Rohini Pujari

Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains one of the most challenging neurodegenerative disorders to treat due to its multifactorial pathology and limited efficacy of current therapies. Although recent advances have focused on amyloid‐targeting strategies, effective disease modification is hindered by poor brain penetration, unfavorable pharmacokinetics, and inability to address multiple pathological pathways simultaneously. Organometallic‐based drug delivery systems have emerged as promising multifunctional platforms that combine the unique properties of metal‐containing compounds with advanced nanocarrier technologies. This review highlights recent developments in organometallic therapeutics and delivery strategies for AD, focusing on pharmaceutical design, blood‐brain barrier transport, controlled drug release, and neurotherapeutic potential. Various delivery platforms, including nanoparticles, liposomes, dendrimers, polymer conjugates, and metal‐organic frameworks, are discussed in relation to their ability to enhance drug stability, biodistribution, targeting efficiency, and therapeutic efficacy. The therapeutic relevance of these systems is further examined through their capacity to modulate amyloid‐β aggregation, oxidative stress, metal dyshomeostasis, tau pathology, and neuroinflammation. Preclinical evidence suggests that organometallic‐based platforms offer advantages over conventional approaches by integrating targeted delivery with intrinsic therapeutic activity. Despite challenges related to safety, scalability, and regulatory translation, continued advances in material design and translational research may facilitate development of clinically viable disease‐modifying therapies for AD.

Objective: This study investigated the effects of glycosides-rich standardized fenugreek seed extract (SFSE-G) in a mouse model of “unilateral ureteral obstruction” (UUO)-induced renal fibrosis. Methods: UUO was performed in 32 female mice (C57BL/6 strain) and randomized into groups of eight mice each. A separate group of eight mice (sham control) underwent sham operation with no UUO surgery. Mice were orally administered vehicle (distilled water) or SFSE-G at doses of 30, 60, or 100 mg/kg twice daily for 13 days. Various biochemical, histological, and gene expression-related measurements were conducted on day 14 after euthanasia, and body weights were measured daily. Results: Subacute oral administration of SFSE-G showed dose-dependent significance (p<0.05, P<0.01) to reduce UUO-induced elevation of blood urea nitrogen levels and attenuated histopathological changes, including tubular injury and collagen deposition. Quantitative PCR revealed that SFSE-G downregulated oxidative stress-and fibrosis-related gene expression of markers such as “α-smooth muscle action”, “nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2”, and “heme oxygenase-1”. Although SFSE-G-treated mice showed a downward trend against UUO-induced increases in hydroxyproline content and gene expression of “transforming growth factor-β1” and tissue inhibitor of collagen type 1 and metalloproteinase-1, the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: SFSE-G exerts fibrosis preventive and renoprotective effects in UUO-induced renal fibrosis, probably by modulating oxidative stress and fibrotic pathways.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity, significantly impacting individuals' daily functioning and quality of life. This manuscript explores the intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and ADHD, emphasizing the role of the gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication pathway linking the central nervous system (CNS) and the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The composition of gut microbiota influences several physiological processes, including immune function, metabolism, and the production of neuroactive metabolites, which are critical for cognitive functions such as memory and decision-making. The review discusses alternative therapeutic options, including dietary modifications, synbiotics, and specific diets like the ketogenic diet, which may offer promising outcomes in managing ADHD symptoms. Further research is necessary to establish the efficacy and mechanisms of action of synbiotics and dietary interventions, despite preliminary studies suggesting their potential benefits. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the gut microbiome's impact on ADHD, highlighting the need for continued investigation into innovative treatment strategies that leverage the gut-brain connection.

The Cuscuta reflexa Roxb, belonging to the family Convolvulaceae is a perennial, leafless, golden-yellow parasitic herbaceous plant is one such promising herbal medicine useful in the treatment of infection, inflammation and cancer. It has been documented for anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, anti-asthmatic, antidiabetic, antidiarrheal, antiemetic, antiepileptic, antifungal, antiviral, antipyretic, antimutagenic activity, anti-steroidogenic activity, larvicidal activity. Inflammation is a biological response produced by the immune system initiated by various factors including pathogens such as bacteria, viruses or fungi infecting specific tissues. The etiological factors such as tissue injury, cell death, malignancy, ischemia and degeneration result in the inflammatory conditions. Chronic inflammation has been connected to carcinogenesis and metastatic processes, according to research. Compounds that can block or change inflammatory reactions offer a lot of promise for cancer management, prevention, and treatment. This review provides a detailed review of the literature on the pharmacological activities of Cuscuta reflexa with a special emphasis on anticancer, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anticancer activities of Cuscuta reflexa.