@article {1341, title = {Development of Novel Carrier System: A Key Approach to Enhance Bioavailability of Herbal Medicines}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {January 2025}, pages = {1-10}, type = {Review Article}, chapter = {1}, abstract = {

Medicinal herbs have been utilised for thousands of years to cure various medical conditions. Medicinal herbs continue to play a significant role in the health care systems of a significant portion of the global population, particularly in developing nations. However, water soluble phytoconstituents (such as flavonoids, tannins and terpenoids) are poorly absorbed via passive diffusion or because of their poor lipid solubility and consequently demonstrating poor bioavailability. The majorities of physiologically active constituents are polar or water-soluble molecules. Herbal medications are beneficial when used properly, but they can be challenging to recognize, extract from and administer; as a result, adjustments are required to address these issues. The novel formulations of plant actives and extracts are reported to have notable benefits over traditional formulations. These benefits include increased solubility, bioavailability and toxicity protection; improved pharmacological activity; enhanced stability; improved tissue macrophage distribution; sustained delivery; and protection against physical and chemical degradation. NDDS encompasses a range of innovative delivery systems, including solid-lipid nanoparticles, transferosomes, phytosomes, microspheres, microemulsions and ethosomes. This review{\textquoteright}s goal is to provide an overview of several NDDS for the delivery of herbal medications.

}, keywords = {Microemulsions, Microspheres, Nanoparticles, Pharmacokinetics, Phytosomes}, doi = {10.5530/pres.20251933}, url = {https://readarticle.org/lensarticle/development-of-novel-carrier-system-a-key-approach-to-enhance-bioavailability-of-herbal-medicines/}, author = {Anuradha Karbhari Chavan and Anilkumar Uttamchand Tatiya} } @article {1441, title = {Green Synthesis and in vitro Insights of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Nutmeg and Flaxseed Extracts}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {June 2025}, pages = {816-822}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {816}, abstract = {

Background: Among various nanomaterials, Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have gained significant attention due to their unique properties. Traditional methods for synthesizing ZnO NPs often involve hazardous chemicals and energy-intensive processes, raising environmental and health concerns. In response to these issues, green synthesis methods have been developed as an eco-friendly alternative. Nutmeg and flaxseed are 2 plant sources known for their rich phytochemical content. This study aims to assess the cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ZnO NPs synthesized with nutmeg and flaxseed. Materials and Methods: 5 mg of nutmeg and flaxseed powder were dissolved in 0.1 L of distilled water. This mixture was boiled at 60{\textordmasculine}C for 10 min and then filtered. 0.1 g of ZnO was added to 100 mL of filtered extract. After centrifugation, the concentrated nutmeg and flaxseed extract-mediated ZnO NPs were reduced to 100 mL. Various extract concentrations (25 μL, 50 μL and 100 μL) were then subjected to cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant assays. Results: Nauplii lethality was assessed over 2 days. At 25 μL, no mortality was observed on either day. However, on day 2, mortality increased by 10\% at both 50 μL and 100 μL extract concentrations. The antimicrobial action of nutmeg and flaxseed extract-mediated ZnO NPs against S. aureus, S. mutans and E. faecalis increased with concentrations from 25 μL to 100 μL. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the NPs also increased with higher concentrations, from 25 μL to 100 μL. Conclusion: The synthesized nutmeg and flaxseed extract-mediated ZnO NPs exhibited significant bioactivity, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and were non-cytotoxic.

}, keywords = {Green synthesis, Nanoparticles, Nanotechnology, Phytotherapy, Plant extracts}, doi = {10.5530/pres.20252068}, author = {Mohamed Thaha and Johnisha Harris John Manohar and Arvina Rajasekar} } @article {1373, title = {Sustainable Fabrication of Phycocyanin Encapsulated Nanoparticles: A Response Surface Optimization Impact}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {January 2025}, pages = {255-271}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {255}, abstract = {

