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The Cucurbitaceae family, commonly known as the gourd or squash family, comprises a diverse group of plants widely cultivated and consumed across tropical and subtropical regions. Traditionally recognized for their nutritional and medicinal value, recent phytochemical and pharmacological studies have drawn attention to their potential role in neuropharmacology. This review consolidates current knowledge on the major bioactive constituents of Cucurbitaceae plants, including cucurbitacins, flavonoids, alkaloids, triterpenoids, phenolic acids, sterols, and saponins. These phytochemicals exhibit a broad spectrum of central nervous system (CNS) activities such as anxiolytic, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, neuroprotective, and cognitive-enhancing effects. Special emphasis is placed on the mechanisms by which these compounds modulate neurotransmitter pathways, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Furthermore, the review explores the chemotaxonomic relevance of these metabolites and discusses future directions in drug discovery, including bioassay-guided fractionation, preclinical validation, and translational research. Overall, this work highlights the neurotherapeutic potential of the Cucurbitaceae family and supports its further exploration as a promising source for novel CNS-active agents.

Background: Tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), is widely used in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer but carries significant safety risks, including a Black Box Warning (BBW) for uterine malignancies, stroke, and pulmonary embolism. Although pharmacists play a critical role in ensuring medication safety, early gaps in pharmacy education regarding BBWs may hinder students' preparedness for clinical decision-making. This study aimed to evaluate the baseline knowledge and perceptions of first-year pharmacy students regarding tamoxifen’s therapeutic use, associated risks—particularly uterine sarcoma—and awareness of BBWs. The goal was to identify educational deficiencies and inform curricular improvements to enhance pharmacovigilance and patient safety training. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to 47 first-year pharmacy students, assessing demographic data, prior exposure to BBWs, knowledge of tamoxifen-related risks, and opinions on patient monitoring. Statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate associations between academic background and student responses. Results: Most participants had prior exposure to BBWs and a background in health sciences. While 86.4% of students correctly identified the higher risk of tamoxifen-induced uterine sarcoma in postmenopausal women, only 31.8% recognized the importance of monitoring abnormal vaginal bleeding even in the absence of severe symptoms. Educational background was significantly associated with risk perception and support for patient monitoring (p < 0.05). Overall, participants demonstrated limited knowledge, with an average of 64.1% answering the knowledge-based questions correctly. Conclusion First-year pharmacy students demonstrated foundational knowledge of tamoxifen’s risks, but critical gaps exist in clinical application and early symptom monitoring. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational strategies to reinforce BBW interpretation and safety practices. Longitudinal follow-up and expanded studies across institutions are recommended to evaluate the impact of real-world clinical exposure on BBW-related competency.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to review Black Box Warning (BBW), specifically on Amiodarone, and to evaluate first-professional year students’ knowledge of its safety profile and monitoring parameters. Additionally, the study examined students’ familiarity with amiodarone’s clinical use and sought to explore the way in which factors such as educational background and work experience influenced their perspectives of these safety considerations. Methods: The study utilized a cross-sectional study method that combined opinion-based and knowledge-based surveys. First-year pharmacy students were asked to respond to questions regarding the safety parameters of amiodarone, including BBWs, photosensitivity, monitoring requirements, and patient counseling. The students’ baseline knowledge was assessed due to them being in their early stages of their education and not having yet gone through extensive pharmacy training. Assessing their knowledge and understanding around medication warnings and precautions, at this stage, offers useful insights into the impact that the summer prep courses have on the incoming students, and how the future curriculum can be tailored for their developmental success. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, mean scores, standard deviations, and the Chi-square test. Results: A total of 44 first-year pharmacy students participated in the survey. The opinion-based questions showed a strong consensus with 77% agreeing that amiodarone should be used as last-resort and its use should be limited due to its risks, 86.4% agreeing that the strategies to check amiodarone are effective and that patients should be counseled on photosensitivity side effects, and 88.7% agreeing that patients taking the medication should have check-ups and routine lab work. On the knowledge-based surveys 81.8% of respondents correctly identified the warnings and risks of amiodarone. However, only 29.5% recognized other clinical uses of amiodarone and 18.2% understood the need for more frequent monitoring in patients on the medication. Students with higher levels of education or three or more years of work experience demonstrated a significantly higher level of knowledge pertaining to amiodarone’s monitoring parameters (p-value <0.05). Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for targeted curriculum development and expanded hands-on experiences to improve pharmacy students' understanding of high-risk medications. Strengthening critical thinking skills, particularly in evaluating the balance between risks and benefits, is essential for optimizing patient outcomes. By using amiodarone’s safety profile, monitoring parameters, and key patient counseling points as a model, this study brings attention to important gaps in students’ knowledge of BBWs and underscores the urgency of addressing these areas in pharmacy education.

