Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

A Comprehensive Review on Self-Microemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems: From Design and Evaluation to Regulatory Challenges

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0530

Weak aqueous solubility still remains one of the major problems encountered in the discovery and development of new drugs, particularly for BCS Class II and IV drugs where the low solution and permeability lead to low oral bioavailability. Formulation systems used for these drugs have often only partially incorporated this limitation. Thus, there is huge scope for integrating formulation strategies with a self-micro-emulsification tool to optimize absorption, solubilization and permeability of drugs of low aqueous solubility. Self Microemulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS) have proved to be lipophilic formulations developed to improve solubility and systemic availability of drugs which are poorly water soluble. SMEDDS are makeup of a mixture of oil, surfactant and co-surfactants which form forming transparent micro-emulsions containing the drug, when in contact with the luminal environment of GI tract. Nanometer sized droplets have a very large interfacial area which facilitate the liquid digestion process and enhance the rate of intestinal absorption of drug. The biopharmaceutical performance can be greatly enhanced by improved permeability, lowered interfacial tension and thermodynamic stability. The selection of excipients should be done carefully while designing SMEDDS; excipients should be safe for human use, compatible with drug, enhance safety profile of parenteral design while ensuring ease of manufacturing, stability and parameters acceptable for regulatory approval. These systems are prepared as a liquid formulation or converted into solid form SMEDDS using techniques such as spray drying, melt granulation or adsorption onto solid carriers. Characterization of Liquid Smeeds involve studying of droplet size, cloud point, zeta potential etc. In the process of developing liquid SMEDDS for a drug, both in vitro and in vivo results should be studied. Studies involving evaluation of bioavailability of various drugs confirms the potential of this formulation. With successful commercial products and an expanding interest in clinical applications, SMEDDS are showing the way forward to future oral drug delivery.

Smart Drug Design: AI in Transcriptional Modulation and Clinical Innovation

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0530

Transcriptional regulation is a critical mechanism controlling gene expression and plays a major role in cancer, genetic disorders, and complex diseases. However, developing drugs that precisely target transcriptional processes remains challenging due to the structural complexity of transcription factors and risks of off-target effects. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have transformed drug discovery by enabling better modelling of genomic and regulatory landscapes. This review highlights AI-driven approaches in transcription modulator discovery, including in silico target identification, multi-omics integration, and structure–activity optimization. It also discusses deep learning and transformer-based genomic models for identifying disease-specific regulators and DNA elements. Furthermore, the review examines progress in developing small-molecule, epigenetic, and RNA-targeting drugs. Finally, it emphasises the importance of explainable AI and personalised therapeutics in advancing precision medicine and next-generation transcription-based drug discovery.

G Protein Coupled Receptors in Drug Development: Unveiling the Role of the Orphan GPCRs

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0530

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent the largest superfamily of cell emphasizing that they represent an important area that could play a significant role in future pharmacological research and therapeutic discovery. Surface membrane receptor and are encoded by approximately 1000genes.Theyplayacrucial role in various physiological processes and are among the most common drug targets. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding and advancements in GPCR research, with a particular focus on orphan GPCRs. The document begins by introducing the structural and functional aspects of GPCRs, highlighting their diversity and the importance of recent breakthroughs in structural biology techniques, such as X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. It then delves into the historical development of the receptor concept and the discovery of GPCRs, tracing the evolution of our understanding of their signaling mechanisms. A significant portion of the study is dedicated to the exploration of orphan GPCRs, which are a subset of GPCRs that lack identified endogenous ligands. The document discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with these receptors, including their potential as novel drug targets, their involvement in diverse disease states, and the innovative approaches being employed to deorphanize and characterize them. The study also examines emerging trends in GPCR research, such as the utilization of allosteric modulators, biased signaling, and the integration of computational methods like machine learning. These advancements hold promise for enhancing our understanding of GPCR function and facilitating the development of more selective and effective therapeutic agents. Overall, this comprehensive review highlights the pivotal role of GPCRs in drug development and the significant potential of orphan GPCRs as a frontier for future pharmacological research and therapeutic discoveries.

