Conventional chemotherapeutic regimens continue to be hampered by inadequate tumor selectivity, systemic adverse effects, and the emergence of drug resistance. Over recent years, prodrug-incorporated nanoparticles (PNPs) have emerged as a powerful nanotechnology-driven platform to tackle these obstacles by merging rational prodrug design with sophisticated nanoscale delivery architectures. This review presents a thorough examination of the fundamental principles, structural classifications, and therapeutic prospects of prodrug-incorporated nanoparticles in targeted cancer treatment. By chemically converting active pharmaceutical ingredients into inactive or attenuated prodrug forms and incorporating them into nanoparticulate carriers, these platforms facilitate enhanced aqueous solubility, prolonged systemic circulation, programmed drug activation, and precise tumor localization. Particular focus is given to stimuli-activated PNPs that harness tumor-specific biological cues such as acidic microenvironmental pH, redox imbalances, enzyme upregulation, hypoxic states, and exogenous physical triggers to accomplish site-directed therapeutic release. The review elaborates on a variety of nanostructured architectures, encompassing polymer-drug conjugates, carrier-free self-assembling prodrug nanoassemblies, encapsulated prodrug formulations, and multidrug combination platforms. Preclinical and emerging clinical applications across principal cancer types—including breast, lung, brain, pancreatic, colorectal, ovarian cancers, and leukemia—are critically evaluated. Key barriers pertaining to large-scale fabrication, biosafety, regulatory compliance, and forward-looking directions involving artificial intelligence and individualized nanomedicine are also addressed. Collectively, prodrug-incorporated nanoparticles represent a versatile and scientifically robust nanotherapeutic strategy for realizing safer, more efficacious, and precision-guided oncological interventions.

Quality Management System (QMS) is an essential framework in the pharmaceutical industry to ensure that the medicinal products are consistently manufactured and controlled according to quality standards. A robust QMS integrates organizational structure, procedures, processes, and resources to achieve quality objectives and regulatory compliance. This review article discusses the concept of QMS, its elements, objectives, regulatory guidelines and implementation in pharmaceutical industries, and its role is ensuring the product quality, safety, and efficacy. The importance of QMS in maintaining the compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and the international regulatory requirements is also highlighted.

Targeted drug delivery has revolutionized modern therapeutics by the enabling site-specific drug action while minimizing systemic toxicity. Nanoparticles have emerged as the promising carriers due to their unique physicochemical properties, including small size, high surface area, tunable surface characteristics, and ability to encapsulate diverse therapeutic agents. Various nanoparticle systems such as polymeric nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles, dendrimers, metallic nanoparticles, and mesoporous silica nanoparticles have the demonstrated significant potential in improving drug bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic outcomes. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have facilitated the development of smart and stimuli-responsive nanoparticles capable of targeted drug release in response to the specific physiological conditions. This review discusses the classification, mechanisms, recent advances, therapeutic applications, challenges, and future perspectives of nanoparticle-based targeted drug delivery systems.

Weight gain significantly occurs in women during young adulthood which increases risk of diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and many cancers. This review aims to inform future individually targeted weight gain prevention programmes and summarizes possible targets: key life events, mediators that influence energy intake and physical activity levels, and moderators that could identify groups of women at greatest risk. Life events affecting weight include pregnancy and motherhood, smoking cessation, marriage and cohabiting, attending university, and possibly bereavement. Research has identified successful methods for preventing weight gain associated with pregnancy and motherhood, which could now be used in practice, but evidence is inconclusive for preventing weight gain around other life events. Weight gain is mediated by lack of knowledge and skills around food and nutrition, depression, anxiety, stress, satiety, neural responses, and possibly sleep patterns and premenstrual cravings. A paucity of research exists into altering these to limit weight gain. Moderators include socioeconomic status, genetics, personality traits, and eating styles. More research is required to identify at-risk females and engage them in weight gain prevention. There is a need to address evidence gaps highlighted and implement what is currently known to develop effective strategies to limit weight gain in young women.

