Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Multipurpose chromatographic method for concurrent stability study of metformin, dapagliflozin, and glimepiride using integrated principles of RGB12 and white analytical chemistry","authors":"Pintu Prajapati,&nbsp;Unnati Rana,&nbsp;Veerashakar Pulusu,&nbsp;Anzarul Haque,&nbsp;Sarfaraz Ahmad,&nbsp;Shailesh Shah","doi":"10.1186/s43094-026-01008-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43094-026-01008-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>The research develops a novel multipurpose chromatographic method for concurrent stability analysis of metformin hydrochloride (MH), dapagliflozin propanediol monohydrate (DPM), and glimepiride (GP). It addresses the need for a stability-indicating HPTLC method for simultaneous estimation of these drugs in a combined dosage form, crucial for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus.</p><h3>Objectives</h3><p>The objectives of the proposed research are to develop and validate a stability-indicating HPTLC method for simultaneous quantification of MH, DPM, and GP in pharmaceutical dosage form. The study aims to conduct forced degradation studies under various stress conditions and optimize the HPTLC method development using an AQbD approach.</p><h3>Method</h3><p>The proposed research employs a high-performance thin-layer chromatography method optimized using an analytical quality by design approach. The method utilizes statistical tools like Plackett–Burman design and minimum run resolution IV design to optimize critical parameters. It includes forced degradation studies under various stress conditions and validation according to ICH Q2 (R2) guidelines. The method is applied to analyze marketed formulations containing MH, DPM, and GP.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The developed HPTLC method demonstrated high accuracy, precision, and sensitivity for simultaneous estimation of MH, DPM, and GP. The method effectively separated degradation products from parent compounds under various stress conditions, proving its stability-indicating nature. It showed good linearity, low LOD and LOQ values, and high recovery rates. The method successfully analyzed marketed formulations, with results in good agreement with labeled claims. Additionally, the method outperformed previously published RP-HPLC methods in terms of environmental sustainability and operational efficiency.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The developed HPTLC method provides a robust, environmentally friendly, and efficient tool for simultaneous stability analysis of MH, DPM, and GP. It outperforms existing methods in terms of analytical quality, sustainability, and operational efficiency.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":577,"journal":{"name":"Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s43094-026-01008-4.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148466133","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Potential effects of Thymus vulgaris L. on the gene expression of inhibin A, inhibin B, and Aromatase (CYP19A1) in a letrozole-induced PCOS rat model","authors":"Heba Sabra,&nbsp;Noha El-Zeiny,&nbsp;Sara Atwa,&nbsp;Mona Rady,&nbsp;Sahar Abdel Maksoud,&nbsp;Heba Handoussa","doi":"10.1186/s43094-026-00995-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43094-026-00995-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the main causes of infertility in women of reproductive age. Hyperandrogenism and anovulation are common mostly in women with PCOS. Metformin was the first insulin sensitizer to be used in PCOS management to improve ovulation and reduce androgen levels. The currently available medication depends mainly on hormonal therapy such as combined oral contraceptives, anti-androgens, and ovulation-inducing agents, which help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce hyperandrogenism but potentially leading to some complications. However, alternative treatments with special insights into medicinal plants have become reliable and safer approaches with better outcomes. The present study aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of <i>Thymus vulgaris</i> leaves (<i>Thymus v.</i>) in a letrozole-induced PCOS rat model compared with that of metformin. Letrozole-induced PCOS rats were treated with total <i>Thymus v.</i> extract in a dose-dependent manner (50, 75 and 100 mg/kg) and with metformin orally for 14 consecutive days. HPLC–PDA-ESI–MS/MS was used for the phytochemical characterization of the bioactive extract.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Treatment with the different doses resulted in a significant decrement of the gene expression levels of inhibin A, inhibin B and CYP19A1, which was further confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Additionally, <i>Thymus v.</i> restored hormonal equilibrium by modulating steroidogenic enzymes (estrogen, progesterone and testosterone), specifically by tuning gonadotropin levels and correcting the LH-to-FSH. The restoration of the normal morphological architecture of ovaries and follicular growth was supported by histopathological examination.