salina (microcrustacean), Aliivibrio fischeri (marine bacterium), and the cyanobacterium Microcystis novacekii. Biodegradation assays were conducted using M. novacekii. Prednisone was tested at concentrations ranging from 5 to 100 mg/L, corresponding to its maximum solubility in water. All experiments were carried out in accordance with standardized protocols (ABNT NBR 16530, ABNT NBR 15411-3, ISO 11348-3, and OECD 201). No toxic effects were observed for prednisone in any of the tested organisms, as responses at all tested concentrations, including the highest, were not significantly different from the control. Therefore, it was not possible to estimate EC50 values within the tested concentration range. According to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), substances with effect concentrations above 100 mg/L are considered non-toxic to aquatic organisms. During biodegradation assays, a reduction in prednisone concentration was observed during the growth of M. novacekii, which was associated with an increase in the pH of the culture medium. These results suggest that prednisone degradation occurred indirectly through pH changes caused by cyanobacterial growth rather than through direct metabolic pathways. Full article

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a versatile class of hybrid crystalline materials that have emerged as promising candidates for a broad range of applications. γ-cyclodextrin MOFs (γ-CD-MOFs) represent an innovative subgroup of MOFs constructed from “edible” γ-CD ligands coordinated with biocompatible metal ions to form an extended porous structure. Owing to their unique characteristics such as their “green” origin, biodegradability, and biocompatibility they became a promising platform for drug delivery applications. Structurally, γ-CD-MOF possess a body-centered cubic structure with dual-mode porosity, enabling the simultaneous encapsulation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. Such structural features contribute to high loading capacity, tunable release behavior, and enhanced stability of incorporated drugs. In this review, we comprehensively discuss the structural features of γ-CD-MOF, synthesis strategies, crystals size and morphology control, activation and drying techniques, and drug encapsulation approaches. We further address computational and simulation approaches used to predict and optimize drug-framework interactions, as well as post- synthetic modifications aimed at enhancing stability and functionality. The diverse pharmaceutical applications of γ-CD-MOFs are examined, including the delivery of small molecules, macromolecules, multi-drug systems, and emerging pulmonary formulations. Additionally, we examine biocompatibility and safety considerations and current limitations related to aqueous stability, industrial-scale production, and reproducibility. Finally, this review highlights recent progress and underlines future perspectives, emphasizing innovations such as fast drug-loaded MOF formation via spray-drying, co-delivery strategies, and vaccine-oriented formulations. Together, these insights highlight the potential of γ-CD-MOFs to shape the next generation of multifunctional drug delivery systems across interdisciplinary fields. Full article

Background: Amorphous drug formulations are commonly used to improve the solubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble molecular pharmaceuticals, yet less is known about their molecular conformations and local bonding interactions than their crystalline phases. Methods: High-energy X-ray diffraction structure factor measurements have been made on liquid and glassy nifedipine (NIF), felodipine (FEL), NIF 1:3 polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and FEL 1:3 PVP wt.% mixtures. The corresponding X-ray pair distribution functions have been interpreted using empirical potential structure refinement using different models and density functional theory conformer calculations. Results: In both NIF and FEL, the NH···O inter-molecular hydrogen bonds between the pyridyl nitrogen and ester carbonyls are found to be considerably weaker than those observed in the crystalline polymorphs. For nifedipine, it is proposed that either inter-molecular NH…ON nitro bonds are present and/or a fraction (<20%) of conformational changes, with the aryl ring flipped, occur in the liquid state. For felodipine, the models indicate significant disorder associated with the methyl and ethyl side chains in the liquid state, with the main peak intensity at 3.0 Å arising from intra-molecular Cl-Cl atom pairs. When nifedipine molecules are incorporated into PVP, our models show they possess stronger NH···O bonds to the PVP polymer than felodipine molecules, which have stronger affinity for bonding to the polymer than to other felodipine molecules. Conclusions: The amorphous forms of both NIF and FEL show much weaker hydrogen bonding than found in their crystalline phases. Liquid NIF also exhibits configurations which are not observed in the crystal phases. Full article

