Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

HEALING POTENTIAL AND THERAPEUTIC INSIGHTS OF BIXA ORELLANA: A HOLISTIC REVIEW

Swathi Priya Karri — 2025-07-29

Bixa Orellana, commonly known as the annatto, bijol or lipstick tree, is a medicinal plant with a remarkable spectrum of pharmacological activities. Rich in bioactive compounds such as bixin, norbixin, flavonoids, tocotrienols, and terpenes, it exhibits diverse therapeutic potential. Scientific studies have demonstrated its antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuropharmacological, analgesic, antinociceptive, anticonvulsant, and immunomodulatory properties. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in metabolic regulation, showing antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, and anti-obesity effects. Bixa Orellana also exerts hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, gastroprotective, and cardiovascular benefits, including hypotensive and platelet anti-aggregant activities. Its wound-healing, dermatoprotective, and anticancer properties further highlight its medicinal significance. Moreover, its potential in mosquito repellency, antihistamine activity, and multidrug resistance modulation underscores its versatility. While these pharmacological benefits reinforce its traditional medicinal use, further clinical studies are needed to validate its therapeutic applications and establish its role in modern medicine. This review explores the holistic potential of Bixa Orellana, emphasizing its promising contributions to healthcare and drug discovery.

INCIDENCE OF ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY IN ACUTE GASTROENTERITIS PATIENTS PRESENTING TO SHEIKH ZAYED UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL KHOST, AFGHANISTAN

Rahman Khalid U Bashrat — 2025-07-29

Backgroud: Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) affects all age groups alike, is a common cause of hospitalization worldwide and is the most common known cause of preventable acute kidney injury. Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) may be defined as a sudden decrease in kidney function, which results in reduced filtration capability of the kidneys, accumulation of waste products and their resultant clinical manifestations. Early detection of AKI caused by AGE can significantly decrease mortality rates. In Khost, studies investigating the incidence of AKI in AGE Patients are limited; thus, we aimed to fill this knowledge gap.

Materials and Methods: Aprospective observational study was conducted on 79 patients with AKI secondary to acute gastroenteritis admitted to Sheikh Zayed University Teaching Hospital Khost, Afghanistan , in 3 months duration from July 2023 to September 2023. Data were analyzed using SPSS 28.

Findings: In this study, 79 individuals were enrolled, including 58.2% male and 41.8% female. Of them, 79 patients with acute gastroenteritis, 40 (50.6%) had acute renal failure (ARF). Hypertension was the most common type of comorbidity 10 (12.6%), followed by diabetes mellitus 3 (3.8%). Diarrhea was the most commonly reported gastrointestinal symptom among the patients (78.5%), followed by vomiting (58.2%) and dysentery (20.3%). Dehydration was reported in all patients. Severe dehydration (48.1%) was the most common among patients with AGE-induced ARF. The proportion of patients with diarrhoea (90% vs. 66%, P<0.012) was significantly higher among patients with ARF than in those without ARF. Patients older than 40 years had a significantly higher frequency of ARF (67.5%) as compared to patients less than 40 years of age (13.5%) (P = 0.000). The median serum creatinine, sodium, and potassium levels in patients with age related ARF were 4.1mg/dl, 130mEq/L and 4.3 mEq/L, respectively. The serum creatinine level was higher in those with ARF (P = 0.490).

Conclusion: The study concluded that the incidence of acute kidney injury in patients presenting with acute gastroenteritis to Sheikh Zayed University Teaching Hospital is 40 (50.6%), due to hypovolemia caused by fluid losses in acute diarrheal illnesses. It can be prevented by prompt diagnosis and treatment by fluid administration.

STUDY ON DRUG-ASSOCIATED ADVERSE REACTIONS IN DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENTS

Sagarika Majhi — 2025-07-29

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding diabetes management, as well as to identify adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with diabetic medications among patients. Insights were gained through questionnaire-based surveys and direct patient interviews for conciseness of diabetes management and medication safety.

Methods: The study emphasized using questionnaire as the primary tool for data collection and management because of ease of access, convenience for participants, and efficient data handling capabilities. The responses were automatically collected and recorded in real-time as participants submitted the google forms. Measures were taken to ensure data integrity and prevention of duplicate submissions, by limiting responses to one per participant.

Results: After a thorough study, various ADRs were reported. These included blood and lymphatic system disorders, skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, general disorders and administration site conditions. The severity levels of the ADRs recorded were manageable.

Conclusion: Strengthening pharmacovigilance initiatives is essential for monitoring and reporting adverse drug reactions associated with diabetic medications. Pharmacist-led medication review services, patient counselling on medication safety, and proactive surveillance of ADRs could contribute to improved patient outcomes and medication management.

ENHANCEMENT OF SOLUBILITY OF DRUG ACETAZOLAMIDE BY DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES AND COMPARISON THEREOF

Anchal Sharma — 2025-07-29

Solubility enhancement has attracted considerable interest as an efficient mean of improving the solubility and hence bioavailability of poorly water soluble drugs. Oral route is most of the preferred route of drug administration but it presents a considerable challenge in case of poorly soluble drugs. In the present work the solubility of Acetazolamide was enhanced using two different techniques. In which solid dispersion of Acetazolamide is prepared by physical mixture method and by kneading method using PEG-6000 and PVP K-30 as a carrier for solid dispersion and Complex is prepared by physical mixture method and kneading method using β-Cyclodextrin as a complex forming agent. Comparison different formulation is done in term of solubility and the results revealed that solid dispersion physical mixture of Acetazolamide and PEG-6000 (1:1 ratio) shows high saturation of solubility as compare to others, which leads to increase in the rate of solubility. Formulation with maximum solubility was analyzed using FT-IR, XRD and DSC studies. Thus, increases the dissolution and bioavailability of poorly soluble drug acetazolamide.

PURE HERBS BASED D-TAN FACE PACK: FORMULATION AND EVALUATION

Chanchal Chaurasiya — 2025-07-29

The D-Tan face pack is a skincare formulation designed to reduce tanning caused by prolonged sun exposure, improve skin tone, and promote a brighter, more even complexion. This research focuses on the formulation development and evaluation of a natural D-Tan face pack composed of herbal ingredients known for their skin-lightening, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Key components such as Sandal wood powder, Orange peel powder Multani mitti, Beet root powder, Rose petal powder, Gram flour, Rose water, Aloe vera gel, honey, and Vitamin E were selected based on their traditional use and scientific efficacy in reducing melanin accumulation and soothing sun-damaged skin. The face pack was evaluated for its organoleptic properties, physicochemical properties, physical properties, phytochemical properties, irritancy test and stability studies. Results indicate that the D-Tan face pack effectively lightens tanned skin, reduces pigmentation, and improves skin texture with no irritation. This study supports the potential of using natural bioactive ingredients in cosmetic formulations as safe and effective alternatives for skin de-tanning and rejuvenation.