Development and Validation of a Stability-Indicating RPHPLC Method for the Quantitative Determination of Tegoprazan in Bulk Drug and Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0530

Objective: The current study objective was to develop and validate a simple, rapid, and stability-indicating RP-HPLC method for the quantitative determination of tegoprazan in bulk drug and pharmaceutical formulations.
Materials & Methods: The chromatographic separation was achieved on Waters XBridge C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) using acetonitrile and 0.02 M potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer (60:40, v/v) adjusted to pH 5.2 at 1.0 mL/min as mobile phase. Detection was carried out at 303 nm with a total run time of 6 min. In the optimized conditions, tegoprazan display sharp and symmetrical peak at a retention time of approximately 2.5 min.
Results: The developed method produces excellent linearity over 10–60 μg/mL with a regression coefficient (R²) of 0.9994. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were noticed to be 0.03 μg/mL and 0.10 μg/mL, respectively indicates high sensitivity of the method. Precision studies produce %RSD values of <2%, proves good repeatability and intermediate precision. Accuracy assessed by recovery studies at 50%, 100%, and 150% levels yields recoveries between 98.30% and 101.11%. Robustness evaluation demonstrates minimal variation (<2%) upon small deliberate changes in chromatographic parameters. The forced degradation studies reveal that tegoprazan was most susceptible to acidic conditions and display good stability under oxidative, thermal, and photolytic stress. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of a commercial formulation with an assay value of 99.52%.
Conclusion: The developed method was simple, accurate, precise, and stability-indicating and suitable for routine quality control as well as stability analysis of tegoprazan in bulk drug and pharmaceutical dosage forms.

Development, Validation, and Forced Degradation Evaluation of a Green Stability-indicating RP-HPLC method for Upadacitinib in Bulk and Tablet Dosage Forms

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0530

Objective: The current study was to develop a simple, rapid, and reliable RP-HPLC method was proposed for the quantification of Upadacitinib in bulk drug and pharmaceutical dosage forms.
Materials & Methods: Separation was achieved on C18 column using ethanol and 10 mM ammonium acetate in 60:40 (v/v) at isocratic flow rate of 0.5 mL/min over 6 min runtime. The method produces sharp and well-resolved peak with 2.8 min retention time. It displays excellent specificity, with no interference from excipients.
Results: System suitability results were within acceptable limits, with tailing factor of 1.03 and 5813 theoretical plates indicates good column efficiency. The method demonstrates high sensitivity, with LOD and LOQ values of 0.025 μg/mL and 0.082 μg/mL, respectively. A strong linear response was noticed over 30-105 μg/mL (r² = 0.9999). Precision was proved with %RSD values of 0.49 (intra-day) and 0.60 (inter-day), while accuracy was observed in the range of 99.38 % to 100.47%. The method remains stable under small deliberate variations proves its robustness and ruggedness. The forced degradation studies show highest degradation under peroxide (8.76%), and acidic (4.75%), while drug remains stable under basic (3.81%) conditions, thermal (5.07%) and photolytic (2.12%) stress. No interference from degradation products was observed proves its stability-indicating capability. The assay was noticed to be 99.12 % and demonstrates suitability for routine quality and stability assessment of Upadacitinib. The sustainability of the method was evaluated with the use of
the AGREE (0.82), and GAPI (4.8E+02), displayed in the center corresponds to the E-factor of 475, meaning that approximately 475 g of waste is generated per gram of analyte analyzed.
Conclusion: Overall, the results demonstrate the ability of the method to maintain a good balance between analysis reliability, environmental effects, and operational convenience.