This research aimed to develop glycerol–gelatin vaginal suppositories loaded with melatonin to enhance the localized effects of antineoplastic agents. The solubility of melatonin in different solvents was determined, and glycofurol, which is approved for pharmaceutical use, presented the highest solubilizing capacity. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of melatonin incorporated into suppositories against HeLa cells was evaluated using MTT assays, individually and in combination with cisplatin. The results indicate that melatonin enhances the cytotoxic effects of cisplatin. The optimal formulation obtained from an experimental design was 33% gelatin, 1% PVA, 1% PEG 6000, 10% glycerol, 15% glycofurol, and 40% water. To ensure that the vaginal suppositories presented the necessary physical properties for optimal handling and application, tests were performed to determine weight uniformity, texture, surface features and disintegration time. Vaginal suppositories weighted around 1.43 g, showed Young’s modulus values of 7389.6 N/m² and hardness around 1100 g_f, and they disintegrated after 30 min at pH 4.2. Additionally, for in vitro melatonin release, FTIR and XRD tests confirmed the presence of melatonin in the formulation. It is concluded that the developed vaginal suppositories can be explored as potential vehicles for localized delivery of melatonin to the tumor site to enhance therapeutic outcomes. Full article

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas because it disrupts functional oxygen transport of red blood cell (RBC) by binding heme of hemoglobin with high affinity. Contrarily, endogenous CO, which is constantly generated in the process of heme degradation by heme oxygenase, functions as a gaseous mediator necessary for maintaining physiological homeostasis. This toxicological (Yin) and physiological (Yang) duality presents a distinctive problem in medical and pharmaceutical applications, prompting the central question of this review: How can strict control over CO’s exposure dynamics, magnitude, kinetics, and tissue context be achieved to enable its safe therapeutic use? Here, we integrate the Yin and Yang of CO through an innovative exposure-engineering framework, leveraging the inherent RBC characteristics to offer a novel conceptualization for therapeutic development. We highlight the role of native RBCs as a biologically grounded platform that can convert hemoglobin binding—classically viewed as the basis of CO toxicity—into a measurable and controllable buffering mechanism. Then, reconciling the Yin and Yang of CO based on RBCs enables medical and pharmaceutical modulation that is attractive for clinical situations, therapeutics and diagnostics. Finally, we discuss key translational challenges—local concentration control, patient-specific risk stratification, manufacturability and critical quality attributes, and regulatory positioning—and outline how quantifiable exposure control can enable the safe clinical development of RBC-based CO therapy. Full article

This study investigates the educational impact of an industrial field visit on the learning experience of second-year pharmacy students at Qatar University. The visit, integrated within the Pharmaceutics II course (PHAR 310), was designed to complement theoretical instruction by providing exposure to real-world pharmaceutical manufacturing and quality control processes, particularly for parenteral dosage forms. A mixed-methods approach was employed using quantitative and qualitative data derived from post-visit questionnaires. Findings indicated that students reported positive perceptions of the experience, with the majority indicating improved understanding of key pharmaceutical manufacturing concepts and strong support for the inclusion of similar activities within the curriculum. Qualitative analysis further suggested that the visit facilitated contextualization of theoretical knowledge, enhanced engagement, and supported early professional awareness. While these findings suggest that structured industrial visits may serve as a valuable complementary educational strategy in pharmacy training, the results should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size and single-institution design. Further research incorporating larger cohorts, objective learning assessments, and longitudinal evaluation is underway to better establish the educational impact of these interventions. Full article

Many approved oral paediatric medicines continue to have poor taste acceptance, suggesting that the ingredient blends employed in these medicines are not adequately effective in taste-masking drugs with strongly aversive tastes. To address this inadequacy, this narrative review provides a comparative evaluation of taste-masking ingredients used by the pharmaceutical industry with those employed in the food industry, as well as food items used by caregivers to mask the unpalatable taste of medicines for young children. Information was sourced from academic databases, industry publications, and caregiver forums on informal social platforms. Ingredients were classified into sweeteners, salts, acids, fats, peptides/amino acids, flavourants, cyclodextrins and polymers, with their taste-masking mechanisms delineated into receptor-level interactions and the creation of physical barriers and alternative dominant taste. Their applications are compared across the regulated medicinal and consumer food products, and in home remedies. Sweeteners show the highest cross-domain convergence as they are used in medicinal and food products and are recommended by caregivers. Peptides, amino acids, salt and texture modifiers applied in food and home remedies may have translational potential in medicines. Challenges, including drug–food interactions, regulatory constraints, and the need for combination approaches, are addressed. A decision framework is also designed to guide the development of simple, acceptable, and effective ingredient-based taste-masking systems for drugs with aversive tastes. Full article

