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Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that requires long-term pharmacologic therapy and lifestyle modification to maintain glycemic control and prevent complications. In addition to conventional treatments, many patients use herbal supplements such as cinnamon, fenugreek, Gymnema sylvestre, and bitter melon to help manage blood glucose levels. However, the level of knowledge and perception regarding these therapies among first professional-year pharmacy students remains unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate their knowledge and opinions regarding the use of selected herbal products in diabetes management. Method: A survey-based study was conducted among pharmacy students, and responses were analyzed using statistical software (R version 4.5.2). Demographic characteristics were summarized using descriptive statistics. Knowledge-based responses were evaluated through a composite knowledge score, and opinion-based responses were assessed using Likert scale responses that were collapsed into broader categories for analysis. Statistical tests including analysis of variance (ANOVA), independent t-tests, and Spearman correlation were performed to identify potential relationships between knowledge scores, opinion scores, and demographic variables. Results: Forty students participated in the survey. Most participants were female (75%) and between 18–30 years of age. Over half reported pharmacy-related work experience, and most had earned at least a bachelor’s degree prior to entering pharmacy school. The overall mean knowledge score was 3.43 ± 3.01, indicating a low level of knowledge among participants. A statistically significant inverse correlation was observed between knowledge scores and opinion scores (Spearman ? = ?0.42, p = 0.010). These findings suggest that individuals with higher knowledge scores tended to express less favorable opinions regarding the use of herbal therapies for diabetes management. Conclusion: Pharmacy students demonstrated limited knowledge but generally favorable perceptions regarding herbal therapies in diabetes management. Enhanced education on complementary medicine may improve future pharmacist preparedness and patient counseling.

Background: Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant medication approved for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and carries a boxed warning for increased risk of suicidal ideation in pediatric patients. Because pharmacists play a key role in medication safety and patient counseling, early understanding of medication risks is essential during pharmacy education. The objective of this study was to assess pharmacy students’ knowledge and perceptions regarding atomoxetine-associated risks and boxed warnings and to evaluate whether demographic characteristics were associated with differences in knowledge or opinion responses. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to first-year pharmacy students enrolled in a Drug Informatics course at a college of pharmacy. The survey included demographic questions, four opinion-based questions, and five knowledge-based questions related to atomoxetine safety. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize responses as frequencies and percentages. Chi-square analyses were performed to assess associations between demographic characteristics and survey responses, with significance defined as p 0.05). Conclusion: Pharmacy students demonstrated baseline awareness of major atomoxetine risks but showed knowledge gaps in more nuanced safety considerations. These findings suggest continued reinforcement of medication safety education may improve pharmacy students’ preparedness for clinical practice.

This review article examines the potential of plant-derived remedies against protozoans, nematodes, and cestodes. Natural products from plants demonstrate the capability to eliminate parasites and decrease the morbidity and mortality rates of their hosts. These parasites pose a significant threat to the health of both humans and animals, in addition to causing substantial economic losses. To combat these harmful parasites, Garlic (Allium sativum) is known to contain sulfur-containing compounds such as allicin, while flavonoid glycosides found in C. viscose, aloe-emodin from Aloe vera, and azadirachtin from Neem Azedarach indica are commonly utilized in traditional medicine. Toddalia asiatica is rich in coumarins and alkaloids that exhibit potent anti-parasitic properties, and Curcumin, a major polyphenolic active ingredient derived from the rhizome of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), showcases a broad spectrum of pharmacological effects, including anti-parasitic activity. In addition to the aforementioned components, plant latex, gums, and various other natural products have also demonstrated antiparasitic effects. This plant-based approach is extensively employed in the management of intestinal parasites and cellular protozoans.

Background: Anxiety and stress-related disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions worldwide, significantly impacting quality of life and healthcare utilization. While conventional pharmacologic therapies such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines remain standard treatments, increasing interest has emerged in the use of herbal remedies as complementary or alternative approaches. However, variability in evidence, safety concerns, and limited patient and provider knowledge highlight the need for further evaluation. This study aimed to review commonly used herbs in the management of stress-related disorders, assess knowledge and perceptions of herbal remedies for stress and anxiety, and evaluate the influence of demographic factors on these perspectives. Methods: A literature review was conducted to evaluate the current evidence of herbs in this regard and summarized. For the survey, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 40 participants from diverse educational and professional backgrounds. The survey included demographic questions, opinion-based items, and knowledge-based questions related to commonly used herbal therapies such as chamomile, valerian, lavender, and ashwagandha. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize responses, and chi-square analyses were performed to evaluate associations between demographic variables and participant responses, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The literature review revealed overwhelming overall evidence in the efficacy of the herbs reviewed. In the survey, participants demonstrated generally favorable attitudes toward herbal remedies, with a majority agreeing on their potential benefits in managing stress and anxiety. Knowledge levels were relatively high, with an overall correct response rate of 80.6%; however, notable gaps were identified in understanding the role of ashwagandha in stress adaptation and the importance of dosing consistency. A statistically significant association was observed between age and openness toward herbal remedies (p = 0.007), with younger participants showing greater acceptance. No significant associations were found for gender, education level, or work type. Conclusion: Although there are evidence in the efficacy of herbal remedies and baseline knowledge is generally strong, important knowledge gaps remain. These findings underscore the need for enhanced education on the safe and evidence-based use of herbal therapies. Pharmacists and other healthcare professionals play a critical role in patient counseling, identifying potential herb–drug interactions, and promoting informed decision-making.

