Natural products are well known for their high potency with minimum side effects. Plant extracts are the most commonly used natural products because of their ease of availability and relatively low production cost. Berberine (BBR), a phytochemical component of some Chinese medicinal herbs (most commonly Berberis vulgaris), is an isoquinoline alkaloid with several biological and pharmacological effects including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumour, antimicrobial, antidepressant, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic actions. Interestingly, multiple studies have shown that BBR is a potential drug candidate with a multi-spectrum therapeutic application. However, the oral delivery of BBR is challenged owing to its poor bioavailability. Therefore, its oral bioavailability needs to be enhanced before it can be used in many clinical applications. This review provides an overview of the various studies that support the broad range of pharmacological activities of BBR. Also, it includes a section to address the issues and challenges related to the drug and methods to improve the properties of BBR, such as solubility, stability and bioavailability that may be explored to help patients reap the maximum benefit from this potentially useful drug.

Understanding the appearance of anti-tubercular drug-related adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in patients receiving tuberculosis (TB) treatment is important, and may be related to morbidity and mortality if not recognized early. Here, we aimed to characterize the mechanisms underlying adverse drug reactions due to combination anti-tuberculosis therapy of the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP). This was a prospective observational study conducted in 9 DOTS centers of New Delhi, India. All enrolled TB patients receiving first-line tuberculosis treatment as per RNTCP guidelines were monitored for ADRs. All ADRs that appeared during the treatment were recorded and analyzed. The study included 1011 TB patients on anti-TB treatment under DOTS. According to Naranjo's probability scale, of a total 351 (34.72%) reported adverse events, 102 (10.09%) were definite, 59 (5.83%) probable, 123 (12.17%) possible, and 67 (6.63%) doubtful. On the Hartwig severity scale, of the 351 adverse drug events, 225 (22.26%) were mild, 105 (10.38%) were moderate, and 21 (2.08%) were severe. Out of 102 reported adverse drug reactions, 81 (79.41%) were moderate and 21 (20.59%), while 65.28% did not experience any ADRs. Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) is effective and safe compared to daily treatment regimens. Patients receiving DOTS therapy needed close monitoring for adverse events. Therefore, a pharmacovigilance program should be added at the National level to accesses the adverse event incidence.

Background: Pharmacovigilance is the science that plays an essential role in the reduction of ADRs which helps in predicting unwanted effects of drugs in community. Studying adverse drug reaction is an important arm of patient care. It aims at making the safe use of medicines for the treatment or prevention of disease. Objectives: To assess knowledge, Practice and attitudes toward pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reactions reporting process among Health Care Providers in Dammam, KSA. Methods: This was a cross-sectional and questionnaire-based study involving health care providers working in different hospitals. 160 questionnaires were distributed to the respondents (25 doctors, 65 nurses, 50 pharmacists and 25 other health care provides). Participants were selected randomly and those not willing to participate were excluded from the study. Chi-square test was used for the calculation of P-Value. Results: 135 participants responded to the questionnaire, while 160 participants were recruited for the study. The majority (n= 99, 73.33%, p=0.007) had no idea about national pharmacovigilance centers of KSA. The standard SFDA adverse drug reaction form was only known to 38.51 %, p=0.028 and only 38.51 %, p=0.002 were aware about electronic reporting of ADR. Only 34 %, p =0.002 of the respondents had ever reported an adverse drug reactions, 76.29 %, p=0.041 have not attended any training on ADR reporting and 86.66%, p=0.045 participants have no idea about impact of ADR reporting. Conclusion: The knowledge and attitude to ADR reporting was inadequate, our study has shown that the actual practice of ADR reporting is unsatisfactory. This indicates that there is a need to create an awareness of the importance of ADR reporting through CME/training of ADR reporting among healthcare providers.

The novel human coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is the major pandemic throughout the globe and its occurrence is due to the presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV2). That began from Wuhan, Hubei province of China in late 2019 and afterward drastically spread worldwide. It effects around 213 countries and territories around the globe and have reported a total of 8,128,490 confirmed cases of COVID-19. As an unprecedented global pandemic it sweeps the planet and affects each and every human being either physically, mentally or economically. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are pyrexia, tiredness, and dry cough but in some cases it is asymptomatic. It can be diagnosed by a health care provider based on symptoms and confirmed through laboratory tests. Till date there is not even a single drug or vaccine that can be used for the effective treatment for this disease. The international community is to introduce a global synchronized strength to prevent the outbreak that needs a strong public health response, high level political commitment and sufficient funding. The aim of this review article is to summarise the recent state of awareness, epidemiology and social impact on surrounding due to outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.

Skin cancer (SC) poses a global threat to the healthcare system and is expected to increase significantly over the next two decades if not diagnosed at an early stage. Early diagnosis is crucial for successful treatment, as the disease becomes more challenging to cure as it progresses. However, identifying new drugs, achieving clinical success, and overcoming drug resistance remain significant challenges. To overcome these obstacles and provide effective treatment, it is crucial to understand the causes of skin cancer, how cells grow and divide, factors that affect cell growth, and how drug resistance occurs. In this review, we have explained various therapeutic approaches for SC treatment via ligands, targeted photosensitizers, natural and synthetic drugs for the treatment of SC, an epigenetic approach for management of melanoma, photodynamic therapy, and targeted therapy for BRAF-mutated melanoma. This article also provides a detailed summary of the various natural drugs that are effective in managing melanoma and reducing the occurrence of skin cancer at early stages and focuses on the current status and future prospects of various therapies available for the management of skin cancer.

• Socio-economic status is very important in patient receiving DOT therapy. • Income influences disease occurrence as well as adverse events. • Occupation increases the risk of diseases and results increase risk of adverse events. • Low income results mal nutrition and increased risk of drug intolerance or adverse events. • DOTS is an effective treatment strategy for MTB patients.