This study provides a comparative evaluation of three state-of-the-art large language models (LLMs), namely OpenAI’s (San Francisco, CA, USA) GPT-4.0, Google’s Google LLC, Mountain View, CA, USA) Gemini 2.0 Flash, and Meta’s (Meta Platforms, Menlo Park, CA, USA) LLaMA-4-Scout-17B-16E, in a decision-oriented framework in which the models generate structured outputs based only on historical closing-price data. The evaluation covers 150 stocks sampled from three countries (India, the United States, and South Africa) across ten economic sectors, including Information Technology, Banking, and Pharmaceuticals. Unlike many prior studies that combine numerical and textual inputs, this study relies solely on three years of numerical time series data and examines model responses in terms of decision labels such as buy, sell, or hold. The LLMs were provided with historical closing-price sequences and prompted with three types of finance-related questions: (a) whether to buy a stock, (b) whether to sell or hold a stock, and (c) in a pairwise comparison, which stock to buy or hold. These prompts were evaluated across two investment horizons: 1 month and 3 months. Model outputs were compared against realized market outcomes during the corresponding test periods. Performance was assessed across four key dimensions: country, sector, annualized volatility, and question type. The models were not given any supplementary financial information or instructions on specific analytical methods. The results indicate that GPT-4.0 achieves the highest average accuracy (56%), followed by LLaMA-4-Scout-17B-16E (48%) and Gemini 2.0 Flash (39%). Overall performance remains moderate and varies across market conditions, with relatively higher accuracy observed in high-volatility regimes (51%). This work evaluates how LLMs behave when presented with structured numerical price sequences in a controlled decision-labeling setting and contributes to the broader discussion on the potential and limitations of LLMs for numerical decision tasks in finance. Full article

In vitro cell barrier models have been increasingly integrated into pharmaceutical and academic research pipelines to evaluate drug safety and drug delivery due to a shift towards New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in research and regulatory safety assessment. Such models require reliable and interpretable functional readouts. Bioimpedance-based monitoring, particularly transepithelial/endothelial electrical resistance (TEER), is a widely adopted readout due to its non-invasive and real-time capabilities. However, substantial variability arises from differences in measurement settings, frequency selection, electrode configuration, impedance measuring techniques, and data analysis strategies. In numerous studies, TEER is approximated from single-frequency impedance magnitude measurements, which do not isolate the resistive component associated with tight junction-mediated paracellular transport but instead reflect the combined response of a coupled electrochemical system. This review clarifies impedance measuring techniques and systematically analyzes impedance-based measurement and analysis strategies for in vitro biological cell barrier integrity. We compare mono-frequency and broadband acquisition approaches, examine the influence of electrode–electrolyte interfaces, electrode geometry, and culture configuration, and evaluate equivalent circuit modeling and phase-resolved electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Based on this comparison, we propose a three-level analytical hierarchy adapted to experimental objectives and instrumentation constraints. We conclude that phase-informed impedance analysis and harmonized reporting are essential to improve measurement reproducibility, inter-platform comparability, and integration of impedance-derived cell barrier assessment within NAMs-oriented research workflows. Full article

The development of new advanced functional materials from low-molecular-weight gelators and their new potential applications have occupied a considerable place in research. The present study involves the design of dipeptide-based organogelators with enhanced hydrogen bonding network potentials and phase-selective capacities, possessing a minimum gelation concentration of 0.2–0.4% w/v in different fluids. Seven new dipeptide organogelators were prepared based on a one-step reaction from two-component salt forms, the combination of Nε-alkanoyl-L-lysine ethyl ester with N-alkanoyl-L-amino acids (L-alanine, L-leucine, and L-phenylalanine), with high yields of up to 90. All the gel materials were extremely stable at room temperature, having a shelf life of several months, and formed gels in pharmaceutical fluids such as ethyl palmitate, ethyl myristate, and ethyl laurate, 1,2-propanediol, and liquid paraffin (oils widely used in pharmaceutical formulations), which meet the criteria of biological materials delivery. Their gelation properties were evaluated by rheological measurements. A very significant breakthrough in the current study is that organogels remove the toxic dye, crystal violet (CV), from water in a phase-selective manner with an extremely low gelator concentration. The dye and gelators are successively recovered via ethanol precipitation after the completion of the phase extraction process. Molecular dynamic calculations provide evidence for the 3D structures of the gels. Full article