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This study provides insights into the mechanistic impact of <i>Thymus v</i>. as a multifaceted therapeutic nutraceutical in hormonal and molecular imbalances in PCOS.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":577,"journal":{"name":"Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s43094-026-00995-8.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148465896","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Isolated endophytes from selected genera of family Apiaceae: an updated review","authors":"Jizelle Khaled,&nbsp;Rania F. Abou El-Ezz,&nbsp;Mohamed S. Elnaggar,&nbsp;Nada M. Mostafa","doi":"10.1186/s43094-026-01000-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43094-026-01000-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The Apiaceae family comprises highly diverse medicinal plants that harbor rich communities of endophytic fungi essential to plant health and metabolism. These endophytes engage in interactions ranging from parasitic to mutualistic, often forming long-term co-evolved associations that influence the biosynthesis, quality, and accumulation of plant secondary metabolites. A comprehensive literature survey was conducted using databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and the Google search engines. The literature considered in this review covers the period from 2012 to 2025; however, several earlier key references were included to provide essential background information. The objective of this review article is to highlight the multifaceted roles of fungal endophytes in selected genera of the Apiaceae family. Across genera such as <i>Ammi, Ferula, Ligusticum, Apium</i>, and <i>Foeniculum</i>, numerous fungal endophytes including <i>Penicillium</i>, <i>Fusarium</i>, <i>Sordariomycetes</i>, and <i>Scopulariopsis</i> have been isolated. These microorganisms produce a diverse array of bioactive compounds and can enhance host tolerance to both biotic and abiotic stresses. The identified metabolites belong to a wide range of phytochemical classes, including polyketides, terpenoids, alkaloids, quinoline, and quinazoline derivatives, cyclodepsipeptides, phenolic compounds, and lactone-based structures. Reported metabolites exhibit significant antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities, highlighting the biotechnological potential of Apiaceae-associated endophytes. This review provides a focused analysis of bioactive metabolites derived from endophytic fungi of Apiaceae plants, offering a plant-family-specific perspective that is lacking in previous general reviews, while also highlighting recent advances and future research directions. It also emphasizes the potential of fungal endophytes as sustainable alternative sources of chemical compounds with important therapeutic and agricultural value. Consequently, future research should concentrate on exploiting these fungal symbionts as attractive resources for drug discovery.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":577,"journal":{"name":"Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s43094-026-01000-y.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148465801","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Design and development of polymeric liquid dressing containing quercetin for accelerated wound healing in effective management of pressure ulcers","authors":"Ayesha Syed,&nbsp;Preeti Karwa,&nbsp;Sohal Mallick,&nbsp;Adarsh Manjunath Hedge,&nbsp;C. A. Madan Babu","doi":"10.1186/s43094-026-01003-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43094-026-01003-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>This study aimed to develop and optimize a quercetin-loaded film-forming spray as a liquid wound dressing to overcome the limitations of conventional pressure ulcer therapies, particularly poor skin penetration and insufficient drug retention. The formulation was designed to enhance localized quercetin delivery, improve residence time at the wound site, and promote accelerated wound healing while ensuring skin compatibility.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>The film-forming spray was formulated and optimized using a Taguchi orthogonal array design. The optimized formulation comprised Eudragit RSPO (1%), propylene glycol (1%), and an ethanol:acetone solvent system (7:3). Comprehensive evaluation of the formulation included physicochemical characterization, ex vivo permeation studies using rat skin, skin irritation assessment, and in vivo therapeutic evaluation in a pressure ulcer model. Wound-healing efficacy was assessed through measurement of wound closure, tensile strength, hydroxyproline content, and detailed histopathological analysis.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The optimized formulation demonstrated ideal film-forming properties with 98 ± 0.45 s drying time and excellent spray characteristics. It showed 3.89-fold higher permeation and 16-fold greater skin deposition compared to pure quercetin. The formulation was non-irritating and showed accelerated wound healing to 20 days versus 24 days for standard marketed formulation. Treated wounds exhibited significantly higher tensile strength (46,479 ± 3.8 N/m²) and hydroxyproline content (0.4752 mg), confirming enhanced collagen deposition and tissue regeneration.