Mitragyna is a genus belonging to the Rubiaceae family and is a plant endemic to Asia and Africa. Traditionally, the plants of this genus were used by local people to treat some diseases from generation to generation. Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) Havil. is a controversial plant from this genus, known under the trading name “kratom”, and contains more than 40 different types of alkaloids. Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine have agonist morphine-like effects on opioid receptors. Globally, Mitragyna plants have high economic value. However, regulations regarding the circulation and use of these commodities vary in several countries around the world. This review article aims to comprehensively examine Mitragyna plants (mainly M. speciosa) as potential pharmacological agents by looking at various aspects of the plants. A literature search was performed and information collected using electronic databases including Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, directory open access journal (DOAJ), and Google Scholar in early 2020 to mid-2021. This narrative review highlights some aspects of this genus, including historical background and botanical origins, habitat, cultivation, its use in traditional medicine, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicity, abuse and addiction, legal issues, and the potential of Mitragyna species as pharmaceutical products.

Despite rapid progress in tissue engineering, the repair and regeneration of bone defects remains challenging, especially for non-homogenous and complicated defects. We have developed and characterized biodegradable drug-eluting scaffolds for bone regeneration utilizing direct powder extrusion-based three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques. The PLGA scaffolds were fabricated using poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) with inherent viscosities of 0.2 dl/g and 0.4 dl/g and ketoprofen. The effect of parameters such as the infill, geometry, and wall thickness of the drug carrier on the release kinetics of ketoprofen was studied. The release studies revealed that infill density significantly impacts the release performance, where 10% infill showed faster and almost complete release of the drug, whereas 50% infill demonstrated a sustained release. The Korsmeyer–Peppas model showed the best fit for release data irrespective of the PLGA molecular weight and infill density. It was demonstrated that printing parameters such as infill density, scaffold wall thickness, and geometry played an important role in controlling the release and, therefore, in designing customized drug-eluting scaffolds for bone regeneration.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has emerged as a groundbreaking treatment for hematological cancers, yet it faces significant hurdles, particularly regarding its efficacy in solid tumors and concerning associated adverse effects. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the advancements and ongoing challenges in CAR-T therapy. We highlight the transformative potential of nanotechnology in enhancing CAR-T therapy by improving targeting precision, modulating the immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment, and overcoming physical barriers. Nanotechnology facilitates efficient CAR gene delivery into T cells, boosting transfection efficiency and potentially reducing therapy costs. Moreover, nanotechnology offers innovative solutions to mitigate cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). Cutting-edge nanotechnology platforms for real-time monitoring of CAR-T cell activity and cytokine release are also discussed. By integrating these advancements, we aim to provide valuable insights and pave the way for the next generation of CAR-T cell therapies to overcome current limitations and enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Daunorubicin (DNR) and cardiolipin (CL) were co-delivered using thermosensitive liposomes (TSLs). 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), 1-myristoyl-2-stearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (MSPC), cholesterol, 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy(polyethylene glycol)-2000] or DSPE-mPEG (2000) and CL were used in the formulation of liposomes at a molar ratio of 57:40:30:3:20, respectively. CL forms raft-like microdomains that may relocate and change lipid organization of the outer and inner mitochondrial membranes. Such transbilayer lipid movement eventually leads to membrane permeabilization. TSLs were prepared by thin-film hydration (drug:lipid ratio 1:5) where DNR was encapsulated within the aqueous core of the liposomes and CL acted as a component of the lipid bilayer. The liposomes exhibited high drug encapsulation efficiency (>90%), small size (~115 nm), narrow size distribution (polydispersity index ~0.12), and a rapid release profile under the influence of mild hyperthermia. The liposomes also exhibited ~4-fold higher cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 cells compared to DNR or liposomes similar to DaunoXome^® (p < 0.001). This study provides a basis for developing a co-delivery system of DNR and CL encapsulated in liposomes for treatment of breast cancer.

Emulgel telah muncul sebagai sistem pengiriman obat yang baik untuk obat-obat yang bersifat hidrofobik. Emulgel juga baik digunakan dengan mengurangi kesan berminyak saat diaplikasikan pada kulit untuk tujuan penggunaan lokal. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menentukan formula optimum basis emulgel dengan formulasi gelling agent (Carbopol 940 0,5-2%, TEA 1-2,5%), fase minyak (parafin cair 5%), emulgator (Tween 60 5%, Span 60 5%), humektan (propilenglikol 10%), pengawet (Propil paraben 0,06%, metil paraben 0,03%). Viskositas, kemudahan sebar, homogenitas, tipe emulsi, pH, organoleptis digunakan sebagai parameter optimasi formula. Masing-masing parameter mempunyai contour plot sehingga dapat ditentukan formula yang merupakan formula optimum. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan formula emulgel mengandung gelling agent (Carbopol 940 1%, TEA 1,5%), fase minyak (parafin cair 5%), emulgator (Tween 60 5%, Span 60 5%), humektan (propilenglikol 10%), pengawet (Propil paraben 0,06%, metil paraben 0,03%) stabil berdasarkan hasil uji organoleptis, homogenitas, tipe emulsi, pH, viskositas, daya sebar, dan freeze thaw.