Leucomisine is a major component of renewable plant raw material Artemisia leucodes Schrenk, a sesquiterpene γ-lactone exhibiting antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antiparasitic, and hepatoprotective activities. However, the use of leucomisine in pharmaceuticals is limited by its insufficient bioavailability associated with low aqueous solubility. Therefore, the effect of solid-state synthesis based on leucomisine using the methods of “solvent removal”, “simple mixing”, and “mixture heating”, with disodium glycyrrhizinate as a carrier, on the aqueous solubility of leucomisine was investigated. It was established that the synthesized solid dispersions exhibit increased solubility (7–19-fold) and dissolution rate (36–100-fold) of leucomisine released from the carrier. The most pronounced stimulation of the dissolution process was observed for samples obtained using the “simple mixing” method. Based on physicochemical studies (visible-range spectrophotometry, microcrystalloscopy, investigation of optical properties of solutions, and X-Ray phase analysis), it was determined that the enhancement of solubility is attributed to the loss of crystalline state, micronization, and the solubilization process of leucomisine by the carrier, as well as to the formation of a colloidal solution of leucomisine stabilized by disodium glycyrrhizinate. Full article

Background: Improper disposal of unused and expired medicines represents an environmental and public health concern. In Romania, Law No. 269/2023 assigned the responsibility for collecting household pharmaceutical waste to public and private hospitals, while operational procedures were further detailed in the Ministry of Health (MoH) Instruction No. 6226/2024. Objectives: This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to the disposal of unused and expired medicines among the general public and community pharmacy staff during the early phase of implementation of the hospital-based medicine take-back system in Romania. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using convenience sampling was conducted between 1 and 31 August 2023. Two structured questionnaires were administered: one targeting the general public/patients and another addressing community pharmacy staff. Data were analyzed descriptively using frequencies and percentages. Several items allowed multiple responses. Results: Among public respondents (n = 108; predominantly male, 90.7%; urban, 75.0%), household waste disposal was the most frequently reported method (58.3%), followed by pharmacy return (43.5%). Willingness to use a dedicated collection system was very high (96.3%). Among pharmacy staff (n = 71; predominantly female, 78.9%; urban, 74.6%), 40.8% reported no collection activity; where collection occurred, it was typically on demand. Disposal routes included transfer to specialized waste companies (56.3%) and regulated destruction (43.7%). Only 1.4% of pharmacies offered incentives, while 45.4% of the public indicated discounts could motivate returns. Conclusions: Findings indicate an implementation and communication gap during the transition to a hospital-based pharmaceutical waste collection system. Strengthening public communication on official collection points and providing clearer operational guidance may support safer disposal practices. Full article

Plant foods have been the cornerstone of human diets since ancient times, fueling civilization and shaping cultures. Plants became central to sustainable food systems, offering diverse and nutritious options for the future. Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) has attracted growing scientific interest due to the presence of bioactive compounds, polyphenols, fatty acids, phytosterols, carotenoids, vitamins, and minerals in its fruit, seeds, and leaves. Moreover, sea buckthorn exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and metabolic regulatory properties supported by in vitro and in vivo models. The biological activity of these phytochemical compounds plays a crucial role in regulating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathways, as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Furthermore, its potential against microbial growth, including S. aureus, S. epidermidis, S. intermedius, and S. pyogenes, among others, not only expands its applications in the pharmaceutical industry but also attracts researchers to incorporate it into food products. This could lead to the discovery of plant-based therapeutic products without significant adverse effects. However, further exploration of each component’s potential side effects is necessary to support the commercialization of formulated products in either the pharmaceutical or food industries, ensuring the highest safety standards for consumers. Including studies on bioavailability and pharmacodynamics could further strengthen the scientific evidence supporting the specific phytochemicals in sea buckthorn and their mechanistic interactions. Full article

Carotenoids are natural pigments of high industrial value, with recognized antioxidant properties, and are widely used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Oleaginous yeasts, such as Rhodotorula glutinis, represent a promising alternative for the sustainable production of these compounds through submerged fermentation, compared to their extraction from plant sources or chemical synthesis. This study aimed to optimize culture conditions to maximize biomass and carotenoid production in R. glutinis P4M422. To this end, the effects of various culture factors, including light, carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio, temperature, pH, and glycerol addition, on cell growth and pigment biosynthesis were evaluated. The results showed that agitation speed and C/N ratio are key variables in system performance, significantly influencing both growth and carotenoid accumulation. Under the established optimal conditions (210 rpm, C/N ratio of 50, red light, and 30 °C), a maximum volumetric yield of 343.1 mg/L and a productivity of 4.8 mg/L/h were achieved, representing a substantial improvement in process efficiency. These values position the R. glutinis P4M422 strain as a competitive alternative for the biotechnological production of carotenoids. Taken together, these findings confirm the efficiency of submerged culture as a platform for obtaining high-value-added biopigments and reinforce the potential of microbial fermentation systems as a sustainable, scalable, and controllable strategy for their production. Full article