Anshita Gupta

Pain and inflammation are complex physiological processes involving multiple molecular interactions and cellular responses. Biomarkers such as cytokines, neuropeptides, oxidative stress markers, and genetic polymorphisms have become valuable tools for diagnosis, prognosis, and the development of personalized therapeutic approaches. This review highlights the diverse classes of biomarkers associated with nociceptive, neuropathic, and nocieplastic pain, while explaining their mechanistic roles in pain signaling and modulation. In addition, recent progress in biomarker-focused drug delivery systems is discussed, including transdermal patches, nanoparticles, and gene-based therapies. The integration of biomarker research with advanced delivery technologies offers significant potential to optimize pain management strategies and enhance patient outcomes.

The increasing global burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has stimulated renewed interest in plant-derived phytochemicals and polyherbal formulations as potential adjuncts to conventional antimicrobial therapy. This article presents a narrative review, supported by a structured literature search, that synthesizes mechanistic and translational evidence on plant-based strategies targeting resistant bacterial pathogens. Literature was identified through searches of major scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, with emphasis on studies published over the past two decades. Evidence is critically organised according to experimental level, distinguishing in vitro findings, in vivo observations, and available clinical data. Plant-derived compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolics, and saponins, exhibit diverse antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities. Reported mechanisms include membrane disruption, inhibition of quorum sensing and biofilm formation, interference with nucleic acid and protein synthesis, modulation of efflux pumps, and attenuation of resistance-associated pathways. While reproducible antibacterial activity is frequently observed under laboratory conditions, animal studies remain limited, and robust clinical trials are scarce. Polyherbal formulations derived from traditional medical systems propose multi-target synergistic effects; however, pharmacodynamic validation and dose standardization remain insufficient. Key translational challenges include variability in extract composition, incomplete pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characterization, limited bioavailability, potential toxicity, and clinically relevant herb–drug interactions. Many antimicrobial effects reported in vitro occur at concentrations that have not yet been demonstrated to be achievable or safe in humans. Emerging approaches such as nano-enabled delivery systems and omics-guided phytochemical characterisation may improve therapeutic precision but require rigorous validation. Overall, plant-derived products are best positioned as adjunctive resistance-modifying strategies rather than replacements for conventional antibiotics, pending standardised development and high-quality clinical evaluation.

Skin aging is a multifactorial biological process influenced by both intrinsic factors, such as genetics and hormonal changes, and extrinsic factors, including UV radiation, pollution, and lifestyle. These contribute to oxidative stress, leading to the degradation of structural proteins like collagen and elastin, resulting in wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and reduced skin elasticity. Conventional anti-aging skincare products often contain synthetic ingredients such as retinoids, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. However, concerns over adverse effects have driven interest toward natural, plant-based alternatives. Herbal and ayurvedic formulations, rich in bioactive compounds like polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, and essential oils, offer a promising and safer approach to skin rejuvenation. Phytochemicals such as curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, and betacarotene exhibit potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and collagen-boosting properties, making them suitable candidates for anti-aging interventions. Despite their potential, issues like low stability, poor solubility, and limited bioavailability restrict their efficacy in topical applications. Advances in nanotechnology, particularly the use of liposomes, transfersomes, and nanoemulsions, have significantly enhanced the delivery, stability, and skin penetration of these herbal actives, enabling sustained release and improved therapeutic outcomes. This review explores the underlying mechanisms of skin aging, the roles of collagen and elastin in maintaining dermal structure, and the therapeutic promise of herbal compounds in combating signs of aging. Additionally, it discusses challenges in formulation, regulatory considerations, and future perspectives in the development of natural, nanotechnology-enabled skincare products.