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The developed quercetin-loaded film-forming spray represents a promising approach in topical wound therapy, demonstrating superior drug delivery, accelerated healing, and enhanced tissue quality, making it a promising therapeutic alternative for pressure ulcer management.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":577,"journal":{"name":"Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s43094-026-01003-9.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148465802","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advances in otic delivery: from anatomical barriers and disease challenges to nanocarriers, smart systems, and clinical translation","authors":"Sadek Ahmed,&nbsp;Ali Fayez,&nbsp;Doaa Ahmed El-Setouhy","doi":"10.1186/s43094-026-01004-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43094-026-01004-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Otic drug delivery remains challenging due to anatomical and physiological barriers that restrict drug access to target sites, particularly within the middle and inner ear. This review aims to provide a focused and clinically relevant overview of current and emerging strategies to overcome these limitations. Key barriers, including the tympanic membrane, round window membrane, and blood–labyrinth barrier, are critically discussed in relation to disease-specific requirements in conditions such as otitis media, sudden sensorineural hearing loss, and Ménière’s disease. The limitations of conventional formulations and intratympanic administration are highlighted, particularly in terms of drug retention, permeability, and variability in therapeutic outcomes. Recent advances in nanocarrier systems (e.g., liposomes, and micelles) and biomaterial-based platforms (e.g., hydrogels and drug-eluting devices) are systematically evaluated, with emphasis on their ability to enhance drug penetration, prolong residence time, and achieve controlled release. The unique contribution of this review lies in integrating anatomical barriers, disease-specific therapeutic needs, and formulation strategies into a unified framework that links pharmaceutical design with clinical application, providing practical insights for the development of more effective and targeted otic therapies.</p>","PeriodicalId":577,"journal":{"name":"Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s43094-026-01004-8.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148465599","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Beyond barriers: advances in vaginal drug delivery systems for women’s health","authors":"Sadek Ahmed,&nbsp;Dina Mehana,&nbsp;Manal M. El-Ashmoony","doi":"10.1186/s43094-026-00996-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43094-026-00996-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The vaginal route has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional drug delivery approaches, offering advantages such as ease of administration, circumvention of hepatic first-pass metabolism, and the potential to achieve both localized and systemic therapeutic effects. Nevertheless, its broader clinical adoption is limited by physiological and biological barriers, including rapid mucus clearance, acidic pH, enzymatic degradation, and the complex dynamics of the vaginal microbiota, all of which compromise drug retention and absorption. This review analyzes more than 120 studies, including conventional dosage forms, nanocarrier-based systems, and advanced controlled-release platforms. Traditional dosage forms (creams, gels, suppositories, tablets, and films) remain widely used but are often limited by leakage, frequent dosing requirements, and poor patient adherence. To overcome these challenges, nanotechnology-based delivery systems such as lipid-based carriers, polymeric nanoparticles, and stimuli-responsive nanoplatforms have been developed, improving solubility, enhancing mucosal penetration, and enabling sustained or controlled drug release. Evidences from preclinical and clinical investigations show that these systems are effective in managing vaginal infections (e.g., bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis), contraception, hormone replacement therapy, and localized cancer treatment. Furthermore, advanced platforms, including vaginal rings and bioadhesive formulations, provide prolonged drug release and improved patient compliance. By integrating findings across a large body of literature, this review highlights the transformative potential of nanocarrier-based and controlled-release systems in optimizing therapeutic efficacy and advancing women’s health care.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":577,"journal":{"name":"Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s43094-026-00996-7.