Journal of Applied Pharmacology and Toxicology

Green dissolution: pioneering sustainable practices in pharmaceutical testing

2026-01-13T01:12:15-05:00

Background: Green dissolution is a pharmaceutical testing method that addresses environmental concerns without compromising scientific accuracy. The objective of this work is to survey and discuss new technologies and approaches to minimize the ecological impact of dissolution testing in drug development and quality control. Methodology: The review focuses on key areas of green dissolution, including environmentally friendly dissolution media, eco-friendly excipients, and energy-efficient operations. Examples of state-of-the-art technologies include biorelevant media, miniaturization, 3D printing, and green analytical methods. Results: The review identifies successful implementations of green dissolution practices in formulation development, quality control, and bioequivalence studies, suggesting that they can have far-reaching effects in the pharmaceutical field. Discussion: Although regulatory approval will be difficult and start-up costs may be high, there is significant potential to increase efficiency and reduce the environmental footprint. Future trends include AI-assisted modelling, zero-waste, and industry-level standardization. Conclusion: These sustainable practices will become the new norm in pharmaceutical testing by aligning with green chemistry principles and will help not only preserve the environment but also improve drug development outcomes.

A scientific review on Eudragit RS 100 and RL 100 polymer blends for colon-specific oral nanoparticulate drug delivery system

2025-09-06T06:08:07-04:00

Colon-targeted oral drug delivery offers significant therapeutic advantages for local and systemic treatment of diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, Colorectal Cancer, and parasitic infections. This study investigates the potential of combining 'Eudragit RS 100' and 'RL 100' polymers in nanoparticulate drug delivery systems to achieve controlled and site-specific drug release in the colon. The two polymers are water-insoluble and pH-independent, and the amount of quaternary ammonium groups can be varied, thereby enabling adjustment of permeability and drug release rate. Tailored release profiles can be achieved by varying the RS: RL ratio to meet specific clinical needs. Using this combination, nanoparticles demonstrated improved encapsulation, inhibition of early drug degradation, mucoadhesion, and longer colonic retention. The clinical relevance and versatility of these polymeric systems are also evident, as disease-specific applications have been noted, including indications for ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and Colorectal Cancer. Overall, the Eudragit mixture of RS and RL provides a compelling basis for developing colon-specific nanomedicine.

A comprehensive review on ethnomedicinal plants of lower himalayan regions with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-diabetic potential

2026-01-13T09:49:45-05:00

Background: The Himalayan region is globally recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, harboring a broad spectrum of medicinal plant species with significant therapeutic potential. Ethnomedicinal practices in this region have long guided traditional healthcare systems, yet many indigenous species remain underexplored for their pharmacological properties and bioactive compounds. Objective: This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of ethnomedicinal plants from the lower Himalayan regions with reported anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties, highlighting their phytochemical composition and therapeutic relevance. Methodology: An ethnopharmacological survey was conducted involving 133 informants, including 20 traditional healers, through semi-structured interviews, participatory group discussions, and in-field observations. Plant identification was confirmed using photographic records and, when possible, direct verification in natural habitats. Relevant literature was also synthesised to contextualise traditional claims within existing pharmacological evidence. Results and Discussion: A total of 90 plant species were documented, many of which are traditionally used to manage chronic inflammatory conditions, oxidative stress, and diabetes. These species are rich in pharmacologically active constituents, including flavonoids, alkaloids, polyphenols, terpenoids, and proanthocyanidins, which modulate key biochemical pathways associated with inflammation, oxidative damage, and glucose regulation. Despite consistent ethnomedicinal use, scientific validation of most species remains limited, underscoring the need for bioactivity-guided isolation, phytochemical standardization, and preclinical-to-clinical evaluation. Conclusion: Lower Himalayan ethnoflora represents a valuable reservoir of pharmacologically significant plants with promising therapeutic applications. Bridging traditional knowledge with modern pharmacological research can enable drug discovery and development of novel phytotherapeutics targeting prevalent chronic diseases.

Polymer-based microencapsulation of peptidyl drugs: from bench to bedside

2026-01-13T10:28:00-05:00

Peptides and proteins are the fastest-growing class of therapeutics due to their high specificity and potency. However, their widespread use is limited by enzymatic degradation, short circulation half-lives, and poor stability during storage and administration. Microencapsulation has emerged as a potential strategy in overcoming these barriers by protecting biomolecules, enabling sustained and targeted release, and improving patient compliance. This review highlights both natural and synthetic polymers, such as poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), chitosan, alginate, and hybrid systems in terms of encapsulation efficiency, release kinetics, and clinical safety. Marketed products, including Lupron Depot®, Sandostatin LAR®, and Bydureon®, are discussed as successful examples of regulatory-approved microsphere formulations. Furthermore, emerging trends such as stimuli-responsive and multifunctional microspheres are presented as future directions that may lead to personalized and precision medicine. By integrating insights from marketed products and ongoing innovations, this review provides an updated framework for the design and development of peptide- and protein-based microencapsulation systems with the potential to enter therapeutic applications and improve clinical outcomes.

Challenges and benefits for oral colon-targeted nanoparticulate drug delivery system: A brief review

2025-09-01T02:10:28-04:00

Oral colon-targeted drug delivery systems (OCTDDS) are increasingly recognized for their therapeutic potential in both local conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, and intestinal infections, and systemic disorders in which colonic absorption is advantageous. Nanoparticulate carriers have gained particular attention because they offer several advantages over conventional systems, including improved stability, protection from enzymatic degradation, controlled drug release, and enhanced bioavailability. Despite these benefits, the gastrointestinal environment presents significant challenges to selective colon delivery. Variability in pH, digestive enzymes, mucus layering, and the influence of gut microbiota often hinder predictable performance. To overcome these barriers, diverse nanoscale platforms—such as polymeric nanoparticles, lipid-based systems, dendrimers, and hybrid nano-in-micro carriers—have been developed, each offering unique mechanisms to optimize targeting and therapeutic outcomes. This review brings together recent advances in nanoparticle-mediated colon targeting, highlighting design principles, advantages, and translational prospects. Regulatory considerations and early clinical findings are also discussed, emphasizing the importance of bridging laboratory innovation with clinical application to realize the full potential of these emerging systems.