Volume 18, Issue 1, Jan-Mar 2026

Volume 18

January-March 2026

Stimuli-Responsive Drug Delivery System: Innovation in Precision Therapy

Anisha Vikas Suryawanshi and Jameel Ahmed S Mulla

Abstract:
One modern subcategory of smart therapeutics is stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems (SR-DDS) which release cargo in response to specific internal (pH, redox, enzymes, hypoxia, glucose) or external (light, temperature, ultrasound, magnetic, electric) stimuli. SR-DDS can achieve spatiotemporal control of payload release by polymers, lipids, hydrogels, inorganic nanostructures and targeting motifs, are more selective towards targets, and less toxic to the host body than traditional formulations. The most recent developments are multi-stimuli and logic-gate designs, hybrid organic inorganic nanocomposites, biosensor based closed circuit platforms and AI-directed materials discovery. The innovations widen clinical possibilities in oncology, inflammatory and infectious diseases, neurological disorders, and regenerative medicine and also have the capability of patient-specific therapies, theranostic monitoring. Even with good preclinical outcomes, the translation has problems pertaining to biocompatibility, long-term safety, reproducibility, manufacturability scales and regulatory classification. To overcome these barriers, the need is to have standardized characterization, strong manufacturing processes, as well as, inter-disciplinary teams of materials scientists, clinicians, industry, and regulators. It is a summary of design principles, mechanistic stimulus, advanced architectures, therapeutic applications, and translational challenges, and provides the future directions of personalized SR-DDS, wearable/implantable closed-loop devices, and interaction of the digital health could cost-effectively expedite the introduction of precision, adaptive therapeutics.

Keywords: Smart Drug Delivery, Smarts Stimuli-Responsive Drug Delivery, Precision Medicine, Multi-Stimuli Systems, Hydrogels And Nanocarriers, Theranostics, Clinical Translation.

Chromatographic Techniques for Flavonoids

Pallavi Chiprikar, Ashish Runthala

Abstract:
Flavonoids are a diverse group of polyphenolic compounds widely distributed in plants and possess significant pharmacological and nutraceutical value. Accurate identification, quantification, and structural elucidation of flavonoids are essential for quality control, chemotaxonomy, and bioactivity studies. The focus of this review is to provide an overview of various chromatographic techniques used for the analysis of flavonoids, including TLC, HPTLC, HPLC, UPLC, GC, and their hyphenated mass spectrometric methods. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) remain powerful, cost-effective tools for preliminary screening, fingerprinting, and semi-quantitative analysis, enhanced by visualization reagents and densitometry. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) serves as a widely applied method for precise qualitative and quantitative profiling, while ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) improves resolution, sensitivity, and speed, especially for complex flavonoid mixtures. Advanced hyphenated techniques, such as LC-MS/MS, UPLC-QTOF-MS, HPTLC-MS, and GC-MS (after derivatization), enable confirmation of the structures by molecular mass and fragmentation patterns, thus providing support for comprehensive metabolomic characterization. Collectively, modern chromatographic and mass spectrometric platforms offer robust, sensitive, and reproducible analytical workflows that are essential for standardization, authentication, and in-depth investigation of flavonoid-rich botanical materials.

Keywords: Flavonoids, Chromatography, TLC, HPTLC, HPLC.

Brain-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Overcoming the Blood–Brain Barrier

Ekata Nivas Desai, Jameel Ahmed S Mulla, Satyajeet Ramesh Jagdale

Abstract:
The fact that the central nervous system (CNS) disorders are treated is a critical problem because of the existence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which is a highly selective and protective surface that prevents entry of most therapeutic agents into the brain. The development of brain-targeted drug delivery systems has cropped up as an ideal approach of overcoming this hurdle, which would allow the effective delivery of drugs across the BBB to access the target sites in the CNS. Using nanotechnology, molecular targeting and carrier engineering, these systems enhance drug bioavailability, minimize side effects at the systemic level and enhance therapeutic activity in neurological disease, including Alzheimer, Parkinson, brain tumours, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. This review notes the structural and functional properties of the BBB and describes several brain-targeting methods such as receptor-mediated transport, cell-penetrating peptides, and nanoparticle-based systems as well as discusses recent advancements in invasive and non-invasive methods. Issues of safety, biocompatibility and regulatory demands are also discussed and future outlooks of precision neuromedicine and theranostic dealing are indicated.

Keywords: Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB), Efflux Transporters, Nano-particle, Focused Ultrasound, Exosome, Brain Tumor, Alzheimer’s Disease, Stroke, Epilepsy.

Formulation and Evaluation of Cosmetic Herbal Face Pack for Glowing Skin

Prashant Purohit, Anjali Sharma, Gajanand Parihar

Abstract:
The escalating demand for natural, safe, and efficacious skincare formulations has driven extensive research into herbal cosmetics as viable alternatives to synthetic products. This comprehensive study presents the formulation and multi-parameter evaluation of a polyherbal face pack designed to promote skin radiance, cleansing, and rejuvenation. The formulation was meticulously developed using seven carefully selected herbal ingredients: Multani Mitti (Fullers Earth), Curcuma longa (Turmeric), Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera), Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek/Methi), Coffea arabica (Coffee Powder), Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus), and Rosa indica (Rose Powder). These ingredients were incorporated in specific proportions to achieve synergistic therapeutic benefits encompassing cleansing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties. The prepared formulations (F1, F2, F3) underwent rigorous physicochemical, organoleptic, and dermatological evaluation. Assessment parameters included pH measurement, loss on drying (LOD), ash content determination, bulk and tapped density, angle of repose and spreadability analysis. Results demonstrated that F2 formulations exhibited pH values within the skin-compatible range (6.5-6.8), excellent physical appearance with free-flowing properties, smooth texture, and superior spreadability. Significantly, no irritation, erythema, or edema was observed in any formulation during safety testing, confirming excellent dermatological tolerance. Stability studies conducted at 37±2℃ over 30 days revealed no significant degradation in organoleptic or physicochemical properties. This research validates the potential of polyherbal formulations as effective, economical, and environmentally sustainable topical drug delivery systems that can provide comprehensive skin benefits without synthetic additives, supporting their commercial viability and broader adoption in the natural cosmetics industry.

Keywords: Herbal Cosmetics, Face Pack, Polyherbal Formulation, Topical Drug Delivery, Natural Cosmeceutical.

Phytochemical Characterization and Hepatoprotective Potential of Plumbago Indica Root Extract in Experimental Models

Mane K R, Patil R N, Pandey A N

Abstract:
The present study aims to analyze and compare the secondary metabolites of Plumbago indica, a medicinal plant, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Qualitative analysis will be performed through various chemical tests and chromatography techniques, including thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Quantitative estimation of total phenolic and flavonoid contents will be carried out using UV–Vis spectroscopy. Plant material will be collected, and extracts will be prepared using different solvents for subsequent analysis of secondary metabolites. Identified metabolites will be evaluated for their therapeutic potential and compared with the traditional uses of Plumbago indica. The hepatoprotective effect of the ethanolic extract will be assessed using in vivo models. The study is expected to provide valuable insights into the hepatoprotective potential of Plumbago indica ethanolic extract. The findings suggest that the extract can protect the liver from damage caused by free radicals generated during CCl₄ metabolism, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for liver disorders.

Keywords: Plumbago Indica, Qualitative, Quantitative Phytochemical, Antioxidant Activity, Hepatoprotective.

Indian Journal of

Novel Drug Delivery

NMC Approved Journal

ISSN 0975-5500