OTHERS_CITABLE Phytonanotechnology, the marriage of plant biology and nanotechnology, is a rapidly expanding research domain with exceptional potential to revolutionize numerous industries and address critical global challenges. Harnessing the applications of phytonanoparticles has broad-ranging impacts and solutions to some of the most pressing issues the human race is facing today. Phytonanoparticles or plant-based nanoparticles are employed in diverse fields, from healthcare to agriculture and environmental remediation. The development of phytonanoparticles highlights the potential of bio-inspired solutions for sustainable development. For example, phytonanoparticles can be engineered to encapsulate therapeutic agents, rendering them more stable and bioavailable. From cancer therapy to wound healing, they are set to usher in personalized medicine and improve patient outcomes. Nanoparticles derived from plant sources possess low cytotoxicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, rendering them suitable for medical and pharmaceutical applications. They hold promises to develop innovative therapies and clinical treatments that address some of the most dreaded disorders. In this editorial, we shed light on the game-changing potential of phytonanotechnology and its implications for sustainable development. http://pbr.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-631-en.pdf 2024-03-18 83 88 10.32598/PBR.10.2.369.2 Phytonanotechnology Plant extracts Healthcare Low cytotoxicity Seyedeh Roya Alizadeh r.alizadeh.2019@gmail.com 1 Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7435-4635 Mohammad Ali Ebrahimzadeh Zadeh20@gmail.com 2 Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8769-9912

REVIEW_ARTICLE Background and Objectives: Humanity’s gravest issue is environmental pollution, the main source of illness and death in humans and animals. The rapid exploitation of natural resources, urban effluents, and growing industrial waste result from the industrial and technological revolution, resulting in pollution. In the last few decades, the conventional technologies and processes used to remove the contaminants have typically been ineffective, expensive and harmful to the environment.  Methods: The study’s available resources were compiled from internationally recognized scientific databases.  Results: The use of phytoremediation for sustainable recovery of areas contaminated with toxic heavy metals has gained higher status since the discovery of hyper-accumulator plants. Numerous species of aquatic plants are effective in removing organic and inorganic pollutants. However, choosing plant species is of primary importance for successful phytoremediation. Other novel approaches, like different bio-absorbents and their modified versions, such as nano-composites and carbonaceous materials, might also be helpful for the sequestration of heavy metals in soil. Conclusion: The microbiological adsorbents and modified agriculture biomass composites effectively render heavy metals inert in soil and water with greater performance, stability, and reusability. The modified composites encapsulated bio-absorbents for cleaning up contaminated water and soil can be a better alternative and must be explored for future use. http://pbr.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-582-en.pdf 2024-03-18 89 102 10.32598/PBR.10.2.92.5 Phytoremediation Heavy metals Reclamation Environmental contamination Pawan Kumar Verma drpawankv@yahoo.co.in 1 Division of Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, SKUAST-Jammu, Jammu, India. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2293-6198 Priyanka Sharma ps666172@gmail.com 2 Division of Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, SKUAST-Jammu, Jammu, India. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7256-6404 Bhawani Singh bhawanisinghbika7773@gmail.com 3 Division of Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, SKUAST-Jammu, Jammu, India. AUTHOR Nrip K Pankaj nkp7@ymail.com 4 Division of Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, SKUAST-Jammu, Jammu, India. AUTHOR Rajinder Raina drrajinderraina@gmail.com 5 Division of Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, SKUAST-Jammu, Jammu, India. AUTHOR