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) represent a significant burden on public health, frequently recurring and often prompting patients to explore non-antibiotic therapies. Among these, natural remedies such as cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), D-mannose, Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), and Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) have garnered attention for their potential antimicrobial and preventative properties. Despite widespread public interest, there is limited data on healthcare professionals' preparedness to counsel on these alternatives. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed pharmacy students' knowledge of the safety profiles, contraindications, and monitoring requirements associated with these agents, while also exploring persistent misconceptions related to UTI epidemiology. Results: The data indicated strong baseline knowledge, with 88.57% correctly identifying the therapeutic roles of cranberries and Uva Ursi, and 80% recognizing the benefits of D-mannose and Goldenseal. However, 37.14% of participants incorrectly believed UTIs affect only women, underscoring a persistent epidemiological misconception. While over 85% of respondents expressed confidence in the effectiveness of these remedies, statistical analyses revealed no significant correlation between knowledge or opinion scores and demographic variables. Conclusion: These findings highlight both strengths and gaps in pharmacy students’ understanding of natural UTI treatments. The results support the need for more robust curricular integration of evidence-based guidance on herbal and dietary supplements, particularly in light of growing patient interest and ongoing concerns about antibiotic resistance.

Enteric-coated tablets are solid unit dosage forms intended for oral delivery; they are designed to bypass the stomach and release medication in the small intestine instead. The term "enteric" pertains to the small intestine, and enteric coatings prevent medication from releasing before reaching that location. Most enteric coatings work by offering a coated surface that dissolves quickly at a less acidic (slightly more basic) pH while remaining stable in the highly acidic environment of the stomach. Enteric coating materials include fatty acids, waxes, shellac, polymers, plant fibres, CAP, CAT, PVAP, and HPMCP. This study examines enteric coating, including its optimal qualities, advantages, and disadvantages. It also explores the various polymers used, their chemical structures, criteria for drug selection and mechanism, and the processes for production and evaluation of enteric-coated tablets. Given their advantages over traditional drug delivery methods, such as longer dosing intervals and improved patient compliance, these have recently garnered the attention of numerous formulators. The research provides an overview of the latest advancements in this field.

Skincare plays a vital role in maintaining overall health, with the face requiring special attention due to constant exposure to environmental factors like sun, sweat, and pollutants. Natural face serums and sheet masks offer effective, hassle-free solutions to nourish and protect the skin. Among natural ingredients, Illicium verum (star anise) has shown promising potential in skincare due to its rich antioxidant and phytonutrient profile. This study explores the development of an herbal serum-infused face mask sheet using star anise to combat signs of aging, including wrinkles and reduced skin elasticity. Star anise is abundant in flavonoids, polyphenols, anethole, and tannins, which contribute to its ability to reduce oxidative stress, fade blemishes, tone the skin, and promote a youthful appearance. The lightweight and potent nature of serums enhances the efficacy of active ingredients, while sheet masks provide a simple and effective method for application. The project aims to harness the therapeutic benefits of star anise in a practical skincare format to support anti-aging treatment and skin rejuvenation.

While chemical-based drug substances are widely used, plant-based alternatives are gaining attention for their therapeutic potential and minimal side effects. Pomegranate peel extract, known for its medicinal properties, was successfully formulated into a microsponge-based gel. Among the formulations developed, formulation F4 demonstrated the most promising results in terms of performance and stability. The average particle size of the microsponge ranged between 5–300 ?m, aligning with the desired specifications. Formulation F4 exhibited a yellow appearance and achieved a high percentage yield of 88.2%, attributed to the effective use of polymer in the formulation process. In conclusion, formulation F4 represents a successful development of a stable and effective microsponge gel containing pomegranate peel extract, highlighting the potential of plant-based drug delivery systems.

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess first-year pharmacy students’ knowledge of dofetilide, with particular emphasis on its black box warning (BBW) for increased risk of supraventricular arrhythmias and the associated safety monitoring requirements. The study also sought to determine whether demographic factors—such as gender, level of education, undergraduate major, and pharmacy-related work experience—affect students’ awareness and understanding of these safety considerations. Methods: A total of 46 first-year pharmacy students from a college of pharmacy completed an anonymous, electronically administered survey, yielding a 96% response rate. The survey included four sections: demographic information; familiarity and experiences with BBWs; opinion-based questions on dofetilide safety and monitoring; and knowledge-based questions evaluating understanding of key safety risks. Data was analyzed using SPSS (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) with descriptive statistics and chi-square tests (p

Amylase, an enzyme that breaks down starch into simpler sugars, has diverse applications, including digestion, diagnosis of pancreatic problems, and industrial processes like food processing, textile desizing and detergent manufacturing. The main aim of the present research work was optimization of process parameters for the production amylase enzyme using musa accuminata leaves as substrate in a solid state fermentation by using microorganism Bacillus lechniformis. Solid-state fermentation was explained as an activity that occurs on a non-soluble material may acts both as support and a source of nutrients, with a reduced amount of water under the process of fermentation. For the production of amylase enzyme different parameters like incubation time, incubation temprature, pH, inoculum level and moisture content and were optimized the incubation time of 48 hours, the temperature of 30?, pH 7, inoculum level of 80% v/w and moisture content of 80% v/w were marked optimum for the production of amylase. Different carbon components were screened for the enzyme production; they are glucose, fructose, maltose, sucrose and lactose used as carbon supplements. To determine nitrogen effect on enzyme production, potassium nitrate was taken and 0.2 w/w was observed optimum for that enzyme production. Final conclusion was that musa accuminata could be a promising substrate for industrial application since it produces a significant alpha amylase activity in solid sate fermentation.

