Herein, capsaicin nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by two different methods, namely, evaporative precipitation of nanosuspension (EPN) and anti-solvent precipitation with a syringe pump (APSP). The nanoparticles of the necessary sizes were obtained after optimizing experimental parameters such as the solvent-to-anti-solvent ratio and stirring speed. They had spherical shapes and an average diameter of 171.29 ± 1.94 and 78.91 ± 0.54 nm when prepared using the EPN and APSP methods, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry and an X-ray diffractometer showed that the capsaicin crystallinity decreased. FTIR results showed that the NPs were produced with their original configuration and did not result in the synthesis of any additional structures. The NP formulation had a desirable drug content. They surpassed the unprocessed drug in solubility and displayed the desired stability. Capsaicin NP cream showed many folds of enhanced analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects compared to unprocessed capsaicin.

Due to the many side effects associated with conventional medicine, people turned their attention towards natural drugs, which have fewer or no side effects. However, their uses are restricted due to lower solubility and bioavailability. Plant-based nanoparticles have been demonstrated as more effective alternatives, and nanoparticles are reported to increase the bioavailability and solubility of natural medicines to make their better use. The nanotechnology system is innovative to enhance the therapeutic effects and bioavailability of naturally occurring drugs. Therefore, silymarin nanoparticles were prepared using two different methods. Characterization analysis confirmed the reduction in particle size and conversion to amorphous states. The achieved nanoparticles have the required size, optimum zeta potential, and PDI. Results from solubility and bioavailability studies are very encouraging. The prepared nanoparticles were tested for hepatoprotection; they proved better than the unprocessed drug in terms of better effects on hepatic marker enzymes, serum total albumin and protein values, and hepatic histopathology. The prepared nano drug is recommended for clinical trials.

Resistance development by microbes to the currently available drugs has driven us to find new ways to tackle this problem. Therefore, scientists had to embark on the task to find phytochemicals that could be used for the said purpose. Plant based antimicrobials are incredibly effective at combating bacterial, fungal, protozoal, and viral diseases without causing harm to humans. Silybum marianum (L.), generally known as Milk Thistle, seeds and fruits contain silymarin which has many therapeutic applications, such as antioxidand, hepatoprotective, and antimicrobial actions. Silymarin is hydrophobic and very less water insoluble with a very low oral bioavailability hampering its therapeutic effectiveness. We attempted to enhance its solubility and oral bioavaiability by reducing particle size to nanometer using two methods EPN and APSP. Characterization studies proved the reduction in its particle size and conversion to amorphous state and the bioavailability studies showed improvent in its absorption. Antimicrobial studies showed enhanced zones of inhibition and a clear reduction in MIC, MBC values compared to silymarin in the unprocessed form. The radical scavenging activity of the nanoform also increased.

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide and the incidence increases with advancing age. Myocardial infarction (MI) is a kind of cardiovascular disease in which there is reduced or no supply of oxygenated blood to the heart muscle due to stoppage or blockage in the coronary artery. Major objective of this research was to find out the pharmacotherapeutic interventions and prescription patterns of patients suffering from myocardial infarction are in accordance with the standard guidelines by American Heart Association (AHA/ACC) for the treatment of MI. The study was carried out at cardiology ward Mardan Medical Complex, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 130 patients were selected to be included in the study, that were hospitalized and diagnosed with MI. Results: Results show that MI is more common in male patients (n=87, 66%), with mean age recorded as 51.7±5 years. Highest number of patients were in the age limit of 51-60 (36.25%). Various types of MI were observed during the study, with highest percentage of NSTEMI (31%) followed by IWMI (14%). Various medications were prescribed to the patients, among them enoxaparin (18%), aspirin (17%), streptokinase (12%), clopidogrel (9%) and glyceryl trinitrate (5%) were the top prescribed medications. The MI drugs that were frequently used in the treatment of MI includes anti-platelets, antithrombotic agents, beta blockers, nitroglycerin’s, ACE, and ARBs. Moreover, the most prescribed dosage form was solid dosage form i.e. tablet(s) followed by injectable. Conclusion: It was found that 80% of the prescriptions were following the guidelines of AHA/ACC for heart patients. More prospective, randomized studies are needed in Pakistan to uncover all problems associated with prescription of MI if AHA guidelines are not followed.