ORIGINAL_ARTICLE Background: Studies indicate that phytoestrogens and phytosterols have adverse effects on the male reproductive system. To our knowledge, the effects of Tanacetum parthenium on testicular tissue, spermatozoa chromatin integrity and free radical damage have not yet been investigated.  Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of T. parthenium administration on sperm parameters, testis histology, sperm DNA integrity and oxidative damage in adult male mice.  Methods: Eighteen adult male mice (2-3 months old) were randomly divided into 3 groups: control, TP1 and TP2. TP1 and TP2 groups were separately gavaged with 50 and 100 mg/kg T. parthenium. After harvesting the epididymis, sperm analysis was performed according to the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). The testicular tissue also passaged through the tissue routine process after being placed in a formalin fixative solution. To check the quality of sperm chromatin, a sperm smear was prepared and then stained with acridine orange dye and was examined with a fluorescent microscope. Biochemical parameters, including malondialdehyde (MDA), thiol, catalase enzyme, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were measured in testicular tissue. Finally, data were analyzed by the analysis of variance in SPSS software, version 16.  Results: A significant reduction was seen in sperm count and sperm morphology percentage and the germinal epithelium thickness in the TP1 and TP2 groups versus the control group. The spermatozoa with DNA damage in percentage were higher in the TP1 group (21.22±3.70) and TP2 group (42.60±3.73) compared to the control group (2.40±4.3). There were remarkable differences between the three groups in MDA (P≤0.001) and thiol (P≤0.001) levels. Catalase level (P≤0.001) was lower in the TP1 and TP2 groups than in the control group.  Conclusion: The results of this study showed that T. parthenium caused a significant decrease in sperm chromatin quality, MDA level and germinal epithelium thickness at both doses. A reduction was found in the antioxidant enzyme level in the mice administrated with 50 and 100 mg/kg of T. parthenium. http://pbr.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-545-en.pdf 2024-03-18 103 112 10.32598/PBR.10.2.562.4 Spermatozoa Testis Mice Tanacetum parthenium Chromatin Oxidative stress Shabnam Mohammadi mohammadish@mums.ac.ir 1 Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2352-286X Farimah Beheshti beheshtif1@thums.ac.ir 2 Neuroscience Research Center, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1524-2339 Abbas Mohammadipour mohammadiPA@mums.ac.ir 3 Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9244-1193

ORIGINAL_ARTICLE Background: For centuries, there has been a growing fascination with the application of herbs for fungicidal purposes worldwide. This surge in interest could be attributed to the cost-effectiveness and lower toxicities of these herbal remedies compared to the counterpart antifungal drugs. There is substantial scope to explore the curative effects of various plant components, including roots, stems, leaves and fruits of Calotropis procera, renowned for its pharmacological activities, encompassing anticancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant. Objectives: In the present study, the antimycotic potential of the leaf and root extracts of C. procera on the growth of Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus stolonifer was investigated. Methods: The antimycotic potential of C. procera was established via the agar well diffusion method after initial preliminary phytochemical screening of the extracts. Results: Alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins and terpenoids were present, while glycosides and phenolics were tested negative. The leaf extract inhibited the tested organisms in a concentration-dependent manner where at 100% concentration, both A. niger and R. stolonifer showed high mycelia inhibition of 81.1% and 79.4%, respectively. Also, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values of 31.0% and 48.0% were recorded for A. niger, as well as 28.3% and 45.7% were recorded for R. stolonifer. The aqueous root extract exhibited mycelia inhibition of 74.4% and 77.8% against A. niger and R. stolonifer at 100% concentration with respectively MIC and MFC values of 32.7% and 50.3% for A. niger and 30.3% and 52.0% for R. stolonifer.  Conclusion: The study provides promising evidence of potential medicinal properties associated with C. procera, supporting its potential therapeutic applications in traditional medicine. http://pbr.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-568-en.pdf 2024-03-18 113 120 10.32598/PBR.10.2.1147.2 Aspergillus niger Calotropis procera Fungicides Phytotherapy Rhizopus stolonifer Abdulazeez Mumsiri Abaka Abdulazizelnino22@gmail.com 1 Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Adamawa State Polytechnic Yola, Yola, Nigeria. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6160-7426 Mubarak Muhammad Dahiru mubaraq93@gmail.com 2 Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola, Nigeria AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1252-3699 Ibrahim Ya'u Ibrahimyau@gmail.com 3 Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Adamawa State Polytechnic Yola, Yola, Nigeria. AUTHOR Saminu Hamman Barau hammansaminu@gmail.com 4 Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola, Nigeria AUTHOR Aishatu Haruna 5 Department of Crop Protection, Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Nigeria AUTHOR Zainab Abubakar 6 Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Adamawa State Polytechnic Yola, Yola, Nigeria. AUTHOR

