Restrategizing becomes inevitable when in trying to proffer solution to a problem, damage in a different form is done. The unintended effects of drugs (side effects) could be leaving behind more damage than the therapeutic effect they are required to provide. This has led to the withdrawal of a number of drugs. However, there are still a number of options to explore in delivery, especially in the application of nanomedicine. Such advances in nanomedicine employ the use of phenylboronic acid-installed polymeric micelles, matrix metalloproteinase 2-sensitive poly(ethylene glycol)-drug conjugate, multifunctional DNA nanoflowers, single vehicular delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA), nanoparticle-mediated codelivery of siRNA and prodrug, lipopeptide nanoparticles for siRNA delivery, ferrous iron-dependent drug delivery, polyprodrug amphiphiles, transepithelial transport of Fc-targeted nanoparticles, mutant KRAS target, monovalent molecular shuttle, near-infrared-actuated devices, transferrin receptor trafficking, remote loading of preencapsulated drugs, ATP-mediated liposomal drug delivery, nanoparticle-based combination chemotherapy delivery system, nucleic acid nanoparticle conjugates, ultrasound-triggered disruption of cross-linked hydrogels, refilling drug delivery depots through the blood, siRNA payloads to target KRAS-mutant cancer, delivery of antibody mimics into mammalian cells, biologically “smart” hydrogel, combination of liposomes containing bio-enhancers, and tetraether lipids. Minimized side effects, increased bioavailability, and reduced dosage are possible benefits of improved drug targeting.

AbstractScience always strives to find an improved way of doing things and nanoscience is one such approach. Nanomaterials are suitable for pharmaceutical applications mostly because of their size which facilitates absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of the nanoparticles. Whether labile or insoluble nanoparticles, their cytotoxic effect on malignant cells has moved the use of nanomedicine into focus. Since nanomedicine can be described as the science and technology of diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases towards ultimately improving human health, a lot of nanotechnology options have received approval by various regulatory agencies. Nanodrugs also have been discovered to be more precise in targeting the desired site, hence maximizing the therapeutic effects, while minimizing side-effects on the rest of the body. This unique property and more has made nanomedicine popular in therapeutic medicine employing nanotechnology in genetic therapy, drug encapsulation, enzyme manipulation and control, tissue engineering, target drug delivery, pharmacogenomics, stem cell and cloning, and even virus-based hybrids. This review highlights nanoproducts that are in development and have gained approval through one clinical trial stage or the other.

Hibiscus sabdariffa is among the medicinal plants which have been shown to possess several medicinal properties. The present study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant and haematological properties of the aqueous leaf extract of H. sabdariffa on acetaminophen-challenged liver using rat model. Twenty (20) Wistar albino rats were used for this study and were divided into 4 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1 rats were the normal control; group 2 (positive control) rats were administered acetaminophen only, at a dose of 750 mg/kg b.w. ip. Group 3 rats were administered mid dose (400 mg/kg b.w) of the extract after acetaminophen-induction while group 4 rats received high dose (600 mg/kg b.w) of the extract after acetaminophen-induction. Group 2 rats showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the activities of the enzymes, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and vitamin C concentrations when compared with group 1 rats. However treatment with the extract caused a significant (p<0.05) increase in the activities of the enzymes, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and vitamin C concentrations when compared with group 2 animals. More so, group 2 rats treated with acetaminophen only, showed significant increase (p<0.05) in white blood cell, neutrophil and lymphocytes counts when compared with the group 1 rats. Conversely, a significant decrease (p<0.05) was observed in packed cell volume, red blood cell count and haemoglobin concentration of the group 2 rats when compare with the group 1 rats. Treatment with the aqueous extract of H. sabdariffa caused a dose-dependent significant increase (p<0.05) in the pack cell volume, red blood cell count and haemoglobin concentration of the treatment groups (groups 3 and 4) when compared with the group 2 rats. Conclusively, the results of this study suggest that H. sabdariffa possess antioxidant properties and could be potent in boasting the blood level in a disease state.

Oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant system have been implicated in the pathophysiology of diverse disease states. This research was done to investigate comparatively the possible enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant properties of ethanol extracts of Cola nitida and Garcinia kola in H 2 O 2challenged rats. Thirty (30) Wistar albino rats were used for this study and were divided into 6 groups of 5 rats per group. Group 1 rats were normal control; group 2 rats were induced with H 2 O 2 only (positive control). Group 3 and 4 were challenged with H 2 O 2 and treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w of ethanol extract of C. nitida, respectively. In the same vein, groups 5 and 6 rats represented H 2 O 2-induced rats treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w of ethanol extract of G. kola seed respectively. Group 2 (positive control group) rats showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration compared to rats in group 1 and the treatment groups. Conversely there was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in glutathione concentration of the group when compared to rats in group 2. Group 2 showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in vitamin C concentration compared to rats in group 1 and the treatment groups. The effects of extracts were accompanied by a significant increase (p<0.05) in the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) when compared to the group 2 (positive control group). The two extracts exhibited a significant ferric reducing antioxidant properties (FRAP) in a concentration-dependent manner. This finding indicated that the extracts could contain antioxidant and thus have potential for scavenging free radicals, hence arresting oxidative stress. This may justify their local use in management of some hepatic dysfunction and stress related conditions. However, extracts of G. kola was seen to be more potent than that of C. nitida.

Corchorus olitorius is a common vegetable in Nigeria used in making soup and stew. This study determined the effect of the ethanol extract of C. olitorius leaves on the activity of liver function enzymes and lipid profiles in Wistar albino rats. Twenty four (24) Wistar rats weighing between 150-200 g were randomly grouped into four of six animals each. Groups 1-3 rats received 2 ml 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w. respectively, while the control group also received 2ml of distilled water orally for the period of the experiment. All animals were sacrificed after experimental period of 28 days. The results showed that the extract significantly (p=0.05) reduced the serum activities of AST, ALT and ALP when compared to the control at all doses tested. Also, the extract significantly reduced the concentration of total cholesterol at 50 and 100 mg/kg b.w. of the ethanol extract of C. olitorius and significantly (p=0.05) increased it at 200mg when compared to the control. A dose dependent significant (p=0.05) increase in the concentration of HDL and triacylglycerol were observed in all groups when compared to the control. The result of this study suggests that the ethanol extract of C. olitorius possesses hepatoprotective properties with possible tendency to increase the cholesterol concentrations at high doses.