Zhalgaskali Arystanov

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the regulatory framework and administrative procedures affecting the availability of opioid analgesics for palliative care patients in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Based on an examination of national legislation, subordinate regulations, and their implementation in medical and pharmaceutical organizations, the study identifies key regulatory barriers: mandatory use of paper prescription forms of strict accountability, a limited network of pharmacies licensed to dispense controlled medicines, duplication of procedures for authorizing medical personnel, and burdensome interagency paper-based correspondence. Special attention is paid to inconsistencies between existing legal provisions and their practical implementation. These inconsistencies lead to delays in providing patients with adequate pain relief and reduce the effectiveness of palliative care. The article proposes directions for improving the regulatory framework and administrative procedures in the context of ongoing digitalization of the healthcare system.

BACKGROUND The growing shortage of drugs, an increase in the number of logistical failures and counterfeit products, as well as stricter requirements for the traceability and quality of medicines reinforce the need to transform pharmaceutical supply chains. Digital technologies are playing an increasingly important role in increasing the transparency, security, and efficiency of pharmaceutical supply chains. In recent years, there has been an increase in scientific research on the use of technologies such as blockchain, the Internet of Things, and data analysis methods in pharmaceutical logistics management. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to analyze scientific publications on digital innovations in pharmaceutical supply chains, as well as to identify the main directions and trends in the development of this field. METHODS This study employed a combined scoping review and bibliometric analysis to examine the development of digital technologies in pharmaceutical supply chains. The methodology was guided by the PRISMA 2020 framework for systematic reporting. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in international databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. Relevant publications were identified using predefined search terms related to pharmaceutical supply chains, digital technologies, blockchain, and artificial intelligence. Studies not related to supply chains, lacking a digital component, or not meeting quality criteria were excluded. Bibliometric analysis was performed to identify key research trends, publication dynamics, and thematic clusters. Keyword co-occurrence analysis and visualization were conducted using VOSviewer software to map the intellectual structure of the field. The results were analyzed descriptively and interpreted to identify major research directions and gaps in the literature. RESULTS The results of the study showed that the key areas of research are the use of blockchain technologies, the Internet of Things and smart contracts to ensure the traceability of drugs and increase the sustainability of pharmaceutical supply chains. The analysis of keywords revealed several thematic clusters reflecting the main directions of scientific research. The results obtained allow for a better understanding of the structure and development trends of scientific research in the field of digitalization of pharmaceutical logistics and can serve as a basis for further research and development of strategies for the digital transformation of pharmaceutical supply chains. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study demonstrate the growing importance of digital technologies in transforming pharmaceutical supply chains, particularly in enhancing transparency, traceability, and operational efficiency. Bibliometric analysis revealed that blockchain, artificial intelligence, and IoT are the most prominent research directions in this field. Despite the increasing number of studies, gaps remain in the integration of these technologies into real-world pharmaceutical systems. Future research should focus on practical implementation strategies, regulatory alignment, and the evaluation of long-term impacts on healthcare outcomes.

The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the research conducted on the chemical constituents and biological characteristics of Althaea officinalis. Methods: A comprehensive search of scientific databases, including Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, Researchgate, was conducted. The search included keywords such as " Althaea officinalis", " Althaea officinalis compounds", " Althaea officinalis phytochemicals", " Althaea officinalis pharmacological", and " Althaea officinalis traditional uses". Results: Althaea officinalis, commonly known as marshmallow root, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and western Asia. It belongs to the Althaea genus of the Malvaceae family. Throughout history, people have recognized the plant ability to relieve symptoms such as a sore throat, dry cough, stomach ulcers, and wounds. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that the extract from this plant has various positive effects, including antitussive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and wound-healing properties. Recent analyses of its chemical composition have revealed that Althaea officinalis contains numerous bioactive compounds, including mucopolysaccharides, flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, coumarins, steroids, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, triterpenoids etc. The roots and leaves of Althaea officinalis are used in teas, salads, emollients, and sedatives due to their edible and medicinal qualities. Furthermore, this particular plant is frequently grown for its beautiful flowers, making it a popular choice for ornamental purposes. Currently, Althaea officinalis can be found worldwide due to its widespread cultivation in the agricultural industry. It offers various benefits in the fields of food, healthcare, and dietary supplements. Conclusion: Althaea officinalis, a well-known traditional herbal plant, is readily available and widely used. Recent research efforts have successfully identified numerous chemical components of Althaea officinalis, including flavonoids, polysaccharides, phenolic acids, coumarins, and steroids. These diverse chemical compounds contribute to the plant's various pharmacological properties, such as its ability to alleviate coughs, reduce inflammation, provide antioxidant effects, fight against bacterial infections, and promote wound healing.

Exploring phytochemicals from ethnomedicinal plants for pharmacological applications is a promising research area. By studying ethnomedicine, researchers can identify plants used for centuries to treat ailments and investigate their phytochemicals. Consequently, phytochemicals can be isolated, characterized, and tested for pharmacological activities, leading to new drug development. This research also helps preserve traditional knowledge and biodiversity. Lithospermum officinale L., found in Eurasia, Argentina (South), Colombia, and the United States, is valued for its medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. The current review emphasizes L. officinale L. as a significant reservoir of bioactive phytochemicals, with alkaloids, quinones, glucosides, phenolics, flavonoids, and lipids identified as the principal metabolites. It also unveils the unexplored potential of this plant for future research endeavors. Continued research on L. officinale L. can unlock its full potential, providing insights into its medicinal uses and contributing to biodiversity preservation.