Purpose: A curcumin-docetaxel co-loaded nanosuspension with increased anti-breast cancer activity was developed. Curcumin is a potential anticancer agent with p-glycoprotein (p-gp) inhibiting activity may be co-administered with docetaxel as a nanosuspension to enhance its anticancer effect by increasing the oral bioavailability and decreasing drug efflux. Methods: Nanosuspensions of curcumin and docetaxel were prepared by precipitation-homozenisation technique and evaluated for particle size, polydispersity, zeta potential and drug release. The in vitro MTT assay was conducted using MCF-7 for anti-breast cancer activity. The in vivo biodistribution by radiolabeling and tumor inhibition study was conducted in mice. Results: Homogenous nanosuspensions of 80 ± 20 nm were obtained with increased solubility. The drugs as nanosuspensions showed higher cytotoxicity on MCF-7 cell line compared to their suspensions due to the increased in vitro cellular uptake. Due to this increased solubility, sensitization of tumor cells and inhibition of p-gp the in-vivo results showed greater tumor inhibition rate of up to 70% in MCF-7 treated mice. Histopathological results showed higher apoptotic activity and reduced level of angiogenesis. Conclusions: The in vitro and in vivo study of the nanosuspensions has shown that Co-administration of Curcumin as a p-gp inhibitor with docetaxel may have the potential to increase the anti-breast cancer efficacy of both drugs.

Mosquito-borne infections like dengue, malaria, chikungunya, etc. are a nuisance and can cause profound discomfort to people. Due to the objectional side effects and toxicity associated with synthetic pyrethroids,N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET),N,N-diethyl phenylacetamide (DEPA), andN,N-di ethyl benzamide (DEBA) based mosquito repellent products, we developed an essential oil (EO) based mosquito repellent cream (EO-MRC) using clove, citronella and lemongrass oil. Subsequently, a formulation characterization, bio-efficacy, and safety study of EO-MRC were carried out. Expression of Anti-OBP2A and TRPV1 proteins on mosquito head parts were studied by western blotting. In-silico screening was also conducted for the specific proteins. An FT-IR study confirmed the chemical compatibility of the EOs and excipients used in EO-MRC. The thermal behaviour of the best EOs and their mixture was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). GC–MS examination revealed various chemical components present in EOs. Efficacy of EO-MRC was correlated with 12%N,N-diethyl benzamide (DEBA) based marketed cream (DBMC). Complete protection time (CPT) of EO-MRC was determined as 228 min. Cytotoxicity study on L-132 cell line confirmed the non-toxic nature of EO-MRC upon inhalation. Acute dermal irritation study, acute dermal dose toxicity study, and acute eye irritation study revealed the non-toxic nature of EO-MRC. Non-target toxicity study onDanio rerioconfirmed EO-MRC as safer for aquatic non-target animals. A decrease in the concentration of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was observed in transfluthrin (TNSF) exposed Wistar rats. While EO-MRC did not alter the AChE concentrations in the exposed animals. Results from western blotting confirmed that Anti-OBP2A and TRPV1 proteins were inhibited in TNSF exposed mosquitoes. Mosquitoes exposed to EO-MRC showed a similar expression pattern for Anti-OBP2A and TRPV1 as the control group. In silico study revealed eight identified compounds of the EOs play significant roles in the overall repellency property of the developed product. The study emphasizes the mosquito repellent activity of EO-MRC, which could be an effective, eco-friendly, and safer alternative to the existing synthetic repellents for personal protection against mosquitoes during field conditions.

Eye irritation assessment is compulsory to anticipate health risks in military personnel exposed to riot control agents such as capsaicin, the principal constituent of oleoresin capsicum, or pepper sprays. The present work investigates certain fundamental yet unaddressed pharmacological manifestations on ocular exposure to capsaicin. Ocular pharmacology of capsaicin was studied using acute eye irritation (AEI), bovine corneal opacity and permeability (BCOP) assay, corneal fluorescein staining and indirect ophthalmoscopy studies, transcorneal permeation, Schirmer tear secretion test, nerve conduction velocity study and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Additionally, histopathology and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of bovine corneas and rat optic nerves were done to further estimate capsaicin induced morphological variations. Our findings demonstrated that AEI, BCOP, corneal fluorescein staining and indirect ophthalmoscopy were useful in assessing capsaicin induced ocular irritation; AEI and BCOP also contributed towards indicating the eye irritation potential of capsaicin as per the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals categorization. Additional experimental observations include considerable transcorneal permeation of capsaicin, capsaicin induced reduction in tear secretions and nerve conduction velocity and increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines by ELISA. Histopathology and SEM were favourable techniques for the detection of capsaicin induced ocular physiological modifications.