Phyllanthus niruri, commonly known as Chanca Piedra or &#34;stonebreaker,&#34; is a tropical herb widely used in traditional medicine for its nephroprotective and litholytic properties. This case study explores the therapeutic potential of Chanca Piedra in managing ureteral stones in a 74-year-old male who presented with persistent microscopic hematuria and was later diagnosed with a 2 mm kidney stone in the right proximal ureter. Despite stable vital signs and no associated symptoms, imaging revealed mild hydronephrosis. Given the patient’s preference to avoid surgical intervention, a non-invasive herbal approach using Chanca Piedra extract (4.5 g/day) was initiated alongside dietary and hydration modifications. Over a 12-week period, the patient reported no adverse effects, and follow-up tests demonstrated complete resolution of hematuria. A six-month radiographic reassessment confirmed spontaneous passage of the kidney stone, with no residual calculi or hydronephrosis. These results support prior research on Phyllanthus niruri’s ability to inhibit calcium oxalate crystallization, promote diuresis, and relax ureteral smooth muscles—mechanisms believed to facilitate stone disintegration and expulsion. The patient&#39;s positive outcome aligns with clinical findings from previous studies, including those by Micali et al. (2006) and Pucci et al. (2018), which observed improved stone clearance and urinary metabolic profiles with Chanca Piedra use. This case underscores the potential of Chanca Piedra as a safe and effective alternative for the management of small ureteral calculi. While spontaneous stone passage may occur naturally in some cases, the short treatment duration and absence of recurrent symptoms suggest a contributory role of the herbal therapy. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings, establish optimal dosing protocols, and evaluate long-term outcomes. Chanca Piedra may offer a patient-centered, non-invasive treatment option for nephrolithiasis, particularly for those seeking alternatives to surgical or pharmacologic interventions.

Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS), or patches, are designed to administer drugs through the skin for systemic effects. They enhance patient compliance by avoiding first-pass metabolism, providing controlled and continuous drug release, and minimizing side effects. This innovative, painless method improves therapeutic efficiency and is increasingly favoured over traditional dosage forms. Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) operate by applying a drug within a patch that adheres to the skin for extended periods, ensuring a steady concentration in the bloodstream. Key components include a polymer matrix, drug, and permeation enhancers, with polymers ranging from natural options like Zein and Shellac to synthetic types such as Polybutadiene and Polyvinyl chloride. Various TDDS types exist, including single-layer and multi-layer systems. Antiemetic drugs available as transdermal patches include scopolamine (for motion sickness) and granisetron (for chemotherapy-induced nausea). These patches offer controlled, extended release of medication for convenient nausea management. Evaluation tests for transdermal patches include assessing drug release rate, adhesion strength. Additionally, stability, permeation, and pharmacokinetic studies are conducted to ensure effectiveness and safety.

C ocrystals have attracted attention in early days for their ability to modify the physical properties of solid state materials, notably pharmaceutical s. Initially, cocrystal formation was primarily pursued to enhance solubility however, recent research has expanded their applications to include flavour masking, mechanical property improvement, and intellectual property extension. In the context of pulmo nary hypertension treatment, cocrystals have been explored to optimize drug performance. Increased commercialization of cocrystals has in turn necessitated additional research on methods to make cocrystals, with particular emphasis placed on emerging techn ologies that can offer environmentally attractive and efficient options. Methods of producing cocrystals and of harnessing the bespoke physical property adjustment provided by cocrystals are reviewed in this article, with a particular focus on emerging tre nds in these areas.

Prameha is one of the leading and progressive disease found in India. It is a very complex disease. Ayurveda mentioned various types of Prameha depending upon imbalance of the Doshas; Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Its disease featured as increased quantity (Prabhut) and turbidity (Aavil) of Urine. Turbidity in urine is due to presence of dosha and dushyas. As it is disease related to metabolism, it suggests that there is defect in the Agni (Agnimandya). Due to heavy fatty diet and sedentary lifestyle, there is quantitative increase in Dravatva of Kapha due to the elimination of excessive kleda with urine. Turbidity in urine is due to presence of dosha and dushyas in the urine. In Prameha, the normal function of Mutra get disturbed and it excretes excessive Kleda from urine. Methodology: We will review, Samhitas by Charak, Shushrut and Vagbhata, Textbooks, online database and review articles. Conclusion: In Prameha agnimandya is present with Vikruti of three Doshas but dominance of Kapha Dosha and Meda Dhatu Dushti. Prameha has many Dushyas, Vata, Pitta, Kapha, Meda, Mansa, Kleda, Shukra, Shonit, Vasa, Majja, Lasika, Rasa and Mutra. The most affected Doshas are Kleda, kapha, Samanvayu and Pachak Pitta.