ORIGINAL_ARTICLE Background: Limited diabetes drug availability and frequent adverse reactions to oral medications highlight the need for improved drug delivery. Objectives: This study suggests optimizing drug efficiency through process modifications, focusing on anti-diabetic medications like metformin hydrochloride. Matrix-type formulations are utilized to overcome current drug targeting and dosage management limitations. Methods: This study aims to improve anti-diabetic drugs, focusing on metformin hydrochloride, via process modifications in drug delivery. We developed a sustainable drug release process with matrix-type formulations, comparing hydroxyl propyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and guar gum as rate-controlling polymers. The optimized formulation was then compared with Glyciphage SR 500 to identify similarities and differences in drug release profiles. Results: We utilized matrix-type formulations to administer metformin hydrochloride. It develops a sustainable drug release process with HPMC and guar gum as rate-controlling polymers. Next, we conducted comparative drug release studies, systematically optimized the formulation, and compared it to Glyciphage SR 500 using appropriate analytical methods.  Comparative dissolution data, including a high similarity factor (f2) of 75.33 with Glyciphage SR 500, emphasizes the promising resemblance between metformin hydrochloride tablet (MT5) and the market sample, warranting further stability studies for potential upscaling. Conclusion: The study's novelty lies in successfully formulating sustained-release MT5 using HPMC K100M and guar gum via wet granulation, demonstrating a potential reduction in dosing frequency and adverse effects. MT5's optimal physical and chemical parameters and sustained drug release exceeded 99% at 12 hours. http://pbr.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-590-en.pdf 2024-03-18 121 134 10.32598/PBR.10.2.1247.1 In vitro techniques Metformin Polymers Sustained release formulation Tablets Amlan Bishal bishalamlan31@gmail.com 1 Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Bharat Technology, Howrah, India. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9465-152X Biplab DEbnath biplab.d86@gmail.com 2 Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Bharat Technology, Howrah, India. AUTHOR Bikash Gayen bikashgayen3@gmail.com 3 Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Bharat Technology, Howrah, India. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6980-4455 Bratati Bandyopadhyay bratatibanerjee92@gmail.com 4 Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Bharat Technology, Howrah, India. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4592-8625 Surjendu Payra surjendupayra453@gmail.com 5 Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Bharat Technology, Howrah, India. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4629-0306 Rishav Maji majirishav2001@gmail.com 6 Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Bharat Technology, Howrah, India. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2391-9975 Kazi Asraf Ali asraf03@gmail.com 7 Division of Pharmaceutics, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, Kolkata, India. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1753-7504

ORIGINAL_ARTICLE Background: Lantana camara is used traditionally against liver ailments, but scientific evidence for its hepatoprotective effects is limited.  Objectives: This study evaluates the hepatoprotective effect of methanolic leaf extract of L. camara against acetaminophen-(APAP) induced hepatotoxicity in a rat model.  Methods: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenolics (5.03%), alkaloids (4.30%), saponins (6.14%), tannins (3.81%) and flavonoids (3.54%) in the extract. Methanolic leaf extract of L. camara was administered orally to rats at 100, 300 and 500 mg/kg doses for 5 days before APAP challenge at 750 mg/kg. Serum liver enzymes, proteins, bilirubin and histopathology were assessed to determine the extent of liver injury and protection.  Results: APAP administration caused significant (P<0.05) elevation of serum aspartate transaminase (AST) (89.57±6.90 U/L), alanine transaminase (ALT) (35.61±0.81 U/L), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (124.90±1.94 U/L), and bilirubin levels along with a reduction of total protein (57.77±0.73 g/L) and albumin levels (25.21±1.08 g/L). It also induced severe hepatocellular necrosis and inflammation. Pretreatment with 300 mg/kg extract dose conferred optimal protection by normalizing enzyme activities (AST: 58.61±2.88 U/L, ALT: 23.57±1.71 U/L, ALP: 92.99±9.87 U/L) and liver function biomarkers (total protein: 80.42±1.72 g/L, albumin: 27.79±1.91 g/L). It also preserved near-normal liver tissue architecture with minimal necrosis, indicating its antioxidant and membrane-stabilizing properties. Conclusion: The findings validate the ethnomedicinal use of L. camara and indicate its potential for development as an affordable therapy for APAP overdose liver damage. http://pbr.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-596-en.pdf 2024-03-18 135 146 10.32598/PBR.10.2.1253.1 Lantana camara Acetaminophen Antioxidants Phytochemicals Acute liver injury Hyelda Stephen mscbch200435@student.mau.edu.ng 1 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Nigeria. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6844-3872 Balaraba Bello jaafariyya@mau.edu.ng 2 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Nigeria. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7549-7678

