Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Science
38
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Green biosynthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles using Portulaca oleracea and evaluation of antioxidant activity Mohini Salunke, Smita Kumbhar, Wakure Balaji Journal of Research in Pharmacy, 2026 In the past several years, silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) have made great progress because of their exceptional properties in a variety of applications. The green production method of nanoparticles has been gaining ground on conventional chemical and physical processes by eschewing the usage of costly devices and several harmful substances. Consequently, AgNPs have been produced in this study using Portulaca oleracea extract as reducing, capping, and stabilising agents. It is an easy, green, and environmentally friendly process. UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, and DLS were used to prove the stability and making of the synthesised Po-AgNPs. AgNPs production was demonstrated by the UV–vis spectra, which showed a transition from a colourless liquid to a brownish solution. FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) was used to show how the extract accessible functional groups contributed to the reduction and capping of NPs. The X-ray diffraction validated the synthesised NPs crystalline structure. The cumulant hydrodynamic diameter of Po-AgNPs was measured by DLS to be 368.6 nm, with a PdI of 0.433. The zeta potential value was found to be –34.3 mV, indicating that the Po-AgNPs are more stable and have negative charge. When biosynthesised Po-AgNPs were evaluated for antioxidant activity using DPPH tests, Po-AgNPs showed greater antioxidant activity. The results indicates that the stability, purity, degree of crystallinity, and cubic form of NPs produced by Portulaca oleracea extract are excellent. In general, more investigation is needed to examine the potential health benefits of the Ag-NP-based P. oleracea aqueous extract.
Houttuynia cordata–loaded nanophytosomes: Statistical optimization, structural characterization, and enhanced antioxidant performance Smita Kumbhar, Somnath Bhinge, Manish Bhatia Next Materials, 2026 Nanophytosomes are lipid-based nanocarrier systems designed to enhance the stability, bioavailability, and functional performance of plant-derived bioactives. In the present study, antioxidant-rich Houttuynia cordata extract was incorporated into phosphatidylcholine–cholesterol bilayers using the thin-film hydration method, followed by factorial design–based optimization. The optimized formulation (HC:PC:CH = 1:2:1.0) produced nanoscale vesicles with a mean particle size of 142.7 ± 2.4 nm , narrow size distribution (PDI: 0.214 ± 0.01), high encapsulation efficiency ( 83.0 ± 1.5% ), and a zeta potential of −32.6 ± 1.1 mV , indicating good colloidal stability. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed non-covalent phytoconstituent–lipid interactions, while differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction analyses demonstrated suppression of crystallinity and molecular dispersion within the lipid matrix. Cholesterol concentration was identified as a key factor governing bilayer packing, membrane rigidity, and encapsulation performance. The optimized nanophytosomal formulation exhibited enhanced antioxidant activity compared to the free extract, with DPPH and ABTS IC₅₀ values of 21.68 ± 0.6 µg/mL and 18.94 ± 0.5 µg/mL , respectively. In vitro release studies revealed a biphasic release pattern with an initial burst followed by sustained release up to 24 h. Kinetic modeling indicated that drug release was best described by the Korsmeyer–Peppas model (R² = 0.978), suggesting a diffusion-controlled mechanism. The formulation demonstrated good physicochemical stability over 90 days under defined storage conditions. Overall, the study establishes a clear relationship between bilayer composition, nanoscale architecture, and functional performance, highlighting the potential of cholesterol-modulated nanophytosomes as effective carriers for enhancing the delivery of plant-derived antioxidants in nutraceutical and biomedical applications.
Regulatory integration of new approach methodologies for human-relevant developmental and reproductive toxicity (DART) assessment: A systematic cross-sector review Smita Kumbhar, Shrikant Borude, Rahil Deshmukh Toxicology Reports, 2026 Developmental and reproductive toxicity (DART) assessment is a critical component of regulatory safety evaluation across pharmaceutical, chemical, environmental, and consumer product sectors. Traditionally, DART testing has relied on animal-based studies designed to detect adverse effects on fertility, embryonic development, and postnatal growth. However, these conventional approaches present increasing scientific and ethical challenges, including high costs, extended study durations, limited mechanistic insight, and interspecies differences that may reduce their predictive value for human health outcomes. Concurrently, regulatory frameworks increasingly emphasize the principles of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement (3Rs), driving the development of alternative testing strategies. This systematic review examines the evolving regulatory landscape for DART assessment and evaluates the scientific and regulatory progress associated with emerging New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). A structured literature search was conducted across major scientific databases following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, identifying relevant scientific and regulatory publications from January 2005 to February 2026. The review analyzes key international regulatory frameworks, including OECD Test Guidelines, ICH S5(R3), the European Union REACH regulation, and guidance from U.S. and European regulatory authorities . Particular emphasis is placed on mechanistic frameworks such as Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) and Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment (IATA), which facilitate the integration of diverse data streams within weight-of-evidence–based regulatory decision-making. Overall, NAMs offer significant potential to enhance the efficiency, mechanistic understanding, and human relevance of DART assessment. Nevertheless, challenges related to method validation, regulatory harmonization, and integration into existing safety assessment frameworks remain, highlighting the need for continued scientific innovation and international regulatory collaboration.