Analytical Method Development and Validation Of Docusate Sodium to Determine Residual Solvent by Headspace Gas Chromatography

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0530

Introduction: The development of reliable analytical methods plays a crucial role in pharmaceutical quality control to ensure the safety, efficacy, and regulatory compliance of drug substances and products. Residual solvents are volatile organic impurities that may remain in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) after manufacturing processes such as synthesis, purification, and crystallization. Since these solvents do not provide any therapeutic benefit and may pose toxicological risks when present above permissible limits, their determination is essential in pharmaceutical analysis. The International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) Q3C(R8) guideline classifies residual solvents based on their toxicity and establishes acceptable exposure limits. Material and Methods: The present study was aimed at the development and validation of a rapid, sensitive, selective, and reliable Headspace Gas Chromatography coupled with Flame Ionization Detection (HS-GC-FID) method for the determination of residual solvents in Docusate Sodium API. The developed analytical method was validated in accordance with ICH Q2(R2) guidelines with respect to specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, robustness, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ), and solution stability. Result and Discussions: The validation results demonstrated that the method exhibited excellent specificity and good linearity with correlation coefficients greater than 0.99 for all selected residual solvents. Accuracy studies showed satisfactory recoveries within acceptable limits, while precision studies indicated %RSD values below 2.5%, confirming the reproducibility of the method. Conclusion: The present study successfully developed and validated a reliable HS-GC-FID method for the determination of residual solvents in Docusate Sodium API.

Quality by Design Approach for Development and Validation of Analytical Method for Estimation of Furosemide in Bulk and Formulation

Ankita Gulhane, Dipti Ruikar, Abhijeet Welankiwar, Shreya Sarode, Siddhi Vyas — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0530

Background: A common loop diuretic used to manage edema, CHF, and hypertension is furosemide. The majority of described HPLCtechniques for its estimation are linked to longer run times and higher solvent consumption, and they lack a systematic Quality byDesign (QbD) approach. Objectives: Using a QbD methodology, the current work sought to design and validate a reliable, quick, and economical HPLC techniquefor furosemide quantification in pharmaceutical formulations and bulk. Materials and Methods: A central composite design was used to improve crucial procedure parameters like flow rate and mobile phasecomposition. Chromatographic separation was carried out using a column C18 with acetonitrile and 0.1% OPA (70:30 v/v) as the mobilephase at a flow rate 0.8 mL/min and detection at 277 nm. In compliance with ICH Q2(R1) standards, the developed method was verifiedfor linearity, accuracy, precision, robustness, ruggedness, LOD, and LOQ. Results: With a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9994, the method show outstanding linearity over the range of 5–30 ppm. Precision studiesindicated %RSD values below 2%, while accuracy studies showed recovery between 98–102%. It was discovered that the approachwas strong and resilient, with little change under various circumstances instruments. The results showed that the LOD and LOQ were0.65 μg/mL and 1.97 μg/mL, respectively. Summary: The new QbD-based RP-HPLC method is simple, precise, and appropriate for routine quantitative analysis of furosemide inbulk and medicinal dose forms.

Development And Characterization of Floating Sustained- Release Tablets of an Anti-Diabetic Drug

Abhijeet Welankiwar, Vaishnavi Sitre, Dipti Ruikar, Dipti Bonde — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0530

The present work focuses on Prototype Formulation with regards to development and evaluation of a sustained release floating tablet of glibenclamide for improved management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Glibenclamide is known for its poor solubility, short half-life, and narrow therapeutic index, which often cause fluctuations in blood drug levels when taken in standard forms. To overcome these issues, Developed The gastroretentive floating system using hydrophilic polymers (HPMC K4M and K15M) along with effervescent agents like sodium bicarbonate and citric acid. The tablets were made by direct compression and tested for key properties such as hardness, friability, weight consistency, swelling behavior, floating lag time, and total floating duration. Dissolution studies were performed in 0.1N HCl using USP II apparatus. A 3² factorial design was applied to optimize polymer and gas-generating agent concentrations. The best formulation showed quick buoyancy with minimal lag, remained afloat for up to 15 hours, and released about 78–85% of the drug over 8 hours. The release pattern followed a non-Fickian diffusion mechanism, involving both drug diffusion and polymer erosion. Risk assessment using FMEA emphasized the need for a precise balance between polymer and effervescent agent levels to achieve the desired floating and release characteristics. Overall, the developed floating tablet improved gastric retention, ensured sustained release, and enhanced the therapeutic effect of glibenclamide, offering a promising strategy for better glycemic control in type 2 diabetes.