Background: Phycocyanin (Pc), a phycobiliprotein pigment, has therapeutic potential for treating inflammation, oxidative stress, neuroprotection, liver protection and cancer. Despite its therapeutic potential, its effectiveness is constrained by low bioavailability and low stability. Objectives: This study aimed to design and develop Phytocyanin-Loaded Nanoparticles (PcNPs) to enhance PC{\textquoteright}s stability and efficacy. Materials and Methods: PCNPs were prepared using a green ionotropic gelation method and optimized via a 32 full factorial designs. The prepared trial batches of the nanoparticles were characterized particle size, polydispersity index, drug entrapment efficiency and drug content. The optimized PcNPs were evaluated by compatibility studies by using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Zeta potential, Infrared Spectrometry (IR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-ray crystallography studies (X-RD), in vitro drug release study, in vitro antioxidant activity and stability studies. Results: PcNPs exhibited an amorphous character, as evidenced by the Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis. FTIR showed no interaction between Pc and polymer employed. The dissolution studies revealed enhance Pc release from PcNPs compared to the plain Pc following zero-order kinetics and Fickian diffusion. An in vitro antioxidant activity study revealed that PcNPs were superior to plain Pc and comparable to the standard drug ascorbic acid. Stability studies revealed that they remained sufficiently stable for period of 30 days at 4{\textordmasculine}C and -20{\textordmasculine}C, with no physical or chemical alterations in the formulation. Conclusion: The developed PcNPs showed an improved dissolution profile and promising antioxidant activity, making them a potential tool with enhanced stability and efficacy.

}, keywords = {Antioxidant activity, Ionotropic gelation method, Nanoparticles, Phycocyanin, Stability study}, doi = {10.5530/pres.20252000}, author = {Supriya G Jagtap and Sachin A Vanve and Kishore N Gujar and Rajesh Khathuriya} } @article {1187, title = {Ameliorative Effect of Rutin against Zirconium Oxide (ZrO2) Nanoparticle induced Behavioural, Biochemical and Tissue Morphological Changes in Danio rerio}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {15}, year = {2023}, month = {October 2023}, pages = {785-795}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {785}, abstract = {

Background: Zirconium Oxide (ZrO2) is one of the most widely used metal oxide nanoparticles with unique features that permit its usage in various medical applications, including drug delivery, targeting, labelling, and loading. Rutin is a bioflavonoid found in various natural sources and has diverse biological activities and pharmaceutical applications. Some studies have evaluated the impacts of ZrO2 NPs on aquatic creatures, but little is known about their ability to recover after exposure. Since the toxicity of ZrO2 nanoparticles is not known, it would be crucial to investigate their toxicity using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model organism. Objectives: In the present work, the toxicity of ZrO2 was investigated in Danio rerio using behavioural alterations, biomarkers of oxidative stress and cellular damage. The morphology of the gill tissues, as well as the optimal amount of rutin for mitigating deleterious effects was evaluated. Materials and Methods: Fish were treated for 14 days, and seven study groups were examined: control, ZrO2 exposure alone at three distinct concentrations (5 mg/L, 10 mg/L, and 20 mg/L), and combined with rutin (100 mg/L). Results: Compared to control groups, Danio rerio treated with ZrO2 alone or in combination with rutin produced worse outcomes. However, rutin-supplemented groups exhibited greater improvement than ZrO2 alone groups. ZrO2 affects cells by causing oxidative stress and decreasing the antioxidants SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH, and Vitamin C. Enhanced oxidative stress induces behavioural and morphological modifications. The structural examination of the gill tissues revealed hyperplasia, lamellar fusion, filament erosion, and a dilated marginal channel or epithelial lifting. Conclusion: According to our data, the sub-lethal concentration of ZrO2 NPs for Danio rerio is 10 mg/L. Although ZrO2 was detrimental to the groups exposed to it, supplementing 100 mg/L of rutin was able to protect against its toxicity.

}, keywords = {Antioxidants, Behavioural changes, Histology, Nanoparticles, Oxidative stress, Zebrafish, ZrO2 - NPs}, doi = {10.5530/pres.15.4.083}, author = {Briska Jifrina Premnath and Bichandarkoil Jayaram Pratima and Ragunath Ravichandiran and Manoj Kumar Srinivasan and Namasivayam Nalini} }