Background: Dementia and cognitive dysregulation are significantly prevalent in patients with hypertension, identified as a major modifiable risk factor. Angiotensin receptor blocker (ARBs) is one of the first line agents for managing hypertension and heart failure, this study focuses on one of the agents such as Valsartan, explored for its potential neuroprotective effect. However, their use in cognitive impairment remains an off-label use and lacks robust clinical evidence. Objective: The objectives of this study are two folds. First, to review the literature on the effect of valsartan on cognitive impairment. Second, to evaluate first-year pharmacy (P1) students’ knowledge of valsartan and its non–FDA-approved use in cognitive impairment, and to assess their perceptions regarding its appropriateness, safety, and evidence base. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the Google Scholar, PubMed, Ovid, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases to identify peer-reviewed studies on the off-label use of ARBs in cognitive impairment, using relevant keywords and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms such as neuroprotective mechanism of ARBs, survey on students’ knowledge on off label use, generalizability of off label use findings. For the second objective, a cross-sectional, survey-based study was conducted among P1 pharmacy students at a single institution. A structured questionnaire utilizing a 4-point Likert scale assessed knowledge and opinions related to valsartan and cognitive impairment. Demographic data were collected, and descriptive statistics were calculated. Given the ordinal nature of the data, Mann–Whitney U tests were used to evaluate differences between groups, with statistical significance defined as p

Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) offer a promising alternative to conventional drug administration by providing controlled drug release, improved bioavailability, and enhanced patient compliance. The present study aimed to develop and evaluate matrix-type transdermal patches of metformin hydrochloride for sustained drug delivery in the management of diabetes mellitus. Transdermal patches were prepared using the solvent evaporation method with ethyl cellulose (EC) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K-30) in varying ratios, employing dibutyl phthalate as a plasticizer. Various permeation enhancers, including dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), Tween-80, eucalyptus oil, and olive oil, were incorporated at different concentrations. The prepared patches were evaluated for physicochemical properties such as thickness, weight variation, drug content, moisture content, flatness, and tensile strength. In vitro drug release studies were performed using USP dissolution apparatus, while ex vivo permeation studies were conducted using excised rat skin in a Franz diffusion cell. Stability studies were carried out as per ICH guidelines. The formulated patches exhibited satisfactory physicochemical characteristics with uniform drug distribution (96.23–98.89%). Among all formulations, F3 (EC: PVP 3:2) showed optimal mechanical properties and sustained drug release. The incorporation of permeation enhancers significantly improved drug release and permeation, with FT1 (2% Tween-80) showing maximum drug release (98.89%) and highest flux (32.89 µg/cm²/h). Drug release followed Higuchi and Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetics, indicating diffusion-controlled, non-Fickian transport. Stability studies confirmed that the optimized formulation remained stable under accelerated conditions. In conclusion, the developed transdermal matrix patch of metformin hydrochloride demonstrated sustained drug release, enhanced permeation, and improved stability, suggesting its potential as an effective alternative to conventional oral therapy for diabetes management.

Ayurveda is based on the basic concept of Tridosha, where the basic driving force, or Tantra Yantra Dhara, is the Vata Dosha, which is the root cause for all the dynamic and neurological functions occurring in the body. Whereas the basic texts of the Brihat Trayi essentially discuss the Five Major Life-Force Energies (Prana, Udana, Samana, Vyana, and Apana) known as the &#34;Pancha Maha Prana&#34;, the later texts, the Sharangdhara Samhita and Yogasutras, refer to the five accessory forces or &#34;Pancha Upa Pranas&#34; (Naga, Kurma, Krikara, Devadatta, and Dhananjaya), making up the &#34;Dasha Vidha Vata&#34; or the ten forms of Vata. This article tries to fill the gap between the physiological ideas of Ayurvedic thought and the advances that have been achieved in the field of Neurobiology. The &#34;Maha Pranas&#34; essentially regulate the process of &#34;homeostasis&#34; or respiratory, circulatory, digestive, and eliminative functions, and the &#34;Upa Pranas&#34; regulate the basic defensive reflexes like sneezing, yawning, and blinking and the integrity of the cell. This article, therefore, critically appraises the ten &#34;Vayus&#34; and tries to establish the linkage with the &#34;Autonomic Nervous System, Brainstem Reflexes, and the Enteric Functions&#34;.

This work presents a case study on the application of quality tools to improve product quality. One component was selected as object study because it presented higher percentage of nonconformities and was increasing over time. Before mass production, in pre-production, Statistical Process Control (SPC). It was performed, and it was concluded that the process was capable. No further SPC was done during production. After defective units were detected at increasing levels, it was apparent that process variability had increased and the process was no longer capable. The study ends with the development process improvement activities. In order to endure in an aggressive market, getting better quality and production of product or process is a must for any industry. SPC is an efficient controlling methodology for analysing, monitoring, managing, and recuperating process performance.The biggest benefits for implementing SPC in industries are enhanced Quality and Condensed Process Variation.

The fermented tea beverage known as kombucha has garnered increasing attention due to its abundance of bioactive components and potential health advantages. Many significant substances, including polyphenols, flavonoids, organic acids, vitamins, and microbial metabolites, are produced during fermentation by a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. To comprehend the chemical makeup, quality, and functional usefulness of kombucha, it is crucial to identify and quantify these substances. For this goal, a variety of analytical methods have been employed, such as UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). This review covers standard sample preparation and extraction methods as well as the main analytical approaches used to investigate bioactive chemicals in kombucha. Additionally, it emphasizes new developments and cutting-edge technology that could enhance further study in this area. To give a detailed picture of the state of kombucha today, essential conclusions from earlier research and significant analytical techniques are also compiled analysis.