The historical understanding and clinical management of the prostate gland and its disorders have witnessed a remarkable evolution, from ancient misconceptions to the evidence-based practices of modern medicine. In antiquity, anatomists such as Herophilus and Galen referred vaguely to “c,” likely the seminal vesicles, as the prostate gland had not yet been recognized due to limitations in human dissection and reliance on animal models. The Renaissance marked a turning point when Niccolò Massa and Andreas Vesalius accurately described and illustrated the prostate, establishing the anatomical foundation for subsequent advances in urology. Today, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is understood as a non-malignant enlargement of the prostate gland, predominantly affecting elderly men. Clinically, it is characterized by lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), significantly impairing quality of life. Current treatment options include pharmacological therapies such as α-adrenergic blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors, alongside surgical interventions like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Although effective, these approaches are frequently associated with adverse outcomes, including sexual dysfunction, cardiovascular complications, and perioperative risks, underscoring the need for safer and more holistic alternatives. Interestingly, classical Unani medicine, rooted in Greco-Arabic medical thought, described conditions resembling BPH centuries before the condition was anatomically recognized. Disorders such as Waram-e-Unq-al-Mathana (inflammation of the bladder neck) and Insidad Majra-i-Mathana (urinary passage obstruction) reflect clinical awareness of urinary difficulties aligned with modern BPH symptomatology. Unani scholars, including Hippocrates, Galen, and Avicenna, emphasized humoral imbalance (Sue Mizaj) as a central pathology, recommending herbal formulations, dietary regulation, and lifestyle modifications as therapeutic measures. This review explores the convergence of historical insights and modern biomedical understanding of BPH. By integrating contemporary clinical knowledge with Unani principles, it highlights the potential of traditional therapies as complementary strategies for symptom control, improved quality of life, and reduced adverse effects in the management of BPH.

The review paper investigates innovative vaginal drug delivery systems aimed at overcoming the limitations of conventional treatments for vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), and trichomoniasis (TV). With over 70% of women affected by vaginal infections, the significance of the review lies in addressing the shortcomings of traditional therapies, which include low bioavailability, short residence time, and resistance issues, especially in recurrent and immunocompromised cases. The review evaluates a variety of advanced delivery systems—nanoparticles, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), hydrogels, microspheres, and films—highlighting their potential for localized treatment. Key findings indicate that these advanced systems significantly enhance drug retention and target infection sites effectively, with mucoadhesive systems prolonging residence time and offering sustained drug release. Notably, nanocarriers such as NLCs and liposomes demonstrate improved stability, bioavailability, and antimicrobial efficacy, while hydrogels and films facilitate controlled drug delivery with minimal systemic exposure. In conclusion, the review emphasizes the transformative potential of these novel vaginal drug delivery systems to enhance therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance by addressing the limitations of conventional therapies. Future research should focus on clinical validation and scalability to maximize their impact in real-world applications.

Triumfetta rhomboidea Jacq. is an important medicinal plant traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for the management of various ailments, including inflammatory disorders, wounds, urinary complaints, gastrointestinal disturbances, and skin diseases. The present review highlights the taxonomy, botanical description, phytochemical composition, therapeutic applications, and safety profile of T. rhomboidea. Phytochemical investigations revealed the presence of several bioactive constituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, glycosides, steroids, and coumarins. Quantitative analysis demonstrated significant levels of secondary metabolites, particularly in ethanolic extracts, indicating the plant's rich pharmacological potential. Experimental studies have reported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, antimicrobial, and protective effects against various pathological conditions. Traditional and scientific evidence suggests that these biological activities are primarily associated with its phenolic and flavonoid constituents. Although preliminary pharmacological findings support its therapeutic value, further clinical investigations are required to establish its efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of action in humans. Triumfetta rhomboidea represents a promising medicinal plant with considerable potential for the development of novel phytopharmaceuticals.

Pharmacognostical studies on the root of Hibiscus mutabilis were carried out to establish diagnostic standards for its identification, authentication, and quality control as a medicinal crude drug. The study included detailed macroscopic, microscopic, physicochemical, and phytochemical evaluations of the root. Macroscopically, the root was observed to be cylindrical, brownish in color, fibrous, and characteristic in odour and taste. Microscopic examination revealed the presence of cork cells, parenchymatous cortex, lignified xylem vessels, medullary rays, and abundant starch grains, which serve as distinguishing anatomical features. Powder microscopy of the dried powdered drug exhibited diagnostic characters including cork cells, thin-walled blunt end fibre with broad lumen, thin-walled pointed end with broad lumen, reticulate vessels, Pitted parenchyma, calcium oxalate which are useful for identification and adulteration, Physicochemical parameters such as ash values, extractive values, moisture content, and fluorescence analysis were determined according to standard pharmacopoeial procedures. Preliminary phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, and phenolic compounds, suggestion significant therapeutic potential. These pharmacognostical characteristics provide valuable standards for the proper identification and prevention of adulteration of the root drug and may support its further pharmacological and phytochemical investigations.