Ion-Pairing With Glycine Enhances Solubility, Dissolution, and Pharmacokinetics of Amlodipine Besylate: Physicochemical Characterization and In Vivo Evaluation Smita Kumbhar, Prathamesh Kendale, Ravindra Jarag, Manish Bhatia Chemistryselect, 2026 Poor aqueous solubility and variable oral bioavailability limit the therapeutic performance of amlodipine besylate. This study aimed to enhance its physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties via ion‐pairing with glycine and evaluate its effects on solubility, dissolution, and in vivo performance. The ion‐pair complex was prepared by solvent evaporation under alkaline conditions. Characterization was performed using melting point, FTIR, and DSC analyses. Solubility was assessed at pH 1.2 and 7.4. Partition coefficient (log P ) was determined using an n ‐octanol/water system. Comparative dissolution studies were conducted, and pharmacokinetics were evaluated in Wistar rats. Acute toxicity was assessed as per OECD guideline 423. The complex showed significantly enhanced solubility (1.9‐fold at pH 1.2 and 3.1‐fold at pH 7.4; p < 0.05). DSC and FTIR confirmed molecular interaction and reduced crystallinity. Dissolution improved, with ∼1.7‐fold faster early release. A slight decrease in log P indicated increased hydrophilicity without compromising permeability. C max and AUC increased, while T max remained unchanged (p > 0.05). LD50 increased, indicating improved safety. Ion‐pairing with glycine improves solubility, dissolution, and bioavailability of amlodipine besylate without compromising permeability or safety, offering a simple and scalable strategy for poorly soluble drugs.
Wound healing Potential of Fucoidan Extracted Microwavically from Sargassum wightii Possibly Mediated by Collagen-1 Expression in Vero Cell Line Smita Kumbhar, Shubhangi Birajdar, Manish Bhatia Jordan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2025 Background: Fucoidan, a natural macromolecule extracted from Sargassum wightii, has shown promise in various therapeutic areas, including anti-tumor, antioxidant, antithrombotic, and wound healing applications. This study explores the wound healing potential of fucoidan derived from Sargassum wightii collected from the Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu, India. Aims and Objectives: This research aims to assess the effectiveness of fucoidan extracted via microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) in promoting wound healing in Vero cells, a line of African green monkey kidney cells. The study also investigates the impact of fucoidan on collagen-1 expression, a critical protein involved in the wound healing process. Materials and Methods: Fucoidan was extracted using MAE, and its cytotoxicity was evaluated using the Sulforhodamine B (SRB) Assay. The wound healing efficacy was tested through a scratch assay, measuring the closure of wounds over 24 and 48 hours. Results: The SRB Assay demonstrated that fucoidan did not exhibit cytotoxicity to Vero cells, with an IC50 value of 61.30 µM. The scratch assay revealed wound closure of 46.15% at 24 hours and 76.9% at 48 hours, compared to 50% and 81.25% in the control group. Fucoidan treatment significantly increased collagen-1 expression, with 77.92% of cells showing elevated levels of this crucial protein. Conclusions: This study confirms the in-vitro wound healing capabilities of fucoidan extracted from Sargassum wightii. These findings support the potential of fucoidan as a natural agent for wound healing and restoration.
Visible spectrophotometric method for estimation of bisoprolol from its bulk and tablet formulation Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research, 2013
Design and evaluation of floating tablets of diltiazem hydrochloride International Journal of Pharma and Bio Sciences, 2012
Development and validation of derivative spectrophotometric method for estimation of atorvastatin calcium and amlodipine besylate in tablet dosage form International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2011