The development of new drugs that combine active ingredients for the treatment hypertension is critically essential owing to its offering advantages for both patients and manufacturers. In this study, for the first time, detailed development of a scalable process of film-coated bi-layer tablets containing sustained-release metoprolol succinate and immediate-release amlodipine besylate in a batch size of 10,000 tablets is reported. The processing parameters of the manufacturing process during dry mixing-, drying-, dry mixing- completion stages were systematically investigated, and the evaluation of the film-coated bi-layer tablet properties was well established. The optimal preparation conditions for metoprolol succinate layer were 6 min- dry mixing with a high-speed mixer (120 rpm and 1400 rpm), 30-min drying with a fluid bed dryer, and 5-min- mixing completion at 25 rpm. For the preparation of amlodipine besylate layer, the optimal dry-mixing time using a cube mixer (25 rpm) was found to be 5 min. The average weight of metoprolol succinate layers and bi-layer tablets were controlled at 240–260 mg and 384–416 mg, respectively. Shewhart R chart and $\overline{X}$ charts of all three sampling lots were satisfactory, confirming that the present scalable process was stable and successful. This study confirms that the manufacturing process is reproducible, robust; and it yields a consistent product that meets specifications.

Background: Pomelo is a key fruit crop in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, offering economic value not only from its pulp but also from its peel. Pomelo peel essential oil is rich in limonene, which exhibits antibacterial, antioxidant, and hair growth-stimulating properties. Objectives: This study investigates the factors influencing extraction efficiency, validates the analytical method for limonene quantification, and establishes quality standards for Pomelo peel essential oil using gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID). Methods: Pomelo peel essential oil was extracted using the hydrodistillation method. The extraction process was optimized by evaluating key factors, including the raw material-to-solvent ratio (X1), extraction time (X2), distillation rate (X3), material size (X4), and Pomelo variety (X5). The limonene quantification method was validated following ICH and AOAC guidelines, and the quality standards for Pomelo peel essential oil were established based on ISO 3053:2004. Results: This study identified the optimal extraction conditions as a raw material-to-solvent ratio of 1:4, an extraction time of 120 minutes, a distillation rate at level 5-high, ground material size, and the use of Citrus maxima, resulting in an extraction yield of 2.6%. Validation results confirmed that the GC-FID method met system suitability requirements, selectivity, high precision (RSD < 2%), and accuracy (95.0 - 105.0%). The established quality standards for Pomelo peel essential oil define it as a colorless, volatile liquid with a characteristic Pomelo aroma, a density of 0.854 ± 0.191, a refractive index of 1.475 ± 0.266, an optical rotation of 93.360, a residue after evaporation of 1.623 ± 0.163%, and a limonene content of 84.178 ± 0.916% for C. grandis and 97.960 ± 0.013 for C. maxima. Conclusions: This study optimized the extraction process and established quality standards for Pomelo peel essential oil from Vinh Long, providing a solid foundation for its broader application in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and related industries.

Context: Perilla frutescens and its dried extract have been employed in food and pharmaceutical manufacturing due to the plant's biological activities, which include antibacterial, anti-allergic, anticancer, antiviral, antioxidant, and antidepressant properties. Despite numerous studies on preparing dry extracts from various medicinal herbs, no research has been conducted to optimize spray-drying conditions specifically for P. frutescens. Aims: To optimize the spray-drying parameters using BCPharSoft software and evaluate the quality of P. frutescens dry extract. Methods: D-optimal design based on four independent variables carrier type (Glucidex, Glucidex: Arabic gum 9:1, Glucidex: Arabic gum 8:2), carrier mass (10, 15, and 20 g), inlet air temperature (160, and 180℃) and flow rate (12, and 14 rpm/min) was applied to investigate the cause-effect relations and optimized preparation process. The drying performance, moisture content, total phenol, and total flavonoid content were investigated as four dependent variables. Results: All independent variables had significant effects on the dependent variables. The optimal parameters of the preparation process included using carrier Glucidex: Arabic gum at a ratio of 9:1, carrier mass of 19 g, inlet air temperature of 161°C, and flow rate of 12 rpm/min. The drying performance, moisture content, total phenol, and flavonoid content of the optimized P. frutescens dry extract were found to be 10.42%, 4.80%, and 90.57 mg GA/g, and 53.55 mg QE/g, respectively. Conclusions: Dried P. frutescens extract has been efficiently produced using the spray-drying technique, establishing a foundation for future manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and functional foods derived from P. frutescens.