Background: The Distal Symmetrical Sensory Autoimmune Neuropathy (DSSAN) is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the peripheral nervous system resulting in distal sensory impairment. This condition is known to cause symptoms like numbness, tingling, pain, sensory ataxia, and instability when walking. Given that DSSAN can be confused with diabetes, nutrition-related, infection-induced, or hereditary neuropathy, diagnosis is difficult. Case Presentation: This is the case of a 52-year-old man had a history of gradual numbness, tingling sensations, burning pain, and difficulty balancing while walking for six months. Neurological examination showed symmetrical distal sensory loss with abnormal vibration and proprioception sensation but normal motor sensation. Blood tests ruled out metabolic and infectious causes of neuropathy. Autoimmune profile was found to have a positive anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) and anti-Ro/SSA antibody with raised inflammatory markers. Nerve conduction study was done that showed predominance of sensory neuropathy. The CSF test showed increased protein levels with no pleocytosis. The patient was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone, oral prednisolone, azathioprine, pregabalin, and physiotherapy. Conclusion: The patient demonstrated marked improvement clinically after being treated with immunomodulatory and rehabilitative therapy. The current case report emphasizes that autoimmune neuropathy should be considered in patients with progressing symmetrical sensory deficits. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment play vital roles in averting any neurological impairment among such patients.

Background: Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS) is a rare congenital neurocutaneous disorder characterized by facial capillary malformations, leptomeningeal angiomas, and neurological manifestations including seizures, hemiparesis, developmental delay, and cognitive impairment. Todd's palsy is a transient postictal neurological deficit that may mimic acute cerebrovascular events and can complicate the clinical course of patients with SWS. Case Presentation: A 4-year-old female child with a known history of Sturge-Weber Syndrome and recurrent focal seizures presented with decreased movement of the right upper and lower limbs. The patient had multiple previous hospital admissions for convulsive episodes and was receiving antiepileptic therapy including carbamazepine, clobazam, oxcarbazepine, and brivaracetam. Clinical examination revealed right-sided hemiparesis with preserved consciousness and intact cranial nerve function. Systemic examination was unremarkable. Laboratory investigations demonstrated moderate anemia (hemoglobin 8.2 g/dL), leukocytosis (17,070 cells/mm³), reactive thrombocytosis (5.37 lakh/mm³), and mild hyponatremia (130.2 mEq/L). Neuroimaging findings were consistent with Sturge-Weber Syndrome. Based on the temporal relationship to seizure activity and the absence of acute intracranial pathology, a diagnosis of Todd's palsy secondary to focal seizure in a child with SWS was considered. The patient received supportive care, optimization of antiepileptic therapy, nutritional management, and neurological rehabilitation. Discussion: Recurrent seizures in SWS may result in transient postictal neurological deficits such as Todd's palsy, posing diagnostic challenges due to their resemblance to stroke-like episodes. Early recognition is essential to avoid unnecessary interventions and facilitate appropriate management. Associated factors such as anemia, malnutrition, and electrolyte disturbances may further lower the seizure threshold and influence neurological outcomes. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering Todd's palsy in children with Sturge-Weber Syndrome presenting with acute hemiparesis following seizure episodes. Prompt diagnosis, effective seizure control, correction of contributing metabolic abnormalities, and multidisciplinary management are crucial for improving clinical outcomes and quality of life in affected patients.

Ardhanarishvara (the Lord who is half-woman) is a Hindu metaphysical concept uniting Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati into one inseparable form. It teaches that the ultimate reality transcends dualities like male and female, symbolizing the balance of cosmic energy and the vital interdependence of all existence. The concept breaks down into specific philosophical and symbolic truths: Purusha & Prakriti: The right half is Shiva, representing pure consciousness (Purusha), while the left half is Parvati, representing cosmic energy and nature (Prakriti). Essential Equality: The form explicitly illustrates that the masculine and feminine principles are perfectly equal and inherently inseparable. Neither can act nor create without the other. Transcending Duality: It signifies that the absolute truth or ultimate reality is whole, meaning that all dualities dissolve into a unified cosmic state. Inner Balance: Devotees explore this reality in daily life by meditating on the balance of strength and compassion, or logic and emotion, within themselves. The deity is depicted as an androgynous figure, with a single body divided down the middle into two halves, one half male and the other half female. According to Hindu mythology, Ardhanarishvara was created when the gods requested that Shiva produce a male heir.

Background: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a growing global health concern, with Grade 1 fatty liver representing the earliest reversible stage. Conventional management relies heavily on lifestyle modifications, creating a need for effective complementary therapies. This study evaluates the clinical efficacy of the homeopathic remedy Cholesterinum in patients diagnosed with Grade 1 fatty liver. Methods: A randomized, observational study was conducted with 45 participants diagnosed with Grade 1 fatty liver via ultrasonography. Patients received Cholesterinum, over a period of 3 months. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed using pre- and post-treatment liver function tests (ALT, AST, ALP), lipid profiles, and follow-up abdominal ultrasounds. Conclusion: Cholesterinum is an effective and safe therapeutic agent in the management of Grade 1 fatty liver. It significantly improves biochemical liver markers and aids in the radiological reversal of early-stage hepatic steatosis.