International Journal of Pharmaceutical & Biological Archive

Fenugreek Gum: Potential as an Eco-Friendly Alternative to Synthetic Polymers

2026-01-09T06:28:16+00:00

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seed gum has recently gained significant attention as a
multifunctional natural polymer owing to its unique physicochemical and biological attributes. Rich in
galactomannans, this gum exhibits excellent swelling capacity, viscosity, and film-forming properties,
making it a promising candidate for diverse industrial and biomedical applications. Beyond its traditional
use as a dietary fiber and stabilizer, emerging research highlights its role as a sustainable excipient in
controlled drug delivery, disintegrant in novel dosage forms, and bioadhesive agent in transdermal and
mucoadhesive systems. In addition, fenugreek seed gum (FSG) demonstrates antioxidant, antimicrobial,
and prebiotic activities, expanding its utility in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and cosmetic formulations.
Its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and low toxicity further support its potential as an eco-friendly
alternative to synthetic polymers. This article presents an overview of the novel applications of FSG,
emphasizing its pharmaceutical, biomedical, and industrial prospects, while also outlining future research
directions to optimize its functionality and commercial translation

Engineering Novel Terbinafine-Piperazine Hybrids: A Strategy for Design, Synthesis, and Assessment as Potent Antifungal Agents with Improved Oral Bioavailability

2026-01-09T06:33:12+00:00

Fungal infections, particularly those caused by opportunistic pathogens, such as Candida albicans, pose
a growing global health challenge due to rising resistance and limited therapeutic options. In response to
the urgent need for more effective antifungal therapies, the present study explores the design, synthesis,
and evaluation of novel terbinafine-piperazine hybrid (TPH) compounds. Terbinafine, a potent allylamine
antifungal agent, was structurally modified through hybridization with bioactive piperazine-based Schiff
bases to enhance antifungal efficacy and oral bioavailability. The synthesis was accomplished through a
two-step reaction: Initial formation of a Schiff base between substituted benzaldehydes and piperazine,
followed by nucleophilic substitution with terbinafine hydrochloride. The synthesized hybrids were
characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, and melting
point analysis. Their antifungal activities were assessed against clinically significant fungal strains using
agar well diffusion and broth microdilution methods. Lipophilicity studies were conducted to estimate
Log P and Log D values through the shake-flask method, simulating gastrointestinal and physiological
environments. Results indicated that the hybrids maintained structural integrity, demonstrated notable
antifungal activity comparable to fluconazole, and possessed moderate lipophilicity an essential feature
for oral bioavailability. Statistical analysis using analysis of variance confirmed the reliability and
reproducibility of the biological and physicochemical data. This research highlights the potential of hybrid
drug design as a viable strategy to overcome present antifungal limitations. The TPH s exhibit promising
characteristics that warrant further pharmacological investigation and in vivo validation as next-generation
antifungal agents.

Method Development and Optimization to Increase Solubility of Poorly Water-soluble Antipsychotic Drug Haloperidol: A Novel Hydrotropic Techniques for Improving the Bioavailability of Biopharmaceutics Classification System Class II Drug

2026-01-09T06:36:57+00:00

Haloperidol, a first-generation antipsychotic drug classified under Biopharmaceutics Classification System
Class II, suffers from poor aqueous solubility, which critically limits its oral bioavailability and therapeutic
performance. To address this challenge, a novel hydrotropic solubilization approach was employed using
sodium salicylate as the hydrotropic agent. The study aimed to enhance the solubility and dissolution
profile of haloperidol by formulating hydrotropic solid dispersions and optimizing key formulation
parameters. A 32 full factorial design was applied to assess the influence of drug-to-carrier ratio and solvent
volume on drug content and in vitro release. Among nine formulations developed, F5, prepared with a 1:2
drug-to-carrier ratio and 10 mL solvent volume, exhibited optimal performance with high drug content
and rapid release. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the absence of chemical interaction
between Haloperidol and the hydrotropic agent. In vitro dissolution studies demonstrated significantly
enhanced drug release from the optimized formulation compared to the pure drug and physical mixtures.
Accelerated stability studies conducted over 3 months at 40°C and 75% RH confirmed the physical and
chemical stability of the optimized formulation. Statistical validation using one-way analysis of variance
followed by Tukey’s post hoc test revealed that improvements in drug release were statistically significant
(P < 0.05). The study successfully demonstrates the potential of hydrotropic solid dispersion as a simple,
effective, and scalable technique for improving the bioavailability of poorly soluble antipsychotic drugs
like Haloperidol, laying a strong foundation for further development and clinical application.

