Current Drug Therapy - Volume 20, Issue 9, 2025

Emulgels combine the properties of emulsions and gels, offering a unique drug delivery system that enhances the solubility and stability of hydrophobic drugs. This study reviews recent advancements in emulgels and their potential in pharmaceutical applications.

To systematically review the current state of research on emulgels, focusing on formulation techniques, characterization methods, and therapeutic applications.

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, covering studies published from 2010 to 2023. Inclusion criteria included articles discussing formulation techniques, characterization, and therapeutic applications of emulgels. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers.

Various formulation techniques, such as high-energy emulsification, phase inversion, and solvent evaporation, have been explored to enhance the bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs. Recent advancements introduced novel methods like microfluidization and ultrasound-assisted emulsification to improve formulation efficiency. Characterization techniques, including rheological analysis, particle size determination, and drug release studies, are crucial for optimizing emulgel formulations. Several patents have been filed, reflecting innovative approaches in emulgel technology, such as incorporating nanomaterials and targeted delivery systems. Therapeutic applications of emulgels have been extensively studied in dermatology, pain management, and antimicrobial therapy, showing promising results in enhancing drug efficacy and patient compliance.

Emulgels present a versatile and efficient drug delivery system with significant potential in various therapeutic areas. Future research should focus on the large-scale production of emulgels and their long-term stability to facilitate their transition from research to clinical practice.

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus has escalated globally, posing a significant public health challenge. While modern pharmacological interventions are available, there is growing interest in traditional medicinal agents as alternative or complementary treatments for diabetes.

This study aims to identify and evaluate the efficacy of conventional drugs in the treatment of diabetes, particularly focusing on herbal plants used in various traditional medicines. The primary objectives include identifying anti-diabetic herbal plants, evaluating their efficacy, and conducting docking studies to assess their anti-diabetic actions.

Relevant databases are searched to compile a comprehensive list of herbal plants with documented anti-diabetic properties. Information on each plant, including its botanical name, family, and components used, is collected. Evaluation of efficacy is conducted through a literature review and analysis of reported studies. Docking studies are performed to assess the molecular interactions between the active components of herbal plants and targets related to diabetes.

The study has identified a range of traditional medicinal plants with potential anti-diabetic properties. Various botanical species from diverse families have been documented for their effectiveness in managing diabetes symptoms. The evaluation of efficacy suggests promising outcomes for several herbal plants in controlling blood sugar levels and improving metabolic functions. Docking studies reveal potential molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-diabetic actions of these plants, providing insights into their therapeutic effects.

The findings highlight the potential of herbal plants as alternative or complementary treatments for diabetes. Further research and clinical trials are warranted to validate the efficacy and safety of these plants in diabetic management. Integrating traditional medicines into conventional diabetes care may offer additional therapeutic options and improve outcomes for patients.

Danxiong Huoxue tablets has been used clinically to prevent and treat heterotopic ossification (HO) after total hip arthroplasty, but its therapeutic mechanism is not clear.

This study investigated the potential mechanism of action of Danxiong Huoxue tablets against HO using network pharmacology and molecular docking methods.

The TCMID and SymMap databases and the existing literature were used to screen the active ingredients and targets of Danxiong Huoxue tablets, and the targets of heterotopic ossification were obtained from Gene Cards, DisGeNET, and PharmGkb databases. The PPI network diagram was constructed using the String database and Cytoscape 3.9.1 software. Finally, the core targets were analyzed by GO and KEGG enrichment and validated by molecular docking.

A total of 39 active ingredients and 328 corresponding targets of Danxiong Huoxue tablets were identified, which were enriched in signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt and MAPK. Molecular docking verified that there was good binding activity between the core targets and the corresponding components.

Danxiong Huoxue tablets may prevent and treat HO by acting on key targets, such as SRC, AKT1, JUN, and TNF, and regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway.

Interpenetrating Polymeric Networks (IPN) are cross-linked polymeric alloys developed when two or more cross-linked polymers inter-penetratingly entangle. Interpenetrating polymeric networks possess several benefits including stability, biocompatibility, biodegradability, high swelling ability, and modified release efficiency.

The aim of this study is to design stable, control-released montelukast sodium-loaded IPN hydrogel beads as a promising approach toward drug delivery.

The goal of the present work was to develop Chitosan (swellable polymer) and glutaraldehyde (cross-linker) based modified (controlled) released montelukast sodium IPN hydrogel beads.

The montelukast sodium IPN hydrogel beads were prepared via the precipitation method, and the final batch of IPN hydrogel beads was based on particle size, percent entrapment efficiency, area of swelling, and cumulative percent drug release using an overlay plot in Box-Behnken design. Compatibility studies (DSC, FT-IR) and microscopical observation (SEM) confirmed the compatibility and sphericity of the formulations.

The optimized (comprising 2.01% chitosan and 0.48% glutaraldehyde) IPN hydrogel beads having satisfactory particle size (817.76±54.49 µm), good entrapment efficiency (71.36±3.04%), and area of swelling (27.00±1.68 mm2) showed swelling and pH-dependent controlled montelukast release (92.96±1.05%) after 12 h with longer duration of action.

The prepared montelukast sodium IPN hydrogel beads could be a potent control-released drug delivery vehicle.

The growing popularity of alternative medicine, including herbal remedies, nutraceuticals, and homeopathy, reflects a shift toward holistic, patient-centered healthcare practices. In the UAE, cultural factors and health awareness have driven increased acceptance and utilization of these therapies.

The study aimed to document the perceptions and attitudes of university medical students and faculty towards the use of alternative medicine in the United Arab Emirates.

A university-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University (RAKMHSU) over six months following ethical approval. The study population included consenting undergraduate students, faculty, and staff above 18 years from college of Medicine, college of Pharmacy and college of Nursing of RAKMHSU. Using a population-proportionate sampling method, 220 participants were selected, including 27 faculty and staff and 205 students.

In our study, significant difference was observed between faculties and students regarding perceived knowledge of nutraceuticals and homeopathy. A statistically significant difference was observed between students of college of Medicine and other colleges of the university regarding perceived knowledge of alternative medicine. 41% of the study participants reported current use of any form of alternative medicine, with no statistically significant difference between faculty and students.

This study offers insights into alternative medicine attitudes, informing potential interventions in medical education. The study participants view alternative medicine as a substitute for allopathic medicine, citing natural sources and fewer side effects. These findings underscore the importance of raising awareness about the prudent use of alternative medicine to promote patient-centered care and healthcare innovation.