Welcome to the 2026 issue of International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Drug Technology. This issue showcases the remarkable breadth and depth of contemporary research across multiple disciplines. From cutting-edge applications of machine learning in climate science to the revolutionary potential of quantum computing in drug discovery, our featured articles demonstrate the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing global challenges.
We are particularly excited to present research that bridges traditional academic boundaries, reflecting our journal's commitment to fostering innovation through cross-disciplinary dialogue. The integration of artificial intelligence with environmental science, the application of blockchain technology to supply chain management, and the convergence of urban planning with smart city technologies exemplify the transformative potential of collaborative research.
As we continue to navigate an era of rapid technological advancement and global challenges, the research presented in this issue offers both insights and solutions that will shape our future. We thank our authors, reviewers, and editorial board members for their continued dedication to advancing knowledge and promoting scientific excellence.
Dr. Arpan Kumar Tripathi Editor in Chief International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Drug Technology
Peptic ulcer disease is a most common gastrointestinal ailment that cause mucosal erosion in the stomach or duodenum is most commonly induced by Helicobacter pylori infection, NSAIDs, stress, and lifestyle. Conventional therapies, including antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors effective, but causes potential side effects and recurrence risks. More focus has shifted towards complementary and alternative medicines, with special emphasis on herbal drugs and nutraceuticals because of their safety profile, cost-effectiveness, and comprehensive health benefits. Of these, Licoricey (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and Aloe vera have been shown to possess highly effective anti-ulcer effect. Licoricey contains autoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-H. pylori activities, whereas Aloe vera provides wound healing, antioxidant, and cytoprotective actions to the gastric mucosa. This review discusses the mechanism, effectiveness, and possible therapeutic applications of these natural compounds in the treatment of peptic ulcers, noting their synergistic potential with standard treatments.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory DrugsPeptic UlcerGastrointestinal TractAcute and Chronic Diseases
This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a special gel composed of dried guava leaves for treating mouth ulcers. To formulate the herbal gel, different amounts of guava leaf powder were blended with a gel base made up of Carbopol 934 and propylene glycol to create a formulation for each concentration tested. After that, each formulated gel was evaluated for various characteristics. The compatibility between the components in the guava leaf powder and the polymer (the gel base) was verified with infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, no chemical reaction occurred between the guava powder and the polymer component. The resulting gel was homogeneous and translucent with a pH value of 7-7.5. The gel was also easy to dispense when applied from its tube, which is a beneficial characteristic for any gel product. In addition, the gel formulation exhibited significant antifungal activity against the two fungal organisms tested (Aspergillus aures and Candida albicans). The flavonoids found in guava leaves help protect cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Overall, the guava leaf gel was found to be superior to other commercial gels (in terms of tolerability) and was deemed both effective and successful for use in the preparation of an herbal formulation from dried guava leaves.
J.Muneer Ahamath, J. Sirajudeen, R.Abdul vahith, Rajasekar. P, Nainar Zakkariya S
Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) is a nutritionally valuable fruit renowned for its rich phytochemical composition and broad spectrum of biological activities. Owing to its significant therapeutic potential, pomegranate has attracted considerable attention in the food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries. This review comprehensively summarizes the phytochemical profile, bioactive constituents, and health-promoting properties of different fruit components, including the arils, seeds, and peel. Pomegranate is particularly rich in polyphenolic compounds such as ellagitannins (punicalagin and punicic acid), ellagic acid, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and other phenolic metabolites that contribute substantially to its pharmacological activities. The arils constitute a valuable source of natural sugars, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, exhibiting potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and prebiotic effects. Pomegranate seeds contain bioactive lipids, especially punicic acid, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties. The peel, which represents a major agro-industrial by-product, is exceptionally rich in phenolic compounds and displays remarkable antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and chemopreventive activities. Recent advances in extraction technologies, encapsulation approaches, and nano formulation strategies have significantly improved the stability, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy of pomegranate-derived bioactive compounds, thereby expanding their potential industrial and biomedical applications. Furthermore, valorising pomegranate processing by-products offers a sustainable approach for developing high-value functional ingredients and reducing environmental waste. Overall, pomegranate and its by-products represent promising natural resources for developing functional foods, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and novel therapeutic formulations. Future research should focus on optimizing extraction processes, elucidating molecular mechanisms of action, enhancing clinical translation, and exploring innovative applications of pomegranate-derived bioactives in health and disease management.
Punica granatumpomegranate peelpomegranate seedsellagitanninspunicalaginellagic acid+4 more
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a nutritionally rich fruit widely recognized for its diverse therapeutic properties and extensive applications in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the composition, bioactive constituents, and biological activities of different parts of the fruit, including arils, seeds, and peel. Pomegranate is abundant in polyphenols such as ellagitannins (punicalagin and punicalin), ellagic acid, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, which contribute significantly to its pharmacological effects. The arils are a rich source of sugars, vitamins, and antioxidants, exhibiting strong antioxidant, antimicrobial, and prebiotic activities. Seeds contain bioactive lipids, particularly punicic acid, associated with anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects. The peel, often considered agro-industrial waste, is highly enriched with phenolic compounds and demonstrates potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent advances in extraction techniques and nanoformulation strategies have further enhanced the bioavailability and applicability of these bioactive compounds. Overall, pomegranate and its by-products represent valuable natural resources with significant potential for the development of functional foods, nutraceuticals, and therapeutic agents. Further research is required to optimize extraction methods, understand molecular mechanisms, and explore clinical applications.