Fabrication Of Self Aggregatted Ropinirole Hcl Loaded Nanoparticle Using N-Acyl Chitosan Derivatives

Prasad Deshmukh, Dipti Ruikar, Bhushan Bhoyar, Dipti Bonde — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 18:11:15 +0530

Self-aggregated drug delivery systems are developed through hydrophobic modification of polymers to impart amphiphilic characteristics, which promote self-assembly into nanosized carriers suitable for efficient drug delivery. N-Acyl derivative include N-Butyryl Chitosan, N-Octanoyl Chitosan, N-Lauroyl Chitosan and N-Palmitoyl Chitosan were synthesized and confirmed by FTIR and XRD. And Evaluated for Self-aggregation property and critical micellar concentration of chemically engineered chitosans and nonsubstituted chitosan was determined by pyrene fluorescence spectroscopy. Critical aggregation concentration was about 0.01 mg/ml for acylated chitosan against 1 mg/ml of chitosan. Ropinirole loaded nanoparticles of acylated chitosans and chitosan were prepared by self-assemble ultrasonication method using probe sonicator in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (pH 7.4). Mean ropinirole loading was higher for acylated chitosans as compared to non-substituted chitosans. The particle size of ropinirole-loaded acylated chitosan nanoparticles increased with acyl chain length due to enlargement of the hydrophobic core. Acylation reduced the positive zeta potential by decreasing free amino groups, while the low PDI (<0.5) indicated a fairly monodisperse size distribution. More sustained release of the drug from the bulkier acyl substituted chitosan was observed as compared to chitosan.

Development of Quality Control Parameters and Deciphering Phytochemical Profile of the Mesua ferrea Linn Stamens

Amit Kumar, Sheikh Rezzak Ali, Hans Raj Bhat, Surajit Kumar Ghosh, Anshul Shakya — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0530

Introduction: ‘Nagakesara’ aka ‘Cobra’s saffron’ is recommended in many ayurvedic remedies, consisting of dried stamens of Mesua ferrea Linn (Fam. Calophyllaceae). Thus, we aimed to develop a comprehensive quality control toolkit for M. ferrea stamen to ensure its identity, purity, consistency and mitigate adulteration. Materials and Methods: Collection, authentication, and pulverization of the stamens of M. ferrea was done for the determination of the physiochemical, qualitative and quantitative phytochemicals, HPLC and LC-MS fingerprint, as well as secondary-metabolites in the stamen extract in view of World Health Organization (WHO) and Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia. Results: Collected stamens of M. ferrea were authenticated by the Botanical Survey of India. Determined physicochemical attributes of the authenticated powdered stamens were found within the permissible limits. Yield of the hydroalcoholic extract of the stamens was found to 18.26 % w/w and was found enriched in secondary metabolites viz., alkaloids, glycosides, coumarin, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, carbohydrates, phytosterols and amino acids. Quantified total phenolic, flavonoid and carbohydrate content were found to be 284.24 ± 8.18 μg equivalent of gallic acid/ mg, 242.52 ± 8.36 μg equivalent of quercetin/ mg and 92.34 ± 2.58 μg equivalent of glucose/ mg of extract, respectively, Further, HPTLC and LC-MS fingerprint profile of the extract were developed. Twenty phytochemicals were identified by the generated LC-MS data. Discussion: Established physicochemical, qualitative and quantitative phytochemical, chromatographic fingerprints and identified phytochemical profile of the M. ferrea stamens would serve as definitive tools for quality control and assurance measures by the regulatory authorities.

