UPI Journal of Pharmaceutical, Medical and Health Sciences

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF GLICLAZIDE CONTROLLED RELEASE TABLETS USING SODIUM ALGINATE, HPMC H4H IN DIFFERENT PROPORTIONS

2026-03-23T13:42:35-04:00

Gliclazide is a second-generation sulfonylurea widely used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It acts by stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells through the closure of ATP-sensitive potassium channels, thereby improving glycemic control. In addition to its hypoglycemic effect, gliclazide exhibits beneficial antioxidant and hemovascular properties, which reduce oxidative stress and improve microcirculation. Compared to other sulfonylureas, gliclazide is associated with a lower risk of hypoglycemia and favorable cardiovascular safety. It shows good oral bioavailability and is commonly formulated as immediate-release and modified-release tablets to enhance patient compliance. Due to its efficacy, safety profile, and cost-effectiveness, gliclazide remains an important therapeutic option in the long-term treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Gliclazide is commonly formulated as a modified-release dosage form to provide sustained glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Controlled-release formulations maintain steady plasma drug concentrations, thereby reducing fluctuations in blood glucose levels and minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia. The use of hydrophilic polymers such as HPMC and ethyl cellulose enhances drug release modulation and improves patient compliance by reducing dosing frequency. Controlled-release gliclazide tablets demonstrate improved therapeutic outcomes, better tolerability, and enhanced quality of life in diabetic patients. These formulations represent an effective approach for long-term diabetes management.

IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA USE ON SLEEP QUALITY AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN RURAL KARNATAKA A DESCRIPTIVE CORRELATIONAL STUDY

2026-03-31T22:22:05-04:00

Background: The rapid proliferation of smartphones and social media platforms has transformed adolescent lifestyles globally, including in rural India where mobile internet penetration has surged following the Jio digital revolution. Aim: To assess the pattern of social media use among rural adolescents and examine its association with sleep quality (PSQI) and mental health (GHQ-12). Design: Descriptive correlational cross-sectional study. Setting: Rural villages and government schools, Dharwad district, Karnataka. Sample: 50 adolescents aged 13–19 years by purposive sampling. Tools: Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), structured socio-demographic proforma. Results: Mean daily social media use 3.1 ± 1.8 hours; 44% at-risk on BSMAS (≥19); 64% poor sleep quality (mean PSQI 7.8 ± 2.4); 58% probable psychiatric caseness (GHQ-12 ≥4). Correlations: SM hours vs PSQI r=0.68 (p<0.001); SM hours vs GHQ-12 r=0.62 (p<0.001); PSQI vs GHQ-12 r=0.74 (p<0.001). Night-use group had significantly higher PSQI (9.4 vs 5.2; t=4.82, p<0.001). Conclusion: Social media use-particularly nocturnal usage-is strongly associated with poor sleep quality and compromised mental health among rural Karnataka adolescents.

UV SPECTROSCOPIC METHOD DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION FOR ESTIMATION OF PIOGLITAZONE IN BULK AND SUSTAINED-RELEASE TABLET DOSAGE FORM

2026-03-31T22:34:46-04:00

Pioglitazone is an orally administered insulin-sensitizing thiazolidinedione agent developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It works by activating the nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), which increases the transcription of proteins involved in glucose and lipid metabolism. These proteins enhance the post-receptor actions of insulin in the liver and peripheral tissues, leading to improved glycaemic control without increasing endogenous insulin secretion. In placebo-controlled clinical trials, monotherapy with pioglitazone at doses of 15–45 mg/day has been shown to reduce glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Additionally, combining pioglitazone 30 mg/day with pre-existing therapy such as metformin, or adding pioglitazone 15 or 30 mg/day to treatments with sulphonylureas, insulin, or voglibose, has demonstrated significant reductions in HbA1c and fasting blood glucose levels in patients with poorly controlled diabetes. Pioglitazone has also been associated with improvements in serum lipid profiles in randomized placebo-controlled studies. The drug has generally been well tolerated in adult patients of all ages. Oedema has been reported during monotherapy, and pooled data indicate that hypoglycaemia occurs in approximately 2–15% of patients when pioglitazone is added to sulphonylurea or insulin therapy. No cases of hepatotoxicity have been reported.

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON THE EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF VONOPRAZAN IN THE MANAGEMENT OF GASTRICACID RELATED DISEASES

2026-02-20T23:41:18-05:00

Gastric acid-related diseases, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease (PUD), and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, present significant clinical challenges due to their prevalence and potential for severe complications. Effective management of these conditions is essential for symptom relief, mucosal healing, and prevention of complications. This review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vonoprazan, a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB), in the treatment of gastric acid-related diseases and to compare it with traditional proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). A comprehensive analysis of clinical trials and studies was conducted to assess the effectiveness of vonoprazan in managing GERD, PUD, and H. pylori infection. The safety profile of vonoprazan was also reviewed, and comparisons were made to PPIs and other gastric acid suppressants. Vonoprazan demonstrates superior and more consistent acid suppression than PPIs, resulting in rapid and sustained symptom relief and mucosal healing. Clinical trials have shown its efficacy in treating GERD, PUD, and H. pylori infection, with higher eradication rates for H. pylori when used in combination therapies. The safety profile of vonoprazan is favorable, with fewer adverse effects and drug interactions compared to PPIs. Vonoprazan offers a promising alternative to traditional PPIs for the management of gastric acid-related diseases. Its unique mechanism of action and superior efficacy make it a valuable option for patients requiring effective and reliable acid suppression. Further research is warranted to explore its potential in broader clinical applications and to establish long-term safety data.

NANOTECHNOLOGY-ENHANCED NEEM EXTRACTS: BRIDGING PHYTOMEDICINE AND PRECISION DRUG DELIVERY FOR THERAPEUTIC INNOVATION

2026-02-28T23:48:36-05:00

Neem extracts with nanotechnology have emerged as a novel area at the interface of ancient phytomedicine and modern drug delivery systems. The ‘neem tree’ ( Azadirachta indica), with its pharmacologically active constituents such as azadirachtin, nimbin, and quercetin, possesses excellent antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Nevertheless, in their crude form, their poor solubility in water, poor bioavailability, and instability pose a hurdle in their application towards better healthcare. Some breakthroughs have been achieved with nanotechnology, which encapsulates these extracts in nanoparticles, liposomes, polymer micelles, nanofibers, and hydrogels for controlled release, target delivery, and better pharmacokinetics.This article provides a brief update on the synthesis of nano-formulations of neem, including the green synthesis of metal nanoparticles using neem leaves to prepare metallic nanoparticles such as ZnO and AgNPs, as well aschitosan-based nanocarrier systems for the sustained delivery of phytoconstituents. Such systems show far better efficacy in patient treatment with a boost in targeting capability in oncology with reduced cytotoxicity and tumor-targeting capabilities in tumor-bearing animals. Moreover, in wound dressers, a composite blend of neem with nanofibers serves better in regeneration due to higher swelling and fungicidal effects. Infectious diseases can target and eradicate MDR organisms .Future directions in this area would focus on a multifunctional platform for providing treatment via a combination of ‘neem with stimuli-responsive nanomaterials, with a focus on "precision medicine" in diseases such as cancer or ‘arthritis’.