The objective of this work was to develop an oral mucosal drug delivery system to facilitate the local and systemic delivery of acyclovir for the treatment of oral herpes infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). An in situ gelling system was used to increase the residence time and thus the bioavailability of acyclovir in oral mucosa. Temperature and pH trigged in situ gel formulations were prepared by cold method using polymers like poloxamer 407, carbopol 934, and HPMC. Glycerin and a mixture of tween 80 and ethanol (1 : 2 ratio) were used as the drug dissolving solvent. The pH of carbopol containing formulation was adjusted to pH 5.8 while the pH of poloxamer solution was adjusted to pH 7. These formulations were evaluated for sol-gel transition temperature, gelling capacity, pH, viscosity, spreadability, gel strength, drug content, ex-vitro permeation, and mucoadhesion. The gelation temperatures of all the formulations were within the range of 28–38°C. All the formulations exhibited fairly uniform drug content (98.15–99.75%). Drug release study of all the formulations showed sustained release properties. The release of drug through these in situ gel formulations followed the Higuchi model and Korsmeyer peppas model mechanism.

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Background: Among the millions of people around the world, the most prevalent metabolic disorder is diabetes mellitus. Due to the drawbacks which are associated with commercially available antidiabetic agents, new therapeutic approaches are needed to be considered. Alpha-amylase is a membrane- bound enzyme which is responsible for the breakdown of polysaccharides such as starch to monosaccharides which can be absorbed. Methods: We searched the scientific database using alpha-amylase, diabetes, antidiabetic agents as the keywords. Here in, only peer-reviewed research articles were collected which were useful to our current work. Results: To overcome the research gap, the alpha-amylase enzyme is regarded as a good target for antidiabetic agents to design the drug and provide an alternate approach for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Basically, alpha-amylase inhibitors are classified into two groups: proteinaceous inhibitors, and non-proteinaceous inhibitors. Recently, non-proteinaceous inhibitors are being explored which includes chalcones, flavones, benzothiazoles, etc. as the potential antidiabetic agents. Conclusion: Herein, we discuss various potential antidiabetic agents which are strategically targeted alpha-amylase enzyme. These are having lesser side effects as compared to other antidiabetic agents, and are proposed to prevent the digestion and absorption of glucose leading to a decrease in the blood glucose level.

Background Sunscreens have long been an indispensable part in treating melasma as ancillary agents. None of previous studies have evaluated the role of sunscreens alone in the improvement of melasma. Aims Our objective was to study the role of broad‐spectrum sunscreen with sun protection factor 19 and PA+++ as the sole agent for improvement of melasma. Methods A total of 100 patients with melasma were included in the study. Following proper method of application of 3 mL sunscreen, thrice daily, Melasma Area Severity Score (MASI) and Hindi language version of the MELASQOL scale (Hi‐MELAQOL) was done at baseline and 12 weeks. Results The mean MASI in the study group at the beginning and at the end of the study was 12.38 ± 14.7 and 9.15 ± 4.7, respectively, whereas the mean value of Hi‐MELASQOL at the beginning and at the end of the study was 47.2 ± 14 and 38.1 ± 14.2, respectively. The differences of both were statistically significant. Spearman's correlation between MASI and Hi‐MELASQOL before and after the study was positive but insignificant. Conclusion There was both an objective and subjective improvement in melasma after 12 weeks of sunscreen use in terms of both MASI, showing an objective improvement of melasma after using sunscreens alone and also in Hi‐MELASQOL showing that use of sunscreens significantly improved quality of life of melasma patients. In our study, we have attempted to re‐instate the importance of sunscreens to patients and dermatologists who are inclining more toward various skin lightening agents for treatment of melasma, which have many side effects.

Background Though melasma is a common skin condition in India, epidemiological studies are few and geographically confined. The present study was designed to gain insights into factors involved in causation and aggravation of melasma, demographic distribution, clinical presentations, and treatment patterns.Methods A cross-sectional multicentric study was conducted in 10 centers distributed across the four regions of India. Data including demographics, personal and family medical history, triggering and aggravating factors, clinical patterns, and details of past treatment regimens were recorded, and severity was estimated using the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) score. Data collected by site dermatologists were collated and analyzed. ResultsThe study evaluated 1,001 patients with melasma from 10 centers. Mean age was 38.02 years. Females dominated (85%). Proportion of males was highest in the east (22.2%) and lowest in the south (10.8%). Majority of patients belonged to intermediate skin phototypes. There was a significant difference (P-0.000) between duration of sun exposure and duration of cooking fire/occupational heat exposure across the four regions. There was a significant association (P = 0.003, Mann-Whitney U test) and a positive correlation between duration of cooking heat/occupational heat exposure and severity of melasma.Sunscreens were used by only one-fifth of the study population (19.6%) whereas use of steroids and triple combinations was more common (28%). Conclusion One of the largest studies on melasma from the subcontinent, this study describes the epidemiological determinants of melasma. Data suggests that the duration of cooking fire/occupational heat exposure may be linked to severity of melasma.Sunscreen use seems inadequate in Indian patients; use of steroid-containing medications is more common.