Pomegranate (Punica granatum)PolyphenolsEllagitanninsPunicalaginAntioxidant activityAntimicrobial activity+4 more
Srikumar Chakravarthi, Natalie Wong Yong Xin, Sheba R David, Mohammad Nazmul Hasan Maziz, Rajan Rajabalaya, Jestin Chellian
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardiometabolic abnormalities including central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension that markedly increases the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle modification remains the cornerstone of management, but there is growing interest in adjunctive nutraceutical and phytopharmacological approaches capable of safely addressing multiple MetS components. Green tea, derived from the leaves of Camellia sinensis (family Theaceae), is one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide and is rich in polyphenolic catechins, primarily (−)-epigallocatechin‑3‑gallate (EGCG), which have been extensively investigated for anti-obesity and metabolic benefits. This review provides a pharmacognostic and phytochemical perspective on C. sinensis as an anti-obesity agent in the context of MetS. Pharmacognostic sections summarize macroscopic and microscopic diagnostic features, physicochemical constants, and quality-control parameters for different tea types (green, white, oolong) based on recent standardization studies. Phytochemical sections describe major and minor constituents, with emphasis on catechins, caffeine, theaflavins, thearubigins, and other phenolics, and their quantitative variation by cultivar, processing, and extraction method. Mechanistic evidence from in vitro, animal, and human intervention studies is synthesized to delineate how tea polyphenols modulate body weight, adiposity, lipid and glucose metabolism, blood pressure, and inflammation. Proposed mechanisms include increased energy expenditure and fat oxidation via catechin–caffeine-induced sympathetic stimulation; inhibition of digestive enzymes and nutrient absorption; modulation of lipid metabolism and de novo lipogenesis; activation of AMP‑activated protein kinase (AMPK); improvement of insulin signaling; regulation of adipokine secretion; and remodeling of gut microbiota composition and function. Pharmacokinetic, safety, and formulation aspects are discussed, alongside limitations and variability in clinical trial outcomes. The review concludes that standardized C. sinensis preparations, especially catechin-enriched green tea extracts, represent promising multi-target adjuncts for obesity and MetS management, while highlighting the need for rigorous pharmacognostic standardization, dose–response characterization, and biomarker-driven clinical trials.
Camellia sinensisGreen teaMetabolic syndromeCatechinsAnti-obesity activityGut microbiota+2 more
Saket Singh Rajput, Derhu Jangde, Rashmi Madhariya, Neelam, Prince Nikhil Rathore, Suman Shrivastava, Swarnali Das Paul
The present investigation was undertaken to develop and assess a film-coated oral tablet of Epalrestat intended for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Preformulation investigations, including solubility studies, melting point determination, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and UV spectrophotometric analysis, were carried out to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of the drug and its compatibility with the selected excipients. Core tablets were formulated using the direct compression technique with appropriate pharmaceutical excipients.
The prepared formulations were examined for key physicochemical parameters such as weight variation, hardness, thickness, friability, disintegration time, and drug content. Among the developed batches, formulation F6 demonstrated satisfactory evaluation results and was therefore selected as the optimized formulation for film coating. The coated tablets exhibited adequate mechanical strength, consistent drug content, and a controlled drug release profile. In-vitro dissolution studies indicated that more than 90% of the drug was released within 60 minutes. The findings suggest that the developed film-coated Epalrestat tablet possesses acceptable Preformulation and evaluation characteristics and may be suitable for oral drug delivery.
EpalrestatFilm-coated tabletsPreformulation studiesEvaluation parametersControlled drug release.
Majid Shabbir Khan, Pankaj Rangnath Bharsat, Pari Sanjay Bhavsar, Mohan Balasaheb Bute
Inflammation is a protective biological response against harmful stimuli such as pathogens, tissue injury, and toxic substances. However, chronic inflammation may lead to several diseases including arthritis, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer. Conventional anti-inflammatory drugs are effective but often produce adverse effects during long-term use. Therefore, herbal medicines have gained importance as safer alternatives due to the presence of bioactive phytochemicals with anti-inflammatory potential. The present study was carried out to evaluate the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of selected herbal extracts using the albumin denaturation method. Herbal drugs such as turmeric (Curcuma longa), neem (Azadirachta indica), tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), and ginger (Zingiber officinale) were selected for the study. The extracts were prepared using Soxhlet extraction with suitable organic solvents. Different concentrations of the extracts were tested against heat-induced denaturation of albumin protein and compared with the standard drug diclofenac sodium. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by measuring the percentage inhibition of protein denaturation at 660 nm using a UV-visible spectrophotometer. Among the tested extracts, neem and turmeric showed significant inhibition of albumin denaturation, indicating appreciable anti-inflammatory activity, although lower than the standard diclofenac sodium. The activity may be attributed to the presence of phytoconstituents such as curcumin, flavonoids, tannins, gingerols, eugenol, and limonoids. The study suggests that these herbal extracts possess promising anti-inflammatory potential and may serve as natural therapeutic agents for inflammatory disorders. The albumin denaturation assay proved to be a simple, economical, and reliable method for preliminary screening of herbal anti-inflammatory activity.
The plant kingdom is known rich source of phytochemicals and many of them possess organoleptic properties of the natural sources in which they originate. Over 4000 distinct phytochemicals are known to the mankind which have promising activity against several diseases whether metabolic, degenerative or infectious. The Family of Benzopyrones which are also known as coumarins or as 2H-1-benzopyran-2-ones, which are abundantly found in nature have displayed promising pharmacological activity. They comprise of a significant class of oxygen-containing heterocycles that are both naturally occurring and/or synthesized, and they have a typical benzopyrone framework. This review gives a broad overview of the varied pharmacological uses of metal complexes and of coumarin compounds individually as well as several metal complexes fused with the coumarin compounds. A tumultuous rise in the interest and in the publication about coumarin based metal complexes explains the powerful impact this class of medicines is having in the research field. We anticipate that this evaluation will be beneficial for the continued development of metal complexes based on coumarin in the field of medication development.