ORIGINAL_ARTICLE Background: Celosia leptostachya is classified under the Amaranthaceae family. C. leptostachya possesses numerous medicinal uses. Traditional medicine practitioners exploit C. leptostachya mainly on curing illnesses such as boils, fever, snake bites, scorpion stings, eye infections, wounds and pain and most notably, epilepsy. Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the anticonvulsant properties of the ethyl acetate (EAF) and n-hexane fractions (NHF) of C. leptostachya leaf extract in mice and determine the most active extract between EAF and NHF. Methods: The acute toxicity was carried out to determine lethal dose (LD50) using Lorke’s method. Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), brucine and maximal electroshock (MES) were used to induce seizures in mice. We used Swinyard’s method of using an animal model of epilepsy. Thirty mice of both genders weighing 20-25 g were divided into five groups. Groups 1 and 5 are negative and positive controls, respectively. Groups 2, 3 and 4 were pre-treated with C. leptostachya extracts (100, 150 and 200 mg). Then, 30 minutes later, PTZ (90 mg/kg body weight) was administered. This method was repeated with brucine (110 mg/kg body weight). Regarding MES, after 30 minutes of administration of C. leptostachya leaf extract, an alternating current of 50 Hz and 35 mA was delivered to the animals in each group through ear-electrodes for 0.2 s. Results: Regarding MES, EAF (150 and 200 mg/kg) protected the animals against seizure, while NHF (150 and 200 mg/kg) could not prevent seizures. However, EAF and NHF (150 and 200 mg/kg) significantly decreased mean recovery time (P<0.05). In brucine-induced seizures, EAF (150 and 200 mg/kg) protected the mice against death and significantly (P<0.05) decreased mean recovery time. For PTZ-induced seizures, 200 mg/kg of EAF offered 100% protection against the mortality of mice and significantly reduced mean onset and recovering time (P<0.05).  Conclusion: Based on the results, C. leptostachya has anticonvulsant properties and EAF extract has the highest potency. http://pbr.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-588-en.pdf 2024-03-18 147 156 10.32598/PBR.10.2.1261.1 Celosia leptostachya Epilepsy Anticonvulsant Antiepileptic Eugene O Ohanme eugene.ohanme@funai.edu.ng 1 Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Abakaliki, Nigeria. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9054-3812 Benjamin N Nwakelu eugeneohams@gmail.com 2 Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Abakaliki, Nigeria. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7456-2725 Ekene E Nwoke ohamseugene@gmail.com 3 Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Rivers State University, Port-Harcourt, Nigeria. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5784-0252 Uzochukwu Ofonakara hamextwc@gmail.com 4 Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Abakaliki, Nigeria. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2030-4397 Kenneth E Etu schimestic@yahoo.ca 5 Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Abakaliki, Nigeria. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0047-6490 Angelinah J Oborolo ruthohams@gmail.com 6 Department of Nursing Services, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7161-7505 Mansur A Ramalan ohamslestic@yahoo.com 7 Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5358-6514 Godwin C Akuodor emekaemmaohams@gmail.com 8 Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4219-0258 Kingsley C Chilaka prospectglocollege@gmail.com 9 Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7709-3805

ORIGINAL_ARTICLE Background: Psoriasis is a chronic, untreatable and disabling disease.  Objectives: In this research, we investigated the pharmacological properties of Euphorbia milii petroleum ether and ethyl acetate in a psoriasis mouse model.  Methods: Thirty-one albino mice were used in this study. They were divided into five groups: group I, healthy animals; group II, inducer group with imiquimod 12.5 mg (5% cream); and groups III, IV and V were imiquimod-induced and then treated with clobetasol 0.05% in group III, E. milii petroleum ether fraction in group IV and E. milii ethyl acetate fraction in group V. Immunohistochemistry for interleukin-17 (IL-17), vascular endothelial growth factor and transforming growth factor-beta, as well as histopathology were done on the mice skin. Results: E. milii petroleum ether group showed a significant decrease in skin immunohistochemistry of IL-17, transforming growth factor-beta, and other histopathology parameters, while ethyl acetate fraction showed a significant reduction in vascular endothelial growth factor and other histopathology parameters Conclusion: E. milii petroleum ether and ethyl acetate fractions may have a role in psoriasis treatment in a mice model. http://pbr.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-614-en.pdf 2024-03-18 157 166 10.32598/PBR.10.2.1295.1 Euphorbia milii Interleukin-17 (IL-17) Imiquimod Psoriasis Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) Mohammed Fareed Hameed dr.mohammed.fared@nahrainuniv.edu.iq 1 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9305-9906 Ayah F. Al-Qrimli ayah.hrhr@yahoo.com 2 Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq. AUTHOR https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2631-2318