Background: Herbal-based sunscreens are gaining popularity due to their ability to protect against ultraviolet (UV) rays and offer additional benefits such as moisturizing and anti-aging effects derived from bioactive compounds. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate cause-effect relationships, optimize, and assess the quality of a herbal sunscreen formulated from Polypodium leucotomos, almond oil, Camellia sinensis, and Lycopersicum esculentum. Methods: A total of 19 sunscreen formulations were designed using BCPharSoft software and the D-optimal model. Independent variables included P. leucotomos leaves extract (X1), almond oil (X2), and a mixture of stearic acid and cetyl alcohol in a 1:1 ratio (X3). These variables were selected to enhance sun protection factor (SPF) and spreadability. Results: The optimized herbal sunscreen formulation consisted of 20% P. leucotomos leaves extract, 8% almond oil, and 5% stearic acid-cetyl alcohol mixture. The formulation achieved an SPF of 47.32 ± 0.66 and a spreadability of 28.17 ± 1.00 cm2, meeting established quality standards. Conclusions: This study contributes to advancements in natural cosmetics, meeting the growing demand for eco-friendly products and supporting the expansion of Vietnam's sunscreen market.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the color fastness and study the skin irritation of a natural hair dye cream from Henna leaves. Materials and method: Nineteen experimental (F1-F19) are conducted using the D-optimal model to evaluate the cause-effect relations and evaluate the color fastness of hair dye cream. Three independent variables were selected for the survey namely Henna extract concentration (X₁ includes 5%, 10%, 15%), pH of cream (X₂ includes 6, 7, 8), hydrogen peroxide concentration (X₃ includes 0%, 2%, 4%). Three dependent variables include color fastness after 1 washes (Y₁), 6 washes (Y₂) and 12 washes (Y₃). Test for skin irritation hair dye cream was applied for rabbits. Results: the optimal parameters of hair dye cream were identified, which included Henna extract concentration of 10%, pH of 6, hydrogen peroxide concentration of 4%. The fastness property of the dye was observed to be very good even after washing 12 times and the absence of sensitivity or reaction on the skin. Conclusion: The results showed that the product has the ability to dye hair and is safe for the skin.

Herbal shampoos are increasingly popular due to their potential to reduce hair loss, stimulate hair growth, and provide a safe, eco-friendly option. This study assessed the in-vivo effects of CTUMP’s Herb shampoo on promoting hair growth. The day before the experiment, the mice had their back hair shaved (1.5 × 2.5 cm) and were divided into three groups of ten. Groups 1, 2, and 3 received 0.9% NaCl, 5% Minoxidil, and CTUMP’s Herb shampoo, respectively. The shaved-off area on the mice’s back was treated with 0.5 mL of tested materials for 5 minutes, then rinsed and dried, repeatedly three times a week. Hair growth was observed and photographed on days 7, 14, 21, and 28. Hair growth was determined by measuring its length, weight, growth rate, and histological examination. The group treated with CTUMP’s Herb shampoo showed a significantly higher hair length, weight, and growth rate compared to the 0.9% NaCl group (p < 0.05). Although it had fewer anagen follicles than the 5% minoxidil group, it still showed 2.6 times more follicles than the NaCl group (p < 0.05). CTUMP’s Herb shampoo enhances hair condition, promoting faster and denser growth.