Isolation and Standardization of Antioxidant Compounds from Traditional Herbal Tea

2026-01-09T06:42:43+00:00

The present study was designed to isolate, standardize, and evaluate the antioxidant potential of
phytochemical compounds extracted from Hibiscus sabdariffa, a widely consumed traditional herbal tea.

Development and Efficacy Evaluation of a Natural Antifungal Gel for Athlete’s Foot: A Synergistic Approach with Tea Tree Oil, Oregano Oil, and Apple Cider Vinegar

2026-01-09T06:56:48+00:00

Athlete’s foot (Tinea pedis) is a prevalent superficial fungal infection caused by dermatophytes, such as
Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The growing resistance to synthetic antifungal
agents and concerns regarding their long-term use have prompted interest in developing alternative
therapies utilizing natural products. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate a natural antifungal
gel incorporating tea tree oil, oregano oil, and apple cider vinegar, known for their potent antimicrobial
and anti-inflammatory properties. The gel was prepared using Carbopol 934P as the base and optimized
for pH, viscosity, and consistency. Qualitative phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of key
secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, and saponins, which are potentially
responsible for antifungal activity. The antifungal efficacy of the gel was assessed in vitro using agar well
diffusion and broth microdilution methods against clinical isolates of T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes.
Minimum Inhibitory Concentration and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration values were determined.
Further characterization included pH measurement, spreadability, washability, and stability studies under
ICH-recommended conditions over 90 days. The results demonstrated that the natural antifungal gel
possesses promising physicochemical characteristics and potential antifungal activity suitable for topical
use. This formulation provides a safe and natural alternative for managing athlete’s foot and could serve
as a foundation for future clinical studies and product development.

Malaria and Modes of Transmission

2026-01-09T07:03:30+00:00

Background: Malaria is one of the most significant parasitic diseases, with a history dating back to ancient
times, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. It remains a serious public health challenge today. The
disease is caused by the Plasmodium parasite and is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female
Anopheles mosquito. Clinical manifestations include intermittent fever, chills, anemia, splenomegaly, and, in
severe cases, multiple organ failure and death. The growing resistance of the parasite to antimalarial drugs and
the resistance of mosquitoes to insecticides have made disease control increasingly difficult. Objective: This
study aims to examine the parasite’s life cycle, transmission methods, clinical symptoms, and factors influencing
malaria prevalence to propose effective strategies for its prevention and control. Methods: This study is a review
based on the analysis of scientific articles, specialized books, reports from the World Health Organization, and
other credible sources. Data were systematically collected from scientific databases and selected based on
their relevance and credibility. Results: Malaria is caused by four Plasmodium species: Plasmodium ovale,
Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium falciparum, with P. falciparum being the most
pathogenic and lethal. The parasite’s life cycle includes two main stages: Schizogony in the vertebrate host
and sporogony in the mosquito vector. While the primary mode of malaria transmission is through Anopheles
mosquito bites, alternative transmission routes include blood transfusion, organ transplantation, contaminated
needles, and congenital transmission. Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and water sources,
along with human factors such as race, age, occupation, and socioeconomic status, significantly influence
malaria prevalence. Conclusion: Malaria remains a major global health threat. Effective control requires a
multifaceted approach, including insecticide application, bed net utilization, stagnant water management, rapid
diagnosis, and appropriate treatment. International collaboration, vaccine development, improved antimalarial
drugs, and increased public awareness are crucial in reducing malaria transmission. Ultimately, with scientific
advancements and comprehensive public health interventions, the incidence of malaria can be significantly
reduced, and eradication may become a realistic goal in the future.