Volume 17, Issue 1, Jan-Mar 2025

Volume 17

January-March 2025

Smart Delivery of Herbal Extracts: Controlled Release and Targeted Therapy

Jameel Ahmed S Mulla

Abstract:
Traditional healthcare systems around the world have historically relied heavily on herbal remedies. However, problems like inadequate absorption, fast metabolism, and lack of site-specific distribution limit their practical use. Recent advancements in drug delivery technologies have opened new pathways for enhancing the therapeutic potential of herbal extracts through smart delivery systems. This review explores the integration of controlled release and targeted therapy strategies in the delivery of herbal compounds, focusing on nanocarriers, liposomes, phytosomes, and polymer-based systems. Key mechanisms enabling sustained release, stimuli-responsive behavior, and site-specific targeting are discussed in the context of improving pharmacokinetics and reducing off-target effects. The review also highlights current challenges, regulatory concerns, and future perspectives in translating these innovative systems into clinical practice. Smart delivery systems present a promising way to optimize the safety and effectiveness of herbal therapies by fusing traditional phytotherapy with contemporary delivery technologies.

Keywords: Herbal drug delivery, Smart delivery systems, Controlled release, Targeted therapy, Phytoconstituents, Phytosomes, Bioavailability.

Nanotechnology-enabled Herbal Drug Delivery: A Paradigm Shift in Phytopharmaceuticals

P N Karishma, P Anitha, G Mariyababu, G V L Prasanna, Bhavani Boddeda

Abstract:
The resurgence of interest in herbal medicines, driven by their holistic efficacy and minimal side effects, has revitalized phytopharmaceutical research. However, traditional herbal formulations face significant challenges, including poor bioavailability, instability, and inconsistent therapeutic outcomes. Nanotechnology has emerged as a revolutionary tool in overcoming these limitations by enabling targeted, sustained, and enhanced delivery of bioactive plant constituents. This review delves into the current advancements in nanotechnology-enabled herbal drug delivery systems, including nanoparticles, liposomes, phytosomes, nanoemulsions, and nanogels, highlighting their potential to transform phytopharmaceuticals into more effective, patient-compliant therapeutics. We explore the mechanisms through which nanocarriers improve solubility, protect phytoconstituents from degradation, and ensure controlled release at the desired site of action. The review also addresses safety considerations, regulatory perspectives, and the future scope of integrating artificial intelligence and precision medicine in nano-phytopharmaceutical development. Overall, nanotechnology represents a paradigm shift in the delivery and therapeutic performance of herbal drugs, paving the way for the next generation of evidence-based, technology-driven natural medicines.

Keywords: Nanotechnology, Phytopharmaceuticals, Herbal Drug Delivery, Nanocarriers, Bioavailability, Targeted Delivery.

An Overview – Wars from Ancient Text to Modern Lab

Ziyaul Mustafa, Raina Ashrafi, Muhammad Anas

Abstract:
Waras (Flemingia grahamiana Roxb.) serves multiple therapeutic uses in Unani medicine and Tibb e Nabvi (Prophetic Medicine). Waras attains its primary status in Unani medication and TibbeNabvi through its power to treat pleurisy (Zaat-ul-Janb), throat infections (Azrah) and uterine blood cleaning after menstruation and during perpurium. History demonstrates that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ approved this remedy along with Qust and olive oil according to historical documentation. The plant which exists in the Fabaceae family originally grew in Yemen, Southeast Asia, Africa and India. In Unani medical practice, Waras has been prescribed for treating tuberculosis alongside diarrhea, dysentery, kidney stones and skin disorders and hysteria. The examination of plant chemicals demonstrates the existence of medicinal compounds composed of chalcones (Flemingins A–C, G–O) together with flavanones and isoflavones. Pharmacological studies reveal that methanol extracts have strong antioxidants and display an IC₅₀ value of 3.95 μg/mL. Waras also shows anticancer properties because Flemingins A and C inhibit MCF-7 breast cancer cells (IC₅₀: 8.9 µM and 7.6 µM). Scientific research indicates that waras produces 25.7 mm inhibition zones against Staphylococcus aureus and 25.2 mm inhibition zones against Proteus mirabilis. The Unani traditional medications employ Waras for all therapeutic purposes including purgation while adding enhancing sexual desire and lithotripsic component with stone-dissolving quality combined with antimicrobial action. The value of Wars in history combined with its evolving scientific proof makes it essential to study its medicinal uses for contemporary medical practice.

Keywords: Wars, Flemingia grahamiana, Unani Medicine, Tibbe Nabvi.

Cardiospermum Halicacabum: A Comprehensive Review of Its Medicinal Properties and Phytochemical Profile

Ashiwini Patil, Vipul Patil, Anand Gadad

Abstract:
Cardiospermum halicacabum L., a member of the Sapindaceae family, is an herbaceous plant widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. Traditionally, it has been used for the treatment of rheumatism, abdominal pain, orchitis, dropsy, lumbago, skin diseases, cough, nervous disorders, and hyperthermia. This review aims to compile and analyse global research on the pharmacological properties, phytochemical composition, toxicological profile, and ethnomedicinal applications of C. halicacabum. Scientific literature on this plant was gathered from reputable databases, including Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, BMC, and Google Scholar, with a focus on studies published in English. Pharmacological investigations have validated its antibacterial, antidiabetic, anxiolytic, anti-arthritic, antioxidant, antifertility, antimalarial, anti-plasmodial, anticancer, antifungal, antiparasitic, and anti-filarial activities. Phytochemical analysis has identified various bioactive constituents, including alkaloids, carbohydrates, proteins, saponins, lignins, steroids, and cardiac glycosides, across different plant parts. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of both the traditional and contemporary applications of C. halicacabum, along with its pharmacological potential and phytochemical profile. However, several traditional uses remain scientifically unverified. Further research is necessary to elucidate the plant’s mechanisms of action, isolate its active or synergistic compounds, and explore its therapeutic potential for modern medical applications.

Keywords: Cardiospermum halicacabum, Traditional Medicinal Uses, Pharmacological Activity, Phytochemistry, Phytopharmaceutical Formulation, Toxicity.

Development and In Vitro Assessment of Gliclazide-Infused Transdermal Delivery System for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus

Ravindra Laxman Bhedate, Jameel Ahmed S Mulla, Mohammadkaif Javed Nadaf

Abstract:
The primary goals of this study are to create and evaluate transdermal patches loaded with Gliclazide for the treatment of diabetic mellitus. Gliclazide, a class II anti-hyperglycemic drug, has a limited bioavailability (around 40%) and a brief plasma half-life of two to three hours as a result of hepatic degradation. To overcome these limitations, a transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) was developed using the solvent casting technique. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was utilised as a plasticiser, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and ethyl cellulose were employed as polymers. We evaluated the generated patches’ in vitro drug release, % moisture loss, folding durability, homogeneity in drug content, weight fluctuation, and thickness homogeneity. The thickness of the patches was found to be consistent (0.25 ± 0.05 mm), and the drug content was uniformly distributed. The folding endurance was greater than 150 folds, indicating good flexibility and durability. A cumulative drug release of 76.89% at the conclusion of the study period was demonstrated by in vitro release experiments, which began with an initial burst release and continued for six hours. According to the study, a promising substitute drug delivery method for enhancing Gliclazide’s bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness in the management of Type II Diabetes Mellitus is the transdermal patch filled with the medication.

Keywords: Transdermal patch, Gliclazide, Diabetes mellitus, Drug release, Bioavailability.

Indian Journal of

Novel Drug Delivery ISSN 0975-5500