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148465095","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Gabapentin: a newly emerging drug of abuse, neurotoxicity, and potential addictive mechanisms","authors":"Mohammad Abd-El-Same’e El-Kattan,&nbsp;Eman Saeed,&nbsp;Mahmoud Ahmed Khattab,&nbsp;Fatma Abdel Wahab Abdel Maksoud,&nbsp;Maha Emad Eldein,&nbsp;Nada Elsayed Abdel-Roaf,&nbsp;Walaa Awad,&nbsp;Ahmed Elshatory","doi":"10.1186/s43094-026-00976-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43094-026-00976-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Following the scheduling of pregabalin, gabapentin (GBP) misuse and abuse had been escalated in Egypt over the past ten years. Pregabalin negative effects had been shown in numerous studies; however those of GBP are negligible. The goal of this research is studying and assessing the neurotoxic and potential addictive mechanisms of subchronic high doses of GBP.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Thirty (30) adult healthy male albino rats were randomly divided into three groups (10 rats each): group I with normal diet as a negative control, group II GBP misuse, group III GBP withdrawal. All rats were given GBP for 50 days. Then group III rats were maintained for an additional 10 days without GBP. On the day of scarification, animal neurobehavioral tests were conducted. Hippocampal samples were obtained for histopathological, immune-histochemical examination and measurement of gene expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and dopamine receptors.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>By the end of the study, the weight gain of the drug treated groups had significantly increased (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.001). Controls had better performance and locomotor indices in neurobehavioral tests. GBP misuse group had greater detrimental effects on hippocampal tissues and increased numbers of degenerated cells. These histopathological changes significantly declined after GBP withdrawal period. Up-regulation of dopamine-2 receptors (D2Rs) (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.005) and down regulation of dopamine-1 receptors (D1Rs) (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.01) were more evident in GBP misuse group than withdrawal group whereas BDNF gene expression was up-regulated in both groups (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.556).</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>High dose subchronic administration of GBP was associated with numerous histopathological changes that were declined during withdrawal period. The relatively low expression of (D1Rs) to (D2Rs) suggested the GBP potential of abuse and the recreational misuse among individuals with substance use disorder.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":577,"journal":{"name":"Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s43094-026-00976-x.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148380656","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Artificial intelligence and machine learning in drug discovery and development: a comprehensive review","authors":"Krushna A. Chaudhari,&nbsp;Kedar S. Mathpati,&nbsp;Ashish R. Alte","doi":"10.1186/s43094-026-00997-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43094-026-00997-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The drug discovery and development process is a complex, resource-intensive, and high-risk endeavour, traditionally characterized by long timelines, high costs, and low success rates. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have transformed this landscape by enabling data-driven, predictive, and efficient strategies across the entire drug development pipeline. AI technologies, including machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and neural networks, have been employed for target identification, lead discovery, structure-based drug design, ADME/T prediction, toxicity assessment, and de novo molecule generation. AI-driven tools and platforms, such as DeepChem, AlphaFold, and IBM Watson, facilitate virtual screening, chemical space exploration, and patient-specific clinical trial optimization. Additionally, AI has revolutionized advanced applications in drug delivery, including nanorobotics and synergistic combination therapies, and has enhanced nanomedicine formulations for improved efficacy and safety. Despite its transformative potential, AI adoption faces challenges, including data scarcity, high costs, skill gaps, regulatory constraints, and the black box phenomenon. Nevertheless, with appropriate strategies, AI promises to accelerate drug discovery, reduce costs, improve success rates, and enable the development of safer and more effective therapeutics, marking a paradigm shift in pharmaceutical research and development.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":577,"journal":{"name":"Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s43094-026-00997-6.