Evaluation of Perception of Phase 1 and Phase 2 MBBS Students Regarding Aetcom Module Based Learning in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital: A Questionnaire Based, Cross-sectional Study

Poonam Kalsi, Kanika Khajuria, Meenakshi Sharma, Vineeta Sawhney — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0530

Background: The National Medical Commission introduced Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) in India, incorporating the Attitude, Ethics and Communication (AETCOM) module to enhance communication skills, ethical competence, and professional behavior among medical undergraduates. Evaluating students’ perception of this module is crucial for assessing its effectiveness. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among Phase 1 (batch 2024–25) and Phase 2 (batch 2025–26) MBBS students at GMC Kathua after Institutional Ethics Committee approval. A pre validated questionnaire comprising 10 items assessing perceptions of AETCOM was administered via Google Forms. A total of 200 responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Most students did not perceive the module as an academic burden and found it beneficial (p=0.01). Case scenarios and role plays were the most preferred learning methods. Awareness of bioethics principles (93.1% vs 49.5%) and institutional ethics committees (80.4% vs 52.2%) was significantly greater among Phase 2 students (p<0.0001). The majority of students in both groups agreed that AETCOM improved communication skills, doctor–patient relationships and clinical decision-making. Summative assessment was preferred over formative assessment. Conclusion: Students demonstrated a positive perception of the AETCOM module with greater awareness among Phase 2 students. Early and enhanced exposure to bioethics and ethics committees is needed for Phase 1 students. Student-centered teaching approaches are needed to strengthen competency development.

To Study Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Towards Major Depressive Disorder Among Medical Students

Tushar Gupta, Puneet Kaur, Harsh Palta, Neetu Sharma, Jasbir Singh — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 18:41:02 +0530

BACKGROUND: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is among the most burdensome illnesses worldwide, leading to substantial impairment in one’s quality of life. In India, depression is prevalent among medical students. This is attributed to factors ranging from academic pressures and personal challenges to societal expectations. There is a paucity of studies on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to MDD among these students, especially from North India.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 eligible medical students over a period of two months. Following informed consent, a self-structured validated questionnaire, consisting of 20 questions [divided into knowledge (6), attitudes (6), and practices (7) domains; and an open-ended question], was administered to enrolled students. The responses were collected and the data were analyzed primarily using descriptive statistics. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Of the 400 students, 229 (57.25%) were male. The knowledge scores of participants ranged from 0 to 6, with a mean score of 3.92 ± 1.37. In the attitude section, most participants believed that individuals suffering from major depressive disorder should seek professional help (88.5%, n=354) as a helpful strategy to manage it. Regarding ‘practice’, the majority of students (68%, n=272) actively check in with their peers about their mental well-being.

CONCLUSION: The students demonstrated moderate knowledge, a positive attitude and limited practices to manage major depressive disorder. Therefore, targeted mental health education and awareness programs should be promoted to improve their understanding and encourage supportive mental health practices.

Central Corneal Thickness (CCT) in Patients of Type2 Diabetes Mellitus and its Correlation with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG)

Sajad Mohi Ud Din, Aamina Shah, Shazia Qayum, Suresh Kotwal — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0530

