Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus and depression are closely associated chronic disorders that together impose a substantial burden on individual health and healthcare systems, particularly in developing countries. The bidirectional relationship between metabolic dysregulation and neuropsychological stress indicates that there are therapeutic strategies that can address both conditions simultaneously. Polyherbal formulations are increasingly explored as alternative interventions due to their multi-targeted mechanisms, synergistic pharmacological effects, and comparatively lower risk of adverse reactions than synthetic drugs. In the present study, a polyherbal extract (PHE) was formulated using Aegle marmelos, Prosopis cineraria, and Linum usitatissimum, plants traditionally recognised for their antidiabetic, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. Extraction was carried out using Soxhlet extraction with ethanol at 50°C, along with mucilage preparation techniques. The formulated extract was evaluated for physicochemical parameters, including moisture content, ash values, and foreign matter, followed by qualitative phytochemical screening to identify major bioactive constituents. Cytotoxicity and preliminary safety were assessed using the MTT assay on cultured cells. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, steroids, carbohydrates, and glycosides, indicating a diverse bioactive profile. Physicochemical evaluation demonstrated acceptable stability, with moisture content ranging from 7.49 to 8.67%, ash values between 10.53 and 12.23%, and foreign matter below 1.1%. The MTT assay revealed an IC₅₀ value of approximately 212 µg/ml, with more than 80% cell viability observed at 100 µg/ml, suggesting low cytotoxicity at therapeutically relevant concentrations. Overall, the findings indicate that the formulated polyherbal extract possesses favourable stability, safety, and phytochemical characteristics, supporting its potential application in the management of diabetes-associated depression. Further in vivo studies and bioanalytical investigations are necessary to validate its therapeutic efficacy and elucidate underlying mechanisms of action.

Bhut Jholokia, or "Bhut Jolokia" or "ghost pepper" (Capsicum chinense Jacq.), is one of the world's hottest chili varieties and an important part of the ethnobotany of northeast India. Its high capsaicinoid content has created a lot of interest in its phytochemical chemistry and wide range of biological activities, such as analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities, antimicrobial and anticancer activities, metabolic modulation, and possible cardiovascular benefits. This review offers a concise synthesis of its botanical characterization, traditional therapy, phytochemical profile, pharmacology, toxicology, and agronomic and quality concerns. It also highlights current knowledge gaps and suggests research priorities for upcoming translational and clinical investigations.

This paper is a pharmacognostical and chemical appraisal of Tinospora cordifolia stems with focus on their immunomodulatory activity. Authenticity and quality of the plant material were established by the use of pharmacognostical profiling such macroscopic and physicochemical analyses which indicated some features like greenish-brown in colour stems, fibrous fracture characteristic and good moisture (8.25%) and ash content equal to WHO recommended limits. Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed the characterization of tinosporaside (14.2%), berberine (12.5%), palmatine (10.8%), magnoflorine (9.4%), beta-sitosterol (8.6%), and stigmasterol (7.9%), to be the most significant bioactive components of ethanol extracts. An analysis of a Relative Contribution Index (RCI) identified tinosporaside (0.710) and berberine (0.625) as the core contributors to the potential activity of immunomodulation. These results provide a scientific foundation to the traditional use of T. cordifolia in immune-support formulations, a chemical road-map to quality control, and compounds of interest that may be considered priority to further bioactivity verification. The proposed integrated method helps with conceiving how to standardize herbal extracts and shape future pharmacological research.

The study evaluates sustained-release matrix tablets created from natural polymers alginate and guar gum and xanthan gum and chitosan when using model drugs diclofenac sodium and theophylline. The research determines the drug release patterns together with tablet physical measurements (hardness, friability, moisture content) and formulation comparability between sustained-release pharmaceuticals and conventional deliverysystems. The research used various matrix tablets  made from natural polymers for which in vitro drug releases were conducted with a dissolution testing apparatus. Drug release from alginate and xanthan gum matrices occurred through gradual kinetics leading to sustained drug outcome with zero-order patterns. The drug release from tablets containing guar gum and chitosan followed inconsistent behavior. Xanthan gum matrices demonstrated the highest level of hardness and lowest degree of friability among all physical characteristic measurements. All stability tests demonstrated formulation stability since the drug release profiles remained unmodified. Bioavailability tests demonstrated the sustainedrelease dosages released the drug into the body at a steadier and more delayed pace than standard pill tablets. The statistical evaluations confirmed that distinct dissimilarities appeared between different formulations regarding the release rate of drugs along with hardness characteristics and bioavailability parameters and the degree to which the formulations broke apart. The release profiles of sustained-release matrix tablets enhance when designed with natural polymers alginate and xanthan gum.

Oral health is an essential aspect of general well-being, but widespread conditions like dental caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, and halitosis are still prevalent. Traditional treatments like fluoride-based products and antibiotics have been effective but are associated with limitations like antibiotic resistance, side effects, and high expense. This review discusses the possibility of herbal remedies as alternatives to traditional oral health care. Different herbs, such as neem, clove, turmeric, and aloe vera, have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities that could be responsible for enhanced oral health and disease control. Based on a review of the available literature, this paper emphasizes the effectiveness, mechanisms, and limitations of incorporating herbal medicine into conventional dental practice.