International Journal of Farmacia

Traditional Uses and Pharmacology of Luffa Acutangula

2025-10-06T02:47:09+00:00

The climbing plant Luffa acutangula, also referred to as angled luffa or ridge gourd, is used extensively in traditional medicine throughout Asia and Africa. This plant, which is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, has long been prized for its medicinal and nutritional qualities. The fruits, seeds, leaves, and roots of Luffa acutangula have all been used traditionally to cure conditions like diabetes, jaundice, skin conditions, inflammation, and respiratory issues. Many of these ethnomedicinal claims are supported by recent pharmacological research, which has shown the plant's antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory qualities. Key bioactive components that contribute to its many therapeutic benefits have been found by phytochemical investigations, including flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds. This review emphasises the importance of Luffa acutangula by highlighting its traditional applications, phytochemistry, and pharmaceutical potential. as a potential supply of organic medicinal substances.

Standardization Parameter of Luffa Acutangula

2025-10-06T03:00:37+00:00

Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb., commonly known as ridge gourd or angled luffa, is a widely cultivated vegetable in Asia, valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Despite its extensive traditional use, scientific standardization of its plant parts is essential to ensure quality, efficacy, and safety in herbal formulations. This study aims to evaluate the standardization parameters of Luffa acutangula fruit and leaves in accordance with pharmacognostical and phytochemical guidelines. Macroscopic and microscopic characteristics were documented to aid in the identification and authentication of plant materials. Physicochemical parameters such as moisture content, ash values, extractive values, and PH were determined to assess purity and stability. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of key bioactive constituents including flavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, and glycosides. The results serve as a baseline for the quality control of Luffa acutangula and support its future use in standard herbal drug development. Standardization of plant materials not only safeguards consumer health but also promotes the rational use of medicinal plants in traditional and modern medicine.

The Effect of Centella Asiatica for Wound Healing

2025-10-06T03:07:08+00:00

Centella asiatica is a perennial creeper with a faint aroma and is a valuable medicinal herb in both the Old and New Worlds. It is found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including India, China, Nepal, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. Centella's popularity in food and beverages stem from its functional properties. The plant's bioactive constituents have been linked to potential antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and neuroprotective activities, as reported in numerous studies. The plant's chemistry and pharmacology have been extensively studied for its efficacy in herbal preparations and chemical isolates, both ancient and modern. An intense effort has been made to develop new therapeutic approaches as well as technologies for more efficient and rapid wound healing. Research into plants that have long been used in traditional medicine to treat wounds has become a promising strategy for obtaining drugs that are therapeutically useful in acute and chronic wound management. Centella asiatica (Apiaceae) extracts and their active constituent, asiaticoside, have been shown to promote wound healing in both in vivo and in vitro models. We aim to create a formulation that promotes faster wound healing. This review provides a current and comprehensive analysis of the chemistry and health benefits of the Centella plant.

Improving Flow and Compression of Natural Polymers for Diclofenac SR Tablets via Co-processing with Microcrystalline Cellulose

2025-10-31T14:24:00+00:00

The present study aimed to develop and evaluate sustained-release (SR) tablets of Diclofenac Sodium using co-processed excipients via the direct compression technique. To overcome the poor flow properties of natural polymers, three different co-processed excipients were prepared: Guar Gum with Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC), Sodium Alginate with MCC, and Xanthan Gum with MCC, each in three distinct ratios. Nine formulations (GM1-GM3, SM1-SM3, XM1-XM3) were compressed into 200 mg tablets and evaluated for pre-and post-compression parameters. All formulations exhibited excellent flow properties and produced tablets with acceptable hardness (5.5-6.5 kg/cm²), low friability (<0.31%), and uniform weight. The in-vitro drug release study over 12 hours revealed that the drug release rate was retarded with an increase in polymer concentration and followed the order: Guar Gum > Sodium Alginate > Xanthan Gum. Kinetic modeling indicated that the drug release best fitted the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, with the release mechanism being anomalous transport, a combination of diffusion and polymer erosion. Among all, formulation XM3, containing Xanthan Gum and MCC in a 2:1 ratio, was identified as the optimized formulation. It demonstrated superior tablet hardness (6.5 kg/cm²), the lowest friability (0.22%), and provided a near-ideal zero-order drug release profile (R²=0.985), achieving 98% drug release in a controlled manner over 12 hours. It was concluded that co-processing Xanthan Gum with MCC produces a robust excipient suitable for directly compressing a highly effective Diclofenac Sodium SR tablet.

Naegleria fowleri and Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis: From Environmental Reservoirs to Fatal CNS Infections

2025-11-16T05:40:05+00:00

Naegleriafowleri, a thermophilic, free-living amoeba, is the causative agent of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rapidly progressing and often fatal infection of the central nervous system. During exposure to contaminated warm freshwater, the parasite enters the human host via the nasal cavity, migrates along the olfactory nerves, and induces severe inflammation in the brain. Despite its high fatality rate (> 95 %) , effective treatment remains elusive due to delayed diagnosis and limited therapeutic efficacy. Current diagnostic approaches include microscopy, PCR, and imaging techniques, but these are seldom applied promptly to alter outcomes. Therapeutic regimens typically involve amphotericin B, miltefosine , and combination antimicrobials, although survival is rare. Recent advances in drug repurposing, nanotechnology-based delivery systems, and immunotherapeutic strategies show potential but require further validation and assessment of effectiveness. Preventive measures, including public awareness initiatives and improved water treatment, are currently the most effective means of reducing the risk of PAM. This review provides an updated synthesis of the literature focusing on the causative agent, pathogenesis, diagnostic modalities, treatment options, and prevention strategies for N. fowleri infection. Background: Naegleriafowleri is a free-living, thermophilic amoeba that causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare but fatal CNS infection. It inhabits warm freshwater environments such as lakes and hot springs. Infection occurs when contaminated water enters the nasal cavity, allowing the amoeba to reach the brain via the olfactory nerves. With a mortality rate above 95%, early diagnosis and improved preventive strategies are critical to reduce its devastating impact.

Impact of Screen Time on Eye Physiology and Health: A Comprehensive Review

2025-11-16T05:55:16+00:00

The rapid proliferation of digital devices in daily life has led to unprecedented levels of screen exposure, raising concerns about its impact on ocular physiology and overall eye health. Prolonged screen use has been associated with a spectrum of visual and physiological complications, including digital eye strain, dry eye disease, accommodative fatigue, myopia progression, retinal oxidative stress, and circadian rhythm disruption. These effects are mediated through multiple pathways, including reduced blink rate, tear film instability, sustained near-focus, and high-energy visible light exposure, affecting both anterior and posterior ocular structures as well as neuroendocrine function. Certain populations, such as children, adolescents, office workers, and the elderly, are particularly susceptible due to developmental, occupational, or age-related vulnerabilities. Preventive strategies including visual hygiene practices, ergonomic adjustments, blue-light mitigation, nutritional support, and lifestyle modifications play a critical role in mitigating these effects. Emerging technological innovations, such as smart glasses, adaptive displays, eye-tracking systems, AI-based monitoring, ocular exercise devices, and light therapy, offer additional avenues for personalized intervention and real-time ocular health management. This review integrates physiological, clinical, and technological evidence, highlighting the mechanisms, manifestations, at-risk populations, and preventive approaches, providing a comprehensive framework for maintaining visual health in the digital era. Future research should focus on longitudinal assessment, validation of emerging technologies, and development of personalized strategies to minimize ocular strain while supporting modern digital lifestyles.