Jitu Halder

Introduction and Aim: The study aimed to explore the hepatoprotective potential of the methanolic extract of Caesalpinia pulcherrima L. (MECP) using the paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity model in HepGⁿ cells. Methods: The MECP was analysed by GC-MS to identify its major components. In silico studies were performed using pro-inflammatory markers, including IL-6 and TNF-α. Pre-treated HepG2 cells (6.25-100 μg/mL) were exposed to paracetamol (40 mM, 12 h) after 24 hours. LDH, oxidative markers (SOD, GPx, GSH, MDA) were quantified, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) were measured after MECP treatment. Cellular morphology was analysed by fluorescence microscopy to assess the effect of MECP on cell growth. Results: GC-MS spectra showed the presence of 167 compounds in the MECP extract. An insilico study identified thymol and catechol as potent molecules with promising binding to IL-6 and TNF-α, supporting the traditional claim that C. pulcherrima is an anti-inflammatory compound effective in liver disorders. Paracetamol exposure significantly elevated LDH release, MDA levels, and inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, while markedly reducing antioxidant defences, SOD, GPx, and GSH. Discussion: Pre-treatment with MECP showed restoration of the levels of these parameters toward normal in a dose-dependent manner. The 100 μg/mL MECP showed significant reductions in LDH, MDA, TNF-α, and IL-6. Microscopic characteristics confirmed cellular regeneration comparable to the control group. Thymol and catechol exhibited strong binding with IL-6 and TNF-α, suggesting their involvement in MECP’s hepatoprotective effect. Conclusion: These results support its traditional use in liver disorders and highlight its potential as a natural hepatoprotective agent.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive cancer treatment that uses photosensitizers (PSs), light, and oxygen to generate cytotoxic reactive oxygen species. Natural product‐derived PSs, including alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, curcuminoids, perylenequinones, phycocyanin, and anthraquinones, offer advantages such as biocompatibility and low toxicity but are limited by poor solubility, stability, and targeting. Nanotherapeutic systems such as organic, inorganic, and carbon‐based nanoparticles, nanogels, hydrogels, lipid carriers, and nanoemulsions address these limitations by enhancing stability, tumor accumulation, and controlled release. These platforms also enable multifunctional approaches, including imaging‐guided PDT, combination therapies, and stimuli‐responsive activation. This review highlights mechanisms, recent advances, and translational challenges of natural PS‐based nanotherapeutics across multiple cancers, emphasizing strategies to improve delivery, selectivity, and therapeutic outcomes for next‐generation PDT.

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a chronic ocular disorder associated with tear film instability and inflammation. This study aimed to develop a preservative‐free nanofiber (NF)‐based ophthalmic formulation of nepafenac (NP) using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to address the limitations of conventional eye drops. NP‐loaded PVA nanofibers were prepared and optimized using a one‐variable‐at‐a‐time (OVAT) approach. The optimal formulation was obtained with 7% PVA, an applied voltage of 16 kV, and a flow rate of 0.2 μL/s, producing uniform, bead‐free nanofibers with an average diameter of 180 ± 1.45 nm and entrapment efficiency of 85% ± 2.13%. FTIR, DSC, and XRD confirmed no major drug–polymer interactions and indicated amorphization of NP within the nanofiber matrix. In vitro studies showed a 4.39‐fold increase in solubility and sustained release of ~79.87% over 6 h. Ex vivo corneal permeation improved significantly (38.15% ± 2.48%) compared with pure NP (14.26% ± 3.05%). The formulation also reduced inflammatory markers (IL‐1, IL‐6, COX‐2, NO; p < 0.01). Sterility and stability testing confirmed microbial safety and integrity for 6 months. Overall, the nanofiber system enhanced solubility, permeation, and therapeutic potential of NP for DES, warranting further long‐term evaluation.