Background: Various studies have demonstrated the association of thin (CCT) with existing progression of existing glaucoma. Theexplanation for why CCT is a risk factor for glaucoma is not known. The simple explanation is that it is a surrogate for the known risk of IOP as the actual IOP is higher than the measured IOP in eyes with thin CCT. Diabetes mellitus affects corneal endothelium by alteringsodium potassium ATPase activity. Few studies were done by some researchers to analyse corneal morphological changes includingcorneal thickness in diabetic patients. Our study will add to this research. Objectives: To quantitatively analyze central corneal thickness in patients of type2 diabetes mellitus and its correlation with primaryopen angle (POAG) Material and Methods: This study was conducted on diabetic patients for a period of 9 months at department of ophthalmology District Hospital Pulwama & G.M.C Doda, J & K. 100 known diabetic patients aged between 50 to 80 years and 100 age matched nondiabeticcontrols were selected as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. Detailed history was noted in all the patients and they underwentophthalmic evaluation and Investigation Results: The study group consisted of 100 diabetic patients (48 males & 52 females) in the age group of 50 to 80 years with mean ageof 62.15 ± 6.48 years and 100 non diabetics (31 Males & 59 females) in the age group of 50 to 80 years with mean age of 63.15 ± 5.37. Among diabetics Mean CCT was 572.44 ± 10.65 μm in right eye and 572.11 ± 10.52 μm in left eye. Control group had mean CCT of 539.83± 10.85 in right eye and 538.83 ± 10.32 μm in left eye. POAG cases found were 7% in diabetic group and 3% in control group. Mean CCT among diabetics with POAG was 568.60 ± 5.648 μm as compared to 532.23 ± 5.848 μm in non-diabetics with POAG in Right eye& 565.09 ± 6.264 μm as compared to 536.12 ± 6.464 μm in left eye of non-diabetics with POAG. Mean CCT among non-glaucomatousdiabetic patients was 576.29 ± 11.047 μm as compared to 547.43 ± 11.247 μm in non-diabetics without POAG in Right eye & 579.14 ±10.80 μm as compared to 541.54 ± 10.600 μm of non-diabetics without POAG in left eye. Mean CD ratio of POAG & normal diabeticswas respectively 0.680 & 0.400 (p<0.05). Mean IOP in right eye among POAG, and non-glaucomatous patients was 27.00 ± 2.55 mmhgand 15.15 ± 2.61 mmhg respectively. Mean IOP in left eye among POAG, and non-glaucomatous patients was 27.20 ± 2.77 mmhg and15.52 ± 2.26 mmhg. Thus, our study found statistically significant thicker central corneal thickness in diabetics than in non-diabetics both in glaucomatousand non-glaucomatous subjects. Conclusion: Diabetics have thicker corneas than non-diabetics

Use of Liver Stiffness–Platelet Count–Spleen Size Score to predict the presence of Esophageal Varices and their grade in Patients of Liver Cirrhosis

Ashish Kumar, Mohit Mangla, Simmi Bhatagnar, Vikas Kamboj — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0530

Background: Portal hypertension is a major consequence of liver cirrhosis and leads to the development of esophageal varices, whichare associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) remains the gold standard for diagnosis;however, it is invasive, costly, and not universally accessible. Non-invasive predictors such as the liver stiffness–platelet count–spleensize score (LSPS) have emerged as promising alternatives for predicting esophageal varices. Objectives: To evaluate the correlation between LSPS and the grading of esophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis and to assessthe utility of LSPS as a non-invasive tool for risk stratification. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, Government Medical College and Rajindra Hospital, Patiala. One hundred adult patients with liver cirrhosis confirmed clinically, biochemically, radiologically, and bytransient elastography (FibroScan® liver stiffness measurement ≥12.5 kPa) were included. Liver stiffness measurement, spleen bipolardiameter, platelet count, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings were recorded. LSPS was calculated using the formula: liverstiffness (kPa) × spleen diameter (cm) / platelet count (×10⁹/L). Statistical analysis included chi-square test, t-test, and ANOVA. Results: The mean age of participants was 49.4 ± 13.4 years, with male predominance (68%). Alcohol-related cirrhosis was the mostcommon etiology (32%), followed by hepatitis C infection and metabolic associated steatohepatitis (20% each). Esophageal variceswere present in 52% of patients, including Grade 1 varices in 32%, Grade 2 in 12%, and Grade 3 in 8%. High-risk varices were identified in20% of patients. Mean LSPS among study participants was 1.72 ± 1.43. Patients with higher grades of esophageal varices demonstratedsignificantly elevated LSPS values. LSPS showed a positive correlation with variceal grade and effectively identified patients with highriskvarices. Conclusion: LSPS is a simple, reliable, and non-invasive predictor of esophageal varices and correlates positively with variceal severityin cirrhotic patients. It may serve as a useful screening and risk stratification tool, especially in resource-limited settings, potentiallyreducing unnecessary endoscopic procedures.