The oral route is the most common and practical means of drug administration, particularly from a patient’s perspective. However, the pharmacokinetic profile of oral drugs depends on the rate of drug absorption through the intestinal wall before entering the systemic circulation. However, the enteric epithelium represents one of the major limiting steps for drug absorption, due to the presence of efflux transporters on the intestinal membrane, mucous layer, enzymatic degradation, and the existence of tight junctions along the intestinal linings. These challenges are more noticeable for hydrophilic drugs, high molecular weight drugs, and drugs that are substrates of the efflux transporters. Another challenge faced by oral drug delivery is the presence of first-pass hepatic metabolism that can result in reduced drug bioavailability. Over the years, a wide range of compounds have been investigated for their permeation-enhancing effect in order to circumvent these challenges. There is also a growing interest in developing nanocarrier-based formulation strategies to enhance the drug absorption. Therefore, this review aims to provide an overview of the challenges faced by oral drug delivery and selected strategies to enhance the oral drug absorption, including the application of absorption enhancers and nanocarrier-based formulations based on in vitro, in vivo, and in situ studies.

Acne vulgaris is highly prevalent and burdensome, yet conventional topical therapies are limited by poor stratum corneum penetration, follicular obstructio

Background: Myrmecodia platytyrea, a member of Rubiaceae, has been traditionally used to treat inflammation-related diseases, including cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. However, its potential in managing neurodegenerative disorders remains unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of M. platytyrea tuber aqueous extract (MPAE). Methods: The cytotoxicity effect on astrocytes was assessed using the MTT assay. The effect of MPAE (0.025–0.5 mg/mL) on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) were evaluated in Fe2SO4-, H2O2-,and LPS-stimulated astrocyte cell lines. Results: MPAE was found to be non-cytotoxic to astrocytes, with no significant protective effect against Fe2SO4-, H2O2-, or LPS-induced stress. Instead, MPAE increased astrocyte cell death, as well as ROS and cytokine levels, in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: Although MPAE is non-cytotoxic to astrocytes, its potential to exacerbate neuroinflammation in vitro raises concerns about its use, particularly among ageing individuals who consume this plant to manage inflammatory conditions. These findings highlight the need for caution and emphasise the importance of further research to evaluate its safety and efficacy before advocating for its medicinal use, especially for neurodegenerative disease therapy. Keywords: Astrocytes, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, pro-oxidant, Myrmecodia platytyrea

The increasing popularity of natural plant-based treatments offers an alternative to conventional therapies for various cutaneous infections due to their potential efficacy and lower side effects. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of leaf extracts from five selected domesticated ornamental plants against pathogens implicated in acne vulgaris and dermatophytosis. The selected plant leaves were successively macerated with solvents of increasing polarity and the extracts were underwent qualitative phytochemical analysis. The antimicrobial activities were evaluated using the broth microdilution method. Extracts with high antimicrobial activity (MIC≤128µg/mL) were subsequently tested for cytotoxicity on BJ fibroblast cells, and the selectivity index (SI) was calculated. Extraction yields were highest in Bougainvilea glabra (72.04%) and lowest in Plumeria obtusa (21.6%). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, phenols, quinolones, saponins, and coumarins, with phenols found in all extracts. The aqueous extract of Alamanda cathartica (AC-Aq) and the methanol extract of Ixora coccinea (IC-Met) showed the most potent antibacterial activities against P. acnes and S. epidermidis, with MIC values of 128μg/mL and 64μg/mL, respectively. Antifungal activity was most pronounced in AC-Aq against T. mentagrophytes and T. rubrum, with MIC values of 32μg/mL. The six active extracts revealed varying degrees of toxicity, with the aqueous extract of P. obtusa (PO-Aq) exhibited the least cytotoxicity (CC50: 713.31±3.71 μg/mL), while IC-Aq was the most cytotoxic (CC50: 116.72±2.28 μg/mL). AC-Aq demonstrated the highest SI values, indicating effective antimicrobial activity at non-toxic concentrations.

Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition that affects millions worldwide, often leading to physical discomfort and psychological distress. Conventional treatments, typically in cream or gel form, can be sticky, unpleasant, and easily washed off, which reduces effectiveness and user compliance and potentially contributes to resistance issues. In recent years, natural plant extracts have gained popularity as alternative therapeutic agents due to their safety profile and multiple bioactive properties. This study focuses on developing an anti-acne patch, GoldClear®, infused with Allamanda cathartica (golden trumpet) leaf extract. The GoldClear® extract demonstrated rich phytochemical constituents, high efficacy, low cytotoxicity, and a favourable selectivity index, ensuring safe application on the skin. Incorporating this extract into a patch allows targeted delivery, enhancing its therapeutic action and minimizing systemic exposure. The in vitro study revealed that the GoldClear® patch exhibits potent bactericidal activity against Propionibacterium acnes, a key pathogen implicated in acne development, showing effectiveness comparable to tea tree oil gel. These findings highlight the potential of GoldClear® as a natural and effective solution for acne management, offering an innovative, patient-friendly approach that leverages botanical extracts with modern drug delivery systems.