Current Pharmaceutical Design - Volume 32, Issue 6, 2026

This study explores the application of Raman spectroscopy for identifying and quantifying itopride in solid dosage forms with varying concentrations of active ingredients and excipients. Raman spectroscopy provides a non-invasive, rapid, and accurate detection method that is ideal for pharmaceutical analysis.

The Raman spectral features of itopride in solid dosage forms were analyzed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Squares Regression Analysis (PLS-RA) as multivariate data analysis techniques.

PCA effectively distinguished Raman spectral data of various itopride drug samples. PLS-RA facilitated quantitative analysis, yielding an R² value of 0.999%, indicating an excellent explanation of model variability. The root mean square error of calibration and prediction were 0.23 mg and 3.02 mg, respectively. Furthermore, PLS-RA accurately determined the active pharmaceutical ingredient concentration in unknown formulations, with a calculated concentration of 79.66/80 mg (w/w) compared to the actual concentration of 80/140 mg (w/w).

These findings demonstrated that the concentration of itopride in pharmaceutical samples using an established Partial Least Squares Regression calibration model can be determined with reliability.

Despite recent advances in surgical procedures, postoperative peritoneal adhesions are common following major abdominopelvic surgery. Here, the therapeutic potential of Punica granatum var. pleniflora (PGP) on postoperative peritoneal adhesions has been explored in a rat uterine horn adhesion model.

Eighteen Albino Wistar female rats were divided into three groups: control group, sham, and treatment group receiving 400 mg/kg/day PGP orally for ten days. An identical surgical technique was employed to induce adhesion of the uterine horn in both the control and treatment groups. At the end of the experiments, all rats were re-operated for evaluation of adhesion. The macroscopic evaluation and fibrotic bands scaling were conducted and inflammation and fibrosis were assessed and graded, microscopically. Additionally, the effect of PGP on inflammation and fibrosis was assessed via PCR, ELISA, and histopathology.

PGP could significantly reduce the peritoneal adhesion score (treatment group vs. control group; p<0.001). Histopathological analysis indicated that PGP prevented adhesion formation by suppressing inflammation and fibrosis. Moreover, inflammatory and fibrosis biomarkers were decreased following PGP treatment. Furthermore, rats in the treatment group had significantly lower oxidative stress markers in adhesion tissues when compared to the control group.

Oral PGP was associated with reduced peritoneal adhesion formation in rats, postoperatively. This therapy might be an effective and safe strategy for preventing intraperitoneal adhesion after abdominopelvic surgeries.

This research explored the antimicrobial, antifungal, and in vivo anticandidal activities of two herbal extracts: Ocimum basilicum (HEOB) and Ocimum sanctum (HEOS). Additionally, the study analyzed the phytochemical components of these extracts.

To examine the efficacy of HEOB and HEOS extracts in terms of their antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-candidal activities and analyze their phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, and immunomodulatory properties in vivo.

Dried flowers and leaves from Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum sanctum were extracted using a cold maceration process with a 1:1 ethanol-water solution. Phytochemical analysis followed established protocols, and the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured using colourimetric methods. HPLC was used to determine the concentrations of specific compounds, including rosmarinic acid, rutin, eugenol, and quercetin. Antioxidant activity, specifically nitric oxide (NO) scavenging and antimicrobial properties, was assessed in vitro using the cup plate method. In vivo studies were conducted on immunocompromised mice with systemic candidiasis, treated with plant extracts at 200 and 400 mg/kg or with ketoconazole as a control. Survival rates, tissue histology, and leukocyte counts were evaluated, and statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA.

HEOB and HEOS extracts possess strong antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, largely due to flavonoids such as rutin, quercetin, rosmarinic acid and eugenol. In vivo experiments revealed that both extracts effectively reduced fungal load, increased survival rates, and alleviated immunosuppression in mice with systemic candidiasis. The extracts also exhibited significant immunomodulatory properties by boosting cell-mediated immune responses. At higher concentrations, the antifungal performance of HEOB and HEOS was similar to that of ketoconazole.

HEOB and HEOS exhibited strong antibacterial, antifungal, and anticandidal properties, showing significant effectiveness in treating systemic candidiasis. Their immunomodulatory effects and ability to boost cell-mediated immunity make these extracts promising options for addressing systemic candidiasis, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. This research offers valuable insights and sets the stage for future investigations into the treatment of oral and vaginal candidiasis.

Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction (XFZYD) is clinically used in China to promote blood circulation, resolve blood stasis, and alleviate ventricular remodeling (VR). However, its molecular mechanisms remain unclear.

This study investigates the active components and underlying molecular mechanisms of XFZYD in treating VR.

Targets of XFZYD's active components and VR-related targets were identified. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and a drug-ingredient-target network were constructed. GO functional annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed to explore biological functions. Hub targets and their corresponding active ingredients were validated through molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.

A total of 1,089 active ingredients with high gastrointestinal absorption (GI) and drug-likeness (DL ≥ 2) were identified. Five hundred and thirty-eight common targets were shared between XFZYD and VR, with 10 core targets, including AKT1, STAT3, TP53, EGFR, SRC, TNF, MAPK3, CTNNB1, IL6, and VEGFA. GO analysis revealed XFZYD's influence on wound healing, oxygen response, epithelial cell proliferation, and receptor signaling. KEGG analysis highlighted key pathways such as PI3K-Akt signaling, lipid and atherosclerosis, and fluid shear stress. Molecular docking revealed that active ingredients display favorable interactions with the hub genes, with binding energies from -9.5 to -6.0 kcal/mol. These interactions were further validated through MD simulations, demonstrating stable binding throughout the 100 ns simulation period.

XFZYD exhibits therapeutic effects on VR through multiple active components and pathways, providing a scientific basis for its clinical application and further research.