Ischemic stroke is the second leading cause of death and long-term disability worldwide, for which no effective therapies are available. The increasing prevalence of ischemic stroke and related health risks, combined with the lack of effective therapies, highlight the desperate need for continued research for exploring the safe and effective drugs, which favourably influence multiple pathways leading to neuroprotection and extend the benefit to a larger number of patients diagnosed with stroke. Numerous preclinical studies have reported very promising results using "neuroprotectants", all of which have failed at clinical trials because of either safety issues or lack of efficacy. The delivery of many potentially therapeutic neuroprotectants and diagnostic compounds to specific areas of the brain is restricted by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Nanoparticles (NPs) have colossal applications that could revolutionize the treatment of ischemic stroke. NPs can readily transmigrate across the BBB without compromising its integrity. Recent striking developments in nanotechnology have produced a great deal of nano-devices, which could be used for the treatment and neuronal regeneration following ischemic stroke. This article attempts to convey the untapped potentials of nanopharmaceuticals for the treatment of ischemic stroke. Looking towards the future, this review focuses on the potential applications of nanoparticulate systems for the delivery of therapeutic cargo into the brain for imparting neuroprotection against ischemic stroke. This review also provides an overview of targeted NPs, which are being used for imaging, neuroprotection and regeneration of ischemic brain.

No abstract

Introduction: Mucormycosis is an opportunistic angio-fungal infection that has resurfaced during the COVID-19 pandemic period due to multifarious reasons. Due to the limitations of current interventions associated with it, prevention is the recommended strategy. Ayurveda has a significant role to play in prevention, for which prior understanding of the condition in its own parlance is essential. Materials and Methods: Literature and research works from Ayurveda and Western biomedicine relevant to the subject were identified, screened, explored, and interpreted. The data obtained were grouped into three major criteria: etiological factors, disease patterns, and disease targets. These ideas were grouped to obtain a near-total picture of mucormycosis. A set of recommendations, including diet, regimen, single drugs, formulations, therapeutic procedures, and community-level interventions, were made on the basis of research evidence and textual indications. Results and Discussion: Mucormycosis is an exogenous condition that initially follows a common pathogenetic pattern, localizing at various sites to show diverging manifestations. Kapha and Pitta (especially in terms of Snigdha and Uṣna properties) play a major role in preventive and curative strategies in terms of food, regimen, medicine, and therapies. Conclusion: The current Ayurveda knowledge should be effectively used in diagnosing, staging, preventing, and rehabilitating the cases of mucormycoses. Their curative role as adjuvant and standalone therapies are to be subjected to further research.

No abstract