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148323536","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Single-cell transcriptomics reveals abnormal cell-type perturbations and remodelling of communication networks in recurrent pregnancy loss","authors":"Min Li,&nbsp;Ping Zhao,&nbsp;Hanxu Yang,&nbsp;Chong Liu,&nbsp;Yijing Chu","doi":"10.1186/s43094-026-01002-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43094-026-01002-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a prevalent and complex gestational complication with incompletely elucidated pathological mechanisms. This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data from 22 samples (12 RPL patients and 10 controls with normal pregnancies) to investigate the cellular ecology and molecular mechanisms of RPL. Our findings revealed a decreased proportion of trophoblasts and an increased proportion of immune cells in RPL. We identified a subtype of extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) that may play a crucial role in RPL pathology. Additionally, Hofbauer cells, <i>γδ</i>-T cells, and uterine NK cells exhibited abnormal immune activation in RPL. Our analysis of EVT subclusters revealed significant alterations in angiogenesis and immune-related pathways in secretory EVTs and endovascular-like EVTs. CellChat analysis revealed attenuated VEGF signalling and enhanced inflammatory signalling in RPL, which may contribute to disease onset. These findings may improve disease prediction and facilitate targeted interventions for RPL patients.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":577,"journal":{"name":"Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s43094-026-01002-w.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148323295","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dual impact of Pulicaria undulata extracts on colonic motility and Blastocystis structure: two factors linked to inflammatory bowel syndrome","authors":"Enas M. Ali Rizk,&nbsp;Inas A. Harb,&nbsp;Mohamed S. Sedeek,&nbsp;Eman K. Rashwan,&nbsp;Nardeen Z. Bocktor","doi":"10.1186/s43094-026-00998-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s43094-026-00998-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is considered one of the most common diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract. Several studies have shown that microbiota change and microorganisms like <i>Blastocystis</i> significantly contribute to IBS pathogenesis. <i>Blastocystis</i> resistance to commonly used antiparasitic drugs has emerged as an important subject for ongoing research. Introducing a new antiparasitic agent presents significant potential for improved management. <i>Pulicaria undulata (P. undulata</i>) extracts showed potential antiparasitic activity in previous research. Other reports clarified a possible gastrointestinal protective effect. However, no available studies have explored its potential activity against <i>Blastocystis</i> species (spp.) and its effect on colonic contractility.</p><h3>Objectives</h3><p>This study was designed to investigate the impact of flower and leaf methanolic extracts of <i>P. undulata</i> on colon motility, which is directly related to IBS, and to assess their in vitro efficacy against <i>Blastocystis</i> subtypes isolated from symptomatic patients.</p><h3>Materials and methods</h3><p><i>P. undulata was</i> extracted and metabolites were analyzed. Isolated subtypes of <i>Blastocystis</i> spp. from collected samples were identified. Extracts effect on colonic motility and contractility was assessed in vitro using isolated colonic segments. In addition, cultured <i>Blastocystis</i> spp. was challenged with different concentrations of flower and leaf extracts as well as nitazoxanide. Structural, morphological, and ultrastructural alterations were evaluated using light and scanning electron microscopes.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The amplitude of colonic contractility decreased in response to <i>P. undulata</i> methanolic extracts, reflecting its possible spasmolytic effect on colonic motility, which was more noticeable with leaf than flower methanolic extracts. In vitro effect on ultrastructure of <i>Blastocystis</i> was seen with an obvious impact of both extracts on the shape and size of the parasite, which was mostly time and dose dependent. As for the molecular study, the most commonly isolated <i>Blastocystis</i> subtype was subtype 1. GC–MS analysis of silylated <i>P. undulata</i> flower and leaf methanolic extracts identified 46 metabolites. Flowers’ methanolic extract exhibited greatly higher flavonoid concentration than leaves.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The findings of this study emphasize probable therapeutic effects of <i>P. undulata</i> plant methanolic extracts in improving IBS symptoms by decreasing colonic motility while opening avenues for future research to consider <i>P. undulata</i> as a safe natural treatment of the implicated co-infection of <i>Blastocystis</i>.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":577,"journal":{"name":"Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s43